The first Christmas tree to be erected in King George Square was in 1954 on the steps of City Hall. It was 40-foot Hoop Pine tree was sourced from a small plantation of 2 acres of Hoop Pine upstream of the Mount Crosby Pumping Station and was the State’s biggest Christmas Tree. It was decorated with 300 balls and lights. It was a great success and in 1955 Council agreed to erect one large tree and six smaller ones, as well as decorating the City Hall columns and King George Square vestibule. The total budget allowed was £365. The tree installation and lighting then became an annual event. From 1955 the lighting of tree included a concert. The last real Christmas tree was erected in 1977 and from 1978 an artificial tree was installed. From 2009 the tree was lit with solar lights.
From 1955 until 1999 City Hall hosted annual Christmas in Storyland concert.
