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“O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, we all learn from your beauty,” penned Ernst Anschütz in 1824. Origins of the Christmas tree dates back to the symbolic use of evergreens in ancient Egypt and Rome and continued with the German tradition of candlelit Christmas trees, which were brought by the German settlers to Pennsylvania during the 1830s. Immigrants in Texas were decorating trees with moss, cotton, pecans, red pepper swags and popcorn. A few years later, Christmas ornaments arrived in the country and Americans were decorating their trees along with apples, nuts, popcorn and eventually electric lights.
Gigantic Christmas trees appeared in the late 19th century. The first “National Christmas Tree,” a 60-foot-tall balsam fir tree covered in 2,500 light bulbs, was erected at the White House to help usher in the electricity age.
As Rockefeller Center in New York City was being built in 1931, organizers thought it would be a perfect time to display a tree during the Great Depression. Many of the unemployed were finding construction work and the tree became a “symbol of hope.”
The City of Beaumont will jumpstart the holiday season and invites the entire community of Southeast Texas on Wednesday, Nov. 29, at the Downtown Event Centre Lake (700 Crockett St.). with the largest Christmas tree lighting in town.
Now in its sixth year, this free holiday event begins at 5:30 p.m. and features a captivating display of lights, music and community spirit. With food trucks, fireworks, holiday movies and festive activities, it’s a time when residents of Beaumont come together to spread joy and happiness, creating cherished memories and sets the tone for a joyful holiday season.
Enjoy live holiday tunes from NuSoul and Blacque Koffee along with family fun including festive characters, holiday movies “Merry Madagascar” and “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to picnic during the movies. Festivities conclude at 7:30 p.m.
“We’ve curated an evening filled with music, wintry festivities, and, of course, the magical illumination of our Christmas tree,” said Emily Wheeler, director of event service for the City of Beaumont. “It’s our way of spreading the spirit of the season and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
“Our goal is to cultivate a sense of community and holiday spirit that resonates with everyone who joins us for this special celebration. With fireworks, snow, and visitors from the North Pole, the evening is sure to be a special time for everyone.”
A holiday themed version of Classic Movie Nights at the Jefferson Theatre begins Dec. 1 with “Home Alone,” followed by “The Santa Clause” on Dec. 8, “The Preacher’s Wife” on Dec. 14, “Elf” on Dec. 15, “The Polar Express,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” and “Die Hard” on Dec. 16, and a “White Christmas” sing-a-long on Dec. 17.
The Symphony of Southeast Texas will perform “Home for the Holidays” on Sunday, Dec. 3, at the Julie Rogers Theatre at 3 p.m. with special guests, The Texas Tenors. From seasonal favorites like “O Holy Night” and “Joy to the World” to crowd pleasers like The Righteous Brothers’ “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’,” JC Fisher, Marcus Collins and John Hagen bring a unique blend of music to the stage with thrilling harmonies and award-winning arrangements. Tickets are $15-$50 and can be purchased online at sost.org.
For more information, view beaumonteventstx.com.