City of Milwaukee celebrates second oldest holiday celebration in the nation
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- For many who celebrate Christmas, the focal point when it comes to decorations is the tree. For the City of Milwaukee, it's important to pick the best one for their tree lighting. Especially since they tout having the second-oldest holiday celebration, only behind New York City!
The tradition started back in 1913, starting on Wisconsin Avenue, moving to the Panther Arena, Red Arrow Park, City Hall, and now, outside Fiserv Forum.
The 2025 pick for the City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree stands 38 feet tall and was gathered from Milwaukee's Morgandale neighborhood. This tree is now part of a special event, with a deep-rooted history, in the city of Milwaukee. "It’s a time for our family and ... community to come together and understand what’s really important," shared Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.
Donated by Kait and Amged Thabet, the 5-thousand-pound Colorado Blue Spruce was this year's choice. The couple moved in to the new home less than two years ago. Amged said when they first moved in, "we didn't bat an eye at the tree. Then living in the house for quite some time, every time we opened the window, we saw a big tree." He said they liked the tree for privacy, but were considering removing it. But once Amged told his coworkers his plans, they recommended he donate it as the city's Christmas tree!
After a call to the Department of Public Works and a visit to the house, a few months passed. But after crews had time to make a list and check it twice, Amged was told that theirs was the one: "I was very surprised. It was a surreal moment when he called. I started calling my wife, my family members, I was telling them, "Hey, guess whose tree is this year's city of Milwaukee Christmas tree?’ it was so surprising, but it was awesome." Kait said she was calling all of her friends and family, excited about the moment!
Kait said that the tree going up in the Deer District, renamed the Cheer District, is a gift in and of itself. That's because the celebration spot holds an extra special meaning to them, "our first date was also at a Bucks game, and we got married in the Deer District too. So it was, like when it’s going there, it felt too good to be true."
But picking a tree to be enjoyed by thousands is a task nearly as large as the tree itself. "A fun challenge, yeah always looking for the right one like what you're doing with your family when you look for your own," shared DPW Urban Forestry Manager Chris Kling. He said the Thabet's tree "had the best of everything. We get some that are too small, not accessible, don't have that really good uniformity to it. This one had it all."
Once the tree was cut down and secured, it was driven downtown to be enjoyed by thousands. "To get to do this, see it sparkle in Cheer District is really cool," said Kait.
Tasked with making the tree sparkle is David Caruso, the city's Christmas tree designer. "Planning for the tree is a big deal. We start in summertime. We look at the overall theme and look of the tree. We start ordering all of the ornaments and other decorations just to make sure the official city tree is dazzling and looking great," said Caruso.
Having decorated the tree for years, Caruso adds his own personal touch with thousands of lights and ornaments. This year, he says, "it’s all about the idea of when the community comes together; we shine brighter. A lot of jewel tones, it’ll be very sparkly. There are a lot of light-up ornaments, thousands of ornaments, and light bulbs. I lost track, but it’s going to be spectacular."
"I want people to feel joyful, to feel happy, to feel celebratory, so for me, I would say my signature style is all about creating that experience of joy and happiness through a lot of razzle dazzle" - David Caruso
So now, for the 112th year, people from all over the City of Milwaukee come together, to celebrate.
In part, thanks to the donation from the Thabets. Kait said, "that giving back piece is really, really cool to us. And we have a view now!"