Since the very early days of Pagan festivals, trees have provided a source of light and hope for generations of people whose beliefs were firmly rooted in the changing of the seasons, the working of the land and the messages of their respective gods.

Today, the Christmas tree represents the modern view of Christmas: twinkling lights, gifts from loved ones, precious decorations kept over the years now taking their place upon a branch. They evoke memories, provide joy, and offer endless excitement for little ones at home.

But what about Launceston’s Christmas trees?...

The Town Square Tree

Towering and central, this tree has to be magnificent. It’s where the community gathers for the town’s Christmas lights switch-on, as well as other festive events throughout the season. Thanks to the hard work of Launceston Town Council, we are able to admire this special addition to the town centre each year.

Selected especially by a small team of Launceston town councillors in the summer, the tree grows at Stacey's Christmas Tree Farm in Clawton. It is cut by Stacey's staff and transported to Launceston by EJ Fry & Son, before being positioned in the Square by arborist Kevin Finnimore. The lights are funded by the town council, which also obtains sponsorship from local businesses and organisations to support the costs of the lights, and are appreciative of this support for such an integral part of the town's festive celebrations. Terry Graves Electrical are contracted to install the lights on the tree and throughout the town.

It’s always an exciting moment as you wander through town and catch sight of the tree being erected on the town square cobbles, with lights weaving between the branches.

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St Mary Magdalene Church Christmas Tree Festival

A highlight of the calendar, this is an event that brings the community together in the warming glow of Christmas trees decorated by various groups, businesses and organisations in the local area.

With a variety of decorated trees lining the aisles of the church, it’s a blissful way to spend an hour in this beautiful historic Cornish church.

Donations help to keep the church a warm space over the winter months.

St Mary’s Christmas Tree Festival will run until Sunday 13th December.

The Eagle House Hotel’s grand spruce

The Eagle House Hotel is one of the finest historic buildings in Launceston. It is fitting, then, that it should have a grand Christmas tree to welcome guests over the festive season.

The tree, usually between 24-26ft high, is carefully selected by a kind local farmer and has to come in through the side entrance, as it is too big for the front door! The tree’s arrival signals the start of Christmas for the hotel team, who eagerly start decorating. This alone takes an entire day, while it takes another two days to decorate the function room, and another to decorate upstairs.

The tree becomes the festive centrepiece of the entrance into the building - perfect for admiring before heading into the bar for winter tipples and a hearty dinner.

Book your table by calling 01566 774488 or visit Home- The Eagle House Hotel

Where to buy your own

Dewcombe Christmas Trees is open for business from late November right up until the last weekend before Christmas.

A family-owned business run by David Chudleigh, the farm - which can be found on the main road out of Lawhitton - offers a range of Christmas trees to suit every family. In the spring, 1,500 trees were planted for this year’s crop, which are pruned by hand to ensure they grow healthily throughout the year and are ready for cutting come November and December.

From the prickly, scented Blue Spruce, to the thick, soft Nordmann Fir, there is something for everyone at Dewcombe Christmas Trees.

Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 9am-4pm, until 19th and 20th December. Just follow the Christmas tree signs on the Launceston to Lawhitton road to reach Dewcombe Farm!

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