Portland’s holiday tree arrived in Monument Square on Thursday. And it didn’t travel very far to get there.

The 40-foot Norway spruce was moved less than a mile from Deering Oaks park, where it was planted too close to the baseball field and a light tower. It was cut Thursday morning before the short trip up to Congress Street.

Portland’s tree is typically donated by a private citizen somewhere in Greater Portland, but this is the second consecutive year the tree came from a public space.  Last year’s tree was donated by the South Portland Fire Department.

This year’s tree will be lit with over 5,000 LED lights.

A tree-lighting ceremony will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 29 during an event that will include ice carving demonstrations, live music and wagon rides.

While clearly a Christmas tree in the eyes of many, the city says it won’t dictate what the tree is called, in an effort to remain an inclusive community.

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Deering Oaks Park, Holidays, portland maine
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