A freshly cut spruce tree now lights up Kouvola's city hall square, continuing a local tradition of using donated trees for holiday decorations. The city received this particular tree as a donation from Koria after it outgrew a private garden. A local transport company delivered the 10-meter tall spruce to its prominent position.
City Park Manager Sari Alastalo notes that overgrown garden spruces seem plentiful in Kouvola. Residents now regularly offer them to the city through social media channels. This eliminates the need to source trees from forests. The city installed lights on the tree earlier this week. These lights follow the same schedule as street lighting.
Not every tree qualifies for the city's prime holiday location. The perfect spruce must have balanced growth on all sides with sufficient branches. It needs sturdy, straight structure and adequate height. The growing location must also be near accessible roads for transportation equipment.
This year's selection met all criteria. Local residents have already expressed appreciation for the tree on the city's Facebook page. The tradition reflects Finland's practical approach to sustainability - finding new purposes for trees that no longer fit their original locations.
Illuminated natural trees bring cheer throughout Kouvola. Additional decorated spruces appear at Kuusankoski traffic circle, Voikkaa, and Myllykoski. Elimä features a living Christmas tree outside the OP bank office. Inkeroisen square displays a young spruce planted during recent renovations.
Alastalo explains they select tree varieties that naturally maintain regular shapes. These aren't typical forest spruces. Her department manages no trees requiring annual trimming or shaping. The young tree at Inkeroisen square remains small enough that lights will be added later.
The official Christmas opening ceremony occurs on Saturday, November 22. This event will illuminate all remaining holiday trees across the city. The city hall spruce will remain until St. Knut's Day on January 13.
Finland's municipal Christmas tree traditions demonstrate practical resourcefulness. Using donated trees reduces waste and involves community participation. The careful selection criteria ensure beautiful displays while maintaining safety standards. This approach balances festive spirit with environmental consideration.
Local governments throughout Finland implement similar programs during the holiday season. The practice strengthens community bonds while creating sustainable traditions. Kouvola's method shows how cities can celebrate holidays meaningfully without excessive spending or environmental impact.