The main Christmas tree of Lviv has been installed: it was gifted by a family with an 18-year-old broad-leaved spruce.

According to ТСН: The main Christmas tree of Lviv has been traditionally installed. This year, the 14-meter New Year tree was gifted by a family from the village of Sokilnyky, located near Lviv. Decorations on the tree will appear ahead of St. Nicholas Day.

The story of the 18-year-old tree

For the Pashchyks family from Sokilnyky, the tree has become a part of their life for 18 years. Ms. Lyuba recalls how she and her husband bought a small tree in a pot.

“When we planted it here, it was shorter than me. And see how beautiful it has grown over the years. We took it to our daughter in Sykhiv to her apartment. In spring, we took it back and replanted it here; we came here and planted everything small, my husband loves gardening very much,” says the woman.

Daughter Olha Pashchenko mentions that the tree has always been brightly decorated.

“We used to decorate it in childhood. Earlier, when there was no war, we would hang huge garlands, and it always shone bright,” recalls Olha Pashchenko.

Forced decision and difficult cutting

Since the tree has grown to 14 meters and posed a threat to surrounding residential buildings during strong winds, the family decided to remove it.

“It is growing too high, becoming a danger to the environment. We live in a very residential area, we love it and feel like we are tearing a piece of our life away, but we hope it will bring joy to other people,” says Lyuba Pashchenko.

Heavy machinery arrived as there were residential buildings and power lines nearby. After securing the tree safely, it was carefully cut down and lifted into the air, moved from the yard to the road.

Record number of applicants

Every year, residents whose trees in their yards have grown too large donate the main Christmas tree to Lviv. This year, the number of those who wanted to be donors was record-breaking.

“There was a record number of applications from Lviv residents and those living outside the city — a total of 15 applications. Together with the team, we focused on this tree because it's broad, lush, and tall,” says the head of the culture department of the Lviv City Council, Marta Besley.

The New Year tree was successfully loaded onto a trailer and, accompanied by police, delivered to the square in front of the Opera House. Soon it will be decorated with garlands, and a anti-tank hedgehog will be placed on top. The grand opening of the tree is planned for the eve of St. Nicholas Day.

This tradition of setting up the Christmas tree has become an important part of the New Year celebrations in Lviv. The tree not only decorates the city but also reflects local traditions and warm memories of its owners, who nurtured it by themselves. It is expected that this year’s tree will bring joy not only to the Pashchyks family but also to all Lviv residents and city guests who visit during the holidays.