For the 19th consecutive year, Outlets at Anthem will be home to Arizona’s tallest fresh-cut Christmas tree. The white fir measures 70-feet tall, 20-feet wide and will weigh close to 4 tons when completely decorated.
“2020 has been a tough year, but maintaining some semblance of tradition is very important to our patrons and the community – especially during the holiday season,” said JoAnn Truax, Regional Asset Manager, Outlets at Anthem. “Hosting the tallest Christmas tree in Arizona, even during a pandemic, shows we’re not giving up or giving in. Celebrations may look a little different this year as we define our ‘new normal,’ but we didn’t want to disappoint the thousands of people who make visiting the Outlets at Anthem’s tallest Christmas tree part of their family’s traditions each year.”
Outlets at Anthem’s magnificent tree will be transported from the California/Oregon border on a 40-foot flatbed truck. It will then be hoisted into place with an industrial crane. A 10-person team will spend two weeks – and more than 120 hours – using mobile cranes to shape and decorate the tree. The tree will be topped with a three-foot tall copper star, which is a nod to the state’s official metal. More than 1.5 miles of LED lights, approximately 10,000 bulbs, will illuminate the tree and roughly 5,000 ornaments and bows will finish off the breathtaking spectacle.
To assure the tree is kept fresh all season long, it is housed in a custom-made seven-foot deep well and sprayed with nearly 120 gallons of fire retardant. Six industrial guy wires hold the tall tree in place and stabilize it during windy weather.
“We are fortunate to have an open-air shopping experience at the Outlets at Anthem that lends itself to easier social distancing,” Truax added. “We have added hand sanitizing stations throughout the center food court. We are following all CDC recommendations for public safety and frequent cleaning of high-touch areas to ensure our patrons can enjoy a safe and enjoyable shopping experience throughout the holiday season.”
Additional holiday events at the Outlets at Anthem include:*
- Moonlight Madness Shopping Event – Starting at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving evening and running 24 consecutive hours. Shoppers will have access to the deepest discounts of the year.
- Salvation Army Angel Tree – Nov. 19–Dec. 23
- Santa’s Cottage – Opens Nov. 20 4–8 p.m. and then through Dec. 24 from 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
- Santa Paws – photos of your beloved pet with Santa Dec. 7 and 8, from 5–7 p.m.
- Breakfast with Santa – Scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5, from 8:30–10 a.m. Tickets are $5 and include a delicious breakfast and fun with the jolly man himself.
*All events and experiences may be adjusted for the safety of our customers and staff during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
