Not to name names, but some some people who claim to have the “tallest living lighted Christmas tree in the world” are coming forward with a tree that is only 162 feet tall.

Laughable, man!

Eureka’s tallest living Christmas tree in the world — which appears to actually be the actual tallest one in the world — is a full 174 FEET and 9 INCHES tall, and it is projected to get taller still in the very near future. 

That is a full 12 feet (and nine inches) taller.

And as of yesterday, that tree is lighted. And you are welcome to come marvel at it for a very reasonable fee.

Press release from the Sequoia Park Zoo:

The City of Eureka’s Sequoia Park Zoo kicked off the holiday season last night with a tree lighting like none other in the world. Led by Eureka City Manager, Miles Slattery, and attended by generous members of the Eureka Lodging Alliance and select guests, Sequoia Park Zoo illuminated its namesake tree (Sequoia sempervirens) for the upcoming Zoo Lights celebration.

Standing at 174 feet 9 inches tall, this iconic California coast redwood is believed to be the tallest living Christmas tree on the planet.

“We haven’t found a living, decorated tree anywhere that’s officially taller,” says Jim Campbell-Spickler, Sequoia Park Zoo Director. “And the beautiful thing about this redwood is that it is primed to keep growing. It could easily add between one and three feet annually, so I’ll just need to add more lights and adjust the star as it keeps getting bigger.”

Campbell-Spickler and two additional rope-access professionals spent days rigging, climbing, and decorating the tree with over 1,300 feet of lights. When a powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake rocked Humboldt on the morning of December 5, 2024, Campbell-Spickler was at the top of the redwood installing the star.

“It was intense,” he says of the quake. “To be honest though, wind and rain are worse. Outside of the earthquake, weather delays definitely challenged our process, but I am so proud of what we accomplished with this incredible tree.”

The decorated redwood tree is located within Sequoia Park Zoo and is visible from Sequoia Park, W Street, and many of the adjacent neighborhoods during Zoo Lights extended hours. Presented by Eureka Lodging Alliance, Sequoia Park Zoo is excited to bring Zoo Lights back for another year of holiday magic, and we look forward to celebrating the season with our community!

Zoo Lights presented by Eureka Lodging Alliance opens on Saturday, December 14, 2024 and runs select nights through January 5, 2025. Tickets may be purchased at the Zoo ticket booth in advance or on the night of the event. Please note that adverse weather may require closure at any time. Visit redwoodzoo.org for event details and updates.

What: Zoo Lights presented by Eureka Lodging Alliance

When: Select nights December 14, 2024 - January 5, 2025 5:00p-8:00p, last entry at 7:30p

Where: Sequoia Park Zoo. 3414 W Street, Eureka, CA 95503

Cost: $5 per person ($4 EBT/BIC/WIC/Zoo members)

ABOUT SEQUOIA PARK ZOO

Founded in 1907, Sequoia Park Zoo is the oldest zoo in California and is home of the award-winning Redwood Sky Walk. Owned and operated by the City of Eureka and proudly accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), Sequoia Park Zoo is committed to the highest standards of animal care, conservation, and education. Sequoia Park Zoo cares for over 150 individual animals representing more than 50 diverse species. Sequoia Park Zoo inspires conservation of the natural world by instilling wonder, respect, and passion for wildlife and wild places. Visit redwoodzoo.org and redwoodskywalk.com for more information.