Trees light up Cathedral

More than 50 Christmas trees are on display at the Nelson Cathedral as part of the 2024 Christmas Tree Festival.

Since 2008, the festival has been an opportunity for community organisations, schools, rest homes and companies to create a one-of-a-kind Christmas tree and put them on display for the public to view and vote for throughout the festive season.

According to festival organising committee member Judith Fitchett, there are 53 trees in this year’s display, which opened to the public last Wednesday.

She says it has been a busy opening week with lots of people coming through to see the trees already.

“It’s also been great to see how many international visitors are coming to town and enjoying the festival.”

Amongst the creations is a tree from the Medical and Injury Centre made entirely of hospital supplies with crutches as the tree, face mask angels and syringe decorations.

The Nelson Cake Decorators have adorned their tree with poinsettias made of icing, while other trees feature golf clubs, teddy bears and books.

The Cancer Society Nelson Tasman also impresses with a kinetic tree this year.

There are also memory trees in the Cathedral and people can write a message to a loved one on the tags provided. Last year, 3000 tags were hung on these trees.

The Cathedral is open daily from 8.30am to 7pm. During December there will be free lunchtime concerts as well as late-night Fridays on 13 and 20 December until 9.30pm. The festival will switch off on 12 January.