Horrified Yule lovers have been shocked by the just cone’t-believe it unveiling of a city’s 150-foot-high Christmas tree that looks exactly like a giant traffic cone.
Dortmund, in western Germany, is celebrated for its huge traditional Christmas market set off by the largest natural fir tree in the world, festooned with 48,000 twinkling lights.
But shocked locals say their just-unveiled new-look woke tree stripped of any tradition has made the city a Yuletide laughing stock.
The 45-metre-high construction has a conical steel frame with 1,200 natural fir trees lashed to it and covered from top to bottom in LEDs.
But bafflingly when it was switched on it displayed red and white stripes that critics say looked just like the world’s biggest traffic cone.
One social media user mocked: “The organiser was probably a traffic planner before and took care of road works.”
Another said: “It’s an XXL road cone.”
A third horrified local added: “A Christmas tree includes balls, candles, tinsel … but not like that!”
The structure, which can change colour at the flick of a switch, is set off with a huge golden angel on the top.
But planners have defended the change, which marks the 125th anniversary of Dortmund’s giant Christmas displays.
A spokesperson told local media on 27th November: “The Christmas city of Dortmund has always gone through change.
“We know that in times when there is a great need for stability, changes are not always easy.
“But the new lighting is not only up-to-date but also sets an example. The Christmas city of Dortmund is firmly rooted in the region, and shines internationally.”
They added: “This is what makes our Christmas market special. It is not only a tradition but also a place of exchange and emotions.
“The huge feedback shows us how much the Christmas tree and the Christmas market are close to the people of Dortmund.”
To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below. Story By: Clive Goodman, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash
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