“Three, two, one!” I join the countdown, together with about 800 others like me excitedly waiting for the flick of the switch. Then there it is — finally! With a lot of “oohs” and “aahs,” 83,350 twinkling lights come alive to illuminate an enormous Christmas tree. At 57 feet (17 m), the white fir tree is almost as tall as the surrounding coconut palms.

It is a strange yet exhilarating feeling, to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season at a place where minimum winter temperatures rarely drop below the mid-40s F (about 7 C), while back home in Colorado, folks are getting ready for the next ski season. Sipping on a hot chocolate, I wonder what the Christmas tree would say if it could talk. The place where this tree came from has, like me, long ago experienced the first snowfall of the season.

This forest giant was brought by truck from southern Oregon, harvested as part of the National Deforestation Program to this desert oasis of eternal summer — a long trip to fulfill its Christmas destiny. It took 13 days and a hoist to decorate it to its glowing glory. Standing tall on a panoramic plateau overlooking the Coachella Valley, its blazing beauty must be seen from miles away.

The festive tree-lighting ceremony has been a tradition at this hotel for about 15 years, and the whole community is invited to the free event. Shuttles run up the mountain at no charge, and hot chocolate and Christmas cookies welcome visitors. Santa Claus and his elves pay a visit, and church and school choirs sing Christmas carols until the tree is lit. This proud city likes to consider its spectacular Christmas tree as the West Coast version of the Rockefeller Center tree in New York City. Granted, that one is quite a bit wider, but not much taller...

Where am I?

Send your answer to goworld@goworldtravel.com. All readers correctly identifying this city and country will be entered in a drawing to receive a recently published travel book.

Mauna Kea Volcano, Hawaii

Answer to the November 2005
“Where in the World” Contest

Last month’s mystery destination was the Big Island of Hawaii. Our picture showed the top of the Mauna Kea volcano. At 13,796 feet (4,208 m), it is the highest peak in the island chain.

Thanks to all who wrote in with their guesses. Last month’s winner was Kelly, from Denver, Colorado. Congratulations, Kelly!