Santa to flip switch on Extreme Christmas Tree on Dec. 2

The tree lighting for the 185-foot Extreme Christmas Tree will take place at 5:15 p.m. Dec. 2, the first day of the Victorian Country Christmas at the Washington State Fair Events Center.

With the flip of a switch, 4,494 lights will reveal a show-stopping surprise ending.

Holiday festivities go along with the lighting of the tree, including Santa arriving in a horse-drawn carriage, with the jolly fellow flipping the switch to light the tree. Free hot cider and cookies, as well as holiday music are included. The activities will take place outside of the south end of the Pavilion, between the Pavilion and Showplex.

The tree lighting takes place the first day of the Dec. 2 to 6 Victorian Country Christmas (www.avictoriancountrychristmas.com). Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and $9 for military with ID. Children age 5 and younger are free. Parking is free in official Fair parking lots. Ticket admission is required to attend the tree lighting ceremony.

The Extreme Christmas Tree at the Washington State Events Center is a tradition that started in 2011. The 185-foot artificial Christmas tree utilizes the framework of the Extreme Scream thrill ride, and is the tallest structure in the Puyallup Valley. It is a precursor for the start of the holiday season.

The Extreme Christmas Tree is lit with green and white lights, and enhanced with a swirl of red lights. LED (light-emitting diode) lights were selected as they are 90 percent more efficient than incandescent bulbs.

This story was originally published November 30, 2015 at 10:39 AM with the headline "Santa to flip switch on Extreme Christmas Tree on Dec. 2."