IN A sure sign that it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas, half a kilometre of lights were being installed around the pine tree in Raymond Terrace on Thursday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Norfolk Island pine tree on the grounds of The Old Rectory in Jacaranda Street is proclaimed as the southern hemisphere's biggest Christmas tree.
The installation of the lights on Thursday, November 26 continues a well-worn annual tradition that began in 1961 said Jason Linnane from Port Stephens Council.
"The lights on the Norfolk Island pine have become an important symbol of the festive season not only in Raymond Terrace, but in surrounding areas where the lights are visible," he said.
"When the lights are on, they can be seen from several directions many kilometres away – even as far as the top of the Stockton Bridge.
"It's a wonderful tradition that council is delighted to continue."
Dwayne Hopper, a tree lopper and owner of Hopper the Tree Lopper, scaled the 43 metre tall tree on Thursday.
Eight ropes of lights, stretching half a kilometre in total, were to be fed up the tree to Mr Hopper by electricians at the base of the tree.
Lights will also be installed on the Norfolk Island pine tree in Apex Park, Nelson Bay on Wednesday, December 2.
Both trees will be lit on up Friday, December 4.
For a list of Port Stephens Christmas events, starting with the Raymond Terrace and Medowie carols on December 4, read Carolling fine weather.