The 8th Annual DTLA Home for the Holidays is here! And with it comes the crowning of The Great Tree.
Deck the Halls!
In the spirit of giving, any corporate elf set with the task of decorating a Christmas tree for Downtown can participate.
Past participants (willing or not) include Pershing Square, TheBloc, Fig and 7th and Omni Hotel.
Mrs. Claus with children under Christmas Tree at Grand Central Market – photo by Keri Freeman
Each year, the downtown LA community is encouraged to tag their favorite holiday trees on social media @dtlaweekly to make sure our local newspaper gets a chance to amplify their creativity, originality, and holiday cheer.
Follow Downtown LA Weekly’s Instagram @dtlaweekly to vote. Likes, comments, views, and shares all contribute to a tree’s total score, but reach will not automatically make the tree a winner. Although social media presence is key….
There are rules to the game.
Trees that lack originality or only use one type of ornament will be …DISQUALIFIED.
Trees without a star or topping ornament will be …DISQUALIFIED.
Trees who’s elves have been naughty to DT Weekly all year round will be …DISQUALIFIED.
Downtown Weekly don’t play.
But…Adding interactive aspects that engage the audience, or moving elements, sound, or touch-sensitive components, can earn a tree extra points.
Giant props, holiday-themed characters, and gift-wrapped presents can also earn a tree extra points.
Interactive Xmas at Fig & 7th – photo by Keri Freeman
Most importantly, whether it’s a vintage-inspired, of minimalist design, electric steel, or something entirely unexpected, originality is key.
The Great Tree Finale
Wait for it… wait for it. Trees are also given individual recognition for best star, best lights, and best snow, among other categories. The Great Tree will undoubtedly be a strong candidate in every category.
The Great Tree and the sub-categories will be announced on Christmas Day 2024. The Great Tree will reign until Dec 2025, unless it wins again as did LA Kings Holiday Ice Rink at LA Live did back in 2016-17, until Union Station Garden Wonderland of took the crown in 2018.
Sub-category winners of the past include Park Fifth, Hope and Faith and the Spring Arcade (shown in featured photo).
