Everyone knows that Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree has a trademark on the holiday season, but this week we’re ferreting out spruces and firs that might be even better.

We’ve traveled to major cities around this globe this week in search of the biggest and best Christmas trees, but we return to the US for a triumvirate of tall trees. Where better to celebrate the holiday season than the land of excess--Los Angeles. Of course, shopping is a major draw in SoCal, so it’s no surprise that the area’s malls have a little competition going on.]]> kjb 2008-12-12T14:30:29-05:00 34.0729430 -118.35645 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/12/11/74842/445

Everyone knows that Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree has a trademark on the holiday season, but this week we’re ferreting out spruces and firs that might be even better.

Japan is a country that goes all out when it comes to celebrations, and the Christmas season is no exception. This year, Tokyo is the country’s seasonal ambassador, as there's a lot of holiday cheer all over the place.

The Tokyo Tower is celebrating its 50th birthday and as a result it will be showered in over 100,000 lights. Of course there’s a tree too--and it's a good one--reaching almost 40 feet into the sky and sporting 30,000 lights and ornaments.

If the weather outside turns frightful, head inside to the Marunouchi Building. It’s easy to find: Follow 850,000 LED lights down Marunouchi Nakadori Street. Once inside the building you’ll be greeted with a 25-foot tree that's decorated from head to toe. But there's another draw, too: Some of Santa’s more attractive elves will be on hand to take your picture to prove to your friends that Japan really does do Christmas right.

Related Stories:
· Where to View Christmas Lights in and around Tokyo [Japan Times]
· Christmas coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: w00kie]]]> kjb 2008-12-11T11:30:28-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/12/10/74724/816

Everyone knows that Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree has a trademark on the holiday season, but this week we’re ferreting out spruces and firs that might be even better.

If you’re looking to spend your Christmas somewhere a little warmer this year, there’s always Australia. The city of Sydney is dressed up in elaborate holiday projections with everything from giant presents to a gingerbread house on the side of Town Hall.]]> kjb 2008-12-10T13:20:27-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/12/9/73514/1296

Everyone knows that Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree has a trademark on the holiday season, but this week we’re ferreting out spruces and firs that might be even better.

Yesterday we were driving around Long Island looking for big Christmas trees, and today we’re off to another island--although this time we’ll be driving on the other side of the road.

London officially kicked off their holiday season recently as they illuminated their Trafalgar Square Christmas tree for the 61st time. It’s a tradition that started following World War II, and each year they decorate a tree sent over from Norway--a gift from the country to thank England for their assistance in the war.

This year’s tree is more than 100 feet tall and is said to be about 90 years old. It was welcomed by carolers signing classic tunes as well a few snazzy ditties by a Norwegian gospel choir. However, if you’re looking for thousands of lights, this is not going to be your favorite tree: It's decorated with only 500 bulbs running vertically from the tree’s top. Like it or not, that's the traditional Norwegian way to do things.

The tree will be lit every afternoon and will remain that way until midnight. From now until the big day, plan for seasonal performances in the square each evening to further the holiday spirit. After January 5 the tree will be taken down and will be mulched--circle of life, right?

Related Stories:
·Trafalgar Square [Official Site]
·Christmas Comes to Trafalgar Square [London Informer]
·Christmas coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Vibin]]]> kjb 2008-12-09T12:45:27-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/12/8/73938/7108

Everyone knows that Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree has a trademark on the holiday season, but this week we’re ferreting out spruces and firs that might be even better.

You don’t have to go too far outside New York City to see our first contender. In fact, it’s right on Long Island. The folks at the RexCorp Plaza in Uniondale have been setting up a pretty big tree for years, and their 2008 offering is 80 feet tall and offers up 50,000 lights to celebrate the season--and this year it’s their first time using LEDs.

Each year, the “tree officials” look for a specimen that was going to be cut down anyway. The 2008 tree was starting to get a little too close to someone’s house before it was removed and transported to its holiday hangout. It traveled almost the entire length of New York from it’s home in Caanan, right on the state’s border with Canada.

Things became official this weekend with a lighting ceremony, which brought Ashanti and Push Play into town to help out. Unfortunately, after the holiday season is over, it’s going to spend its life as bag of mulch at your local home improvement store. So see it soon!

Related Stories:
· A Christmas Tree That Manhattan’s Can Look Up To [NYT]
· RexCorp: Tree Lighting [Official Site]
· Christmas coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo of the 2007 tree's reflection: Klingon65]]]> kjb 2008-12-08T16:30:27-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/