A tote full of silver bulbs sits on the ground, waiting to add a festive shine to Tyler’s 30-foot Christmas tree. (Katecey Harrell/ Tyler Morning Telegraph)

A crisp winter chill hung in the air Tuesday morning as a quiet hydraulic hum settled over the downtown square. The Tyler Parks and Recreation crew spent the day perfecting the lights, fluffing each branch and carefully placing ornaments on the City of Tyler’s 30-foot Christmas tree.

“The tree is up and looks beautiful. It’s been great hearing the community feedback and I’m looking forward to seeing all the smiles it will bring,” Mayor Don Warren said.

For 11 months out of the year, the tree’s branches and steel frame sit in storage. Now, for the second year in a row, the artificial tree is back to welcome the holiday season — outshining a real tree in cost, labor and maintenance.

It takes a team from the city’s downtown parks crew to make it all come together.

With the bucket trucks whirring as they lift and lower its extendable arms, two crew members work together to reach the top. The rest of the team is on the ground, decorating as high as they can and passing ornaments up.

It’s definitely a group effort, almost like a relay system, said Kandice Johnson, recreation manager of the parks department.

“Having an artificial tree, I know a lot of people were skeptical about it last year, but it’s beautiful. It’s also more sustainable,” Johnson said. “When you come down to the labor and the time it takes, this year was a lot easier.”

It’s the same 30-foot tree as last year, but with a few hundred more ornaments. This year, silver and gold bulbs are complemented by a pop of red. They decided to add a touch of color, while still maintaining a traditional look.

The plan is to stick with this classic style, as it works well for photos and is sure to please everyone, Johnson said. The tree holds special meaning for many, and for some, it’s the only opportunity they have to take family Christmas pictures. Whatever the city can do to help create those memories for the community, they’re happy to do.

“Once that tree gets lit, and it’s all decorated, I think it puts everybody in the Christmas spirit,” Johnson said. “Seeing the square lit up and this beautiful tree reminds everybody what really matters — the Christmas spirit, the giving spirit and being with your loved ones.”

Residents are invited to join city officials at 7 p.m. Thursday for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the downtown square. The event, set to begin following the Rotary Clubs of Tyler Rose City Christmas Parade which starts at 6 p.m., will feature a brief program, including remarks by Warren and the 2025 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Miracle Child, 9-year-old Luna Cruz from Mineola, will light the tree.

WHAT: City of Tyler Tree Lighting Ceremony

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: Downtown Tyler Square, 110 N. College Ave.