KL's tallest Christmas tree

Datuk Hashim Wahir (third from right) with the members of Suria KLCC’s management team and the beautiful tree in the background. Pic by Asyraf Hamzah

IMPRESSIVE: More than 500 people gathered for the lighting of the 20-metre high Christmas tree

KUALA LUMPUR: THE lighting of the tallest Christmas tree in Kuala Lumpur was met with cheers and admiration on a cool night at Suria KLCC recently. Hours before the lighting up, shoppers had already gathered outside to take pictures in front of the 20-metre high Christmas tree. The tree is located just outside the mall, facing Lake Symphony.

When the time came for the tree to be lit, over 500 people began the countdown to the lighting of the tree by Suria KLCC chairman Datuk Hashim Wahir. Thirty thousand environmentally friendly LED lights and hundreds of Christmas baubles made the tree shimmer and sparkle.

The spotlight was on the green giant, which stole the limelight from the towering Petronas Twin Towers.

Spectators were then treated to Christmas carols by the Dithyrambic Singers. As the tunes of Jingle Bells and We Wish You A Merry Christmas echoed through the night, more tourists and shoppers posed for pictures.

A visitor from Sabah, Clement Wong commented on how nice it was to look at the tree, saying that it was the largest tree he had ever seen.

For American Ron Frisinger, the tree was a sight to behold. "I have seen taller trees, but this one is certainly beautiful to look at, especially with the Twin Towers behind it," he said.

Meanwhile Hashim said that Suria KLCC is always looking for ways to spread festive cheer among its visitors. "Christmas is one of those festive seasons that many people find magical and special, so this Christmas we wanted to give our customers something special too. "By lighting up the tallest tree in the city, we hope it will brighten hearts with some magical moments," he said.

The tree which took five days to complete weighs 13,500kg. The majestic tree can be viewed by the public at Suria KLCC until Dec 25.

Suria KLCC will also be entertaining visitors with dazzling performances until Dec 26. 

Several lucky children will also get to see Santa Claus on stage and receive candy canes.

-nst online.