Mayor's Christmas Tree Arrives at Crown Center
The 100-foot tree traveled 2,000 miles from Oregon to its 53rd season at Crown Center in Kansas City.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Ice Shows
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The 100-foot Mayor's Christmas Tree arrived at Crown Center on Thursday morning, escorted by police down Grand Boulevard on a custom-made trailer. Crews began work immediately to prepare it for its display.
Why it matters
The tree's arrival marks the start of the holiday season at Crown Center and anchors the Hallmark Christmas Experience, a seasonal draw for Kansas City residents. The tree is in its 53rd year at the center, continuing a local tradition now about 50 years old.
The tree is in its 53rd year at Crown Center and has traveled 2,000 miles from Oregon to reach the site this season. Once fully decorated it will weigh more than 20,000 pounds, and the source does not state how many years the display has run at its current scale.
The players
Crown Center
A mixed-use complex in Kansas City, Missouri, that has hosted the Mayor's Christmas Tree and the Ice Terrace for many seasons.
Hallmark Christmas Experience
A holiday event at Crown Center that kicks off with the annual tree lighting.
The details
Crews raised the tree shortly after arrival and will lift it into its stand on Crown Center Square at 10 a.m. Friday. Crews will begin stringing thousands of lights and ornaments next week.
Timeline
Thursday, Nov. 5: Tree arrives at Crown Center around 9 a.m.
Friday, Nov. 6: Tree lifted into its stand at 10 a.m.; Ice Terrace opens for the season.
Friday, Nov. 6: Free ice skating and treats from 6 to 9 a.m. on opening day.
Nov. 27 at 6 p.m.: Tree lighting kicks off the Hallmark Christmas Experience.
Season Trajectory
The Mayor's Christmas Tree has stood at Crown Center for 53 years, making its installation a recurring marker of the Kansas City holiday season. This year's arrival follows that long-running pattern, with the Hallmark Christmas Experience tree lighting on Nov. 27 as the next milestone.
Visitors can skate for free at the Crown Center Ice Terrace from 6 to 9 a.m. on opening day, Friday, Nov. 6. The tree lighting on Nov. 27 at 6 p.m. is open for residents to attend at Crown Center.
The takeaway
The tree's installation kicks off a multi-week run of holiday events at Crown Center, and the tree lighting on Nov. 27 is the main public milestone. Plan visits around the opening-day ice skating hours if you want to attend early.
What happens next
Crews will lift the tree into its stand at 10 a.m. Friday, and the Hallmark Christmas Experience tree lighting takes place Nov. 27 at 6 p.m.
Further reading
Explore more ice shows and seasonal events in Kansas City.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kctv5.
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