Santa approved: Gardner replaces official Christmas tree - find out how tall it might grow

Residents in Gardner can look forward to rocking around the Christmas tree once again.

On Thursday, city crews planted an 18-foot Norway spruce in Lafayette Square to replace the city's official Christmas tree, which was toppled during a late-season snowstorm last April.

The tree was donated by Candor Realty , which is in the process of redeveloping several properties in the community.

"I'm happy that we were able to help and bring it back because I know everybody appreciates the tree-lighting ceremony that happens here in Lafayette Square," said Roland Jean, project manager for Simplified Management , which is owned by Candor Realty.

Attending the ceremony were Mayor Michael Nicholson and Santa Claus. Nicholson recorded his weekly update from in front of the tree.

"(The tree) will be lit up for Christmas this year; we've already signed the contract for it," said Nicholson, who added that his office had been flooded with inquiries about when the tree would be replaced. "A lot of people have really fond memories of the Christmas tree-lighting here, and what it meant to start the Christmas season."

The lighting ceremony, which includes a Christmas stroll through the downtown, traditionally takes place on the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

"The song says, 'Silver bells, it's Christmastime in the city,' but in this city it's when this tree gets lit," Nicholson said.

The tree, which was purchased from Select Horticulture in Lancaster, could grow to up to 90 feet, according to a representative.

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Santa approved: Gardner replaces official Christmas tree - find out how tall it might grow