#USA #Holiday Tradition #Moab #Pinyon Pine

Moab's Unique Holiday Tradition: A Festive Tree Under Stars

This December, the Moab Office of Tourism proudly introduces a remarkable new holiday tradition that celebrates the essence of the season in perfect harmony with its breathtaking desert landscape. While many regions are filled with towering conifers and dazzling, vibrant city light displays, Moab's festive tree promises a calmer, more reflective celebration immersed in the tranquility of the high desert and the majesty of the starry sky.

At the heart of this new tradition is a remarkable wild Utah Pinyon pine that has endured for around 200 years, located within the picturesque Sand Flats Recreation Area. From early December through to early January, this ancient tree will be gently illuminated by solar-powered lights, inviting visitors to pause, look up, and connect with the serene winter atmosphere. This experience highlights that true wonder doesn’t always rely on extravagant lighting or wattage; sometimes, it is simply found beneath an open sky, surrounded by silence, and shared with the land itself.

Andrea Brand, the director of the Sand Flats Recreation Area, emphasizes that this festive tree is not just a celebration of the holiday season but a meaningful opportunity to deepen appreciation for Moab's native flora and promote environmental stewardship. “It’s a new way to honor the season, but it also serves to draw focus to the incredible age, resilience, and beauty of our living trees that shape this landscape,” she shared. “Many visitors are surprised to learn that a modest 10 or 15-foot juniper or pinyon tree could be centuries old.”

The initiative aims to celebrate living trees in their natural habitats, hoping to inspire visitors to recognize their own role in protecting such precious ecosystems. This festive tree stands as a symbol of Moab’s unique charm—its dark skies, profound sense of place, and a community that genuinely values authenticity.

Unlike trees that are felled, transported, and displayed in bustling urban settings, Moab’s festive tree has never been relocated or altered. It has remained in its original spot for centuries, signifying a timeless relationship between the land and its inhabitants, serving as a gentle reminder to engage in meaningful celebrations that respect nature.

Supporting Moab's commitment to low-impact festive experiences, the festive tree shines using a Goal Zero power bank coupled with a solar panel—equipment generously provided by Goal Zero, ensuring that the initiative leaves behind nothing but the soft glow of lights at night.

Festive Tree Details

• - Location: Sand Flats Recreation Area, Moab, Utah
• - Tree: A wild, centuries-old Utah Pinyon pine
• - Lighting Dates: December 2025 to early January 2026
• - Lighting Hours: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM daily (hours are subject to change)
• - Power Source: 100% solar-powered; compliant with Dark Sky standards

Visitors are urged to honor the festive tree and the surrounding land by staying on trail and rock surfaces to protect the delicate desert soil. Decorations or other items should not be added or left behind; rather, the area should be treated with utmost respect to preserve its natural beauty for generations to come.

In addition to the festive tree, Moab will showcase new holiday lights in Lions Park and hold its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Swanny City Park. The bridge lighting will take place on Thursday, December 4, starting at 6:00 PM, casting a warm glow across the Colorado River corridor and marking the beginning of Moab's seasonal festivities. Families looking to capture fun moments with Santa are encouraged to arrive a bit earlier at Lions Park for hot chocolate and cookies before Santa photos commence post-bridge lighting at 6:00 PM.

The Swanny City Park tree lighting ceremony will follow on Friday, December 5, with festivities commencing at 5:00 PM featuring Santa's appearance and delightful carolers to elevate the holiday spirit.

In this unique and meaningful way, Moab invites everyone to partake in a holiday tradition that celebrates life, nature, and community, while fostering a deep connection with the spectacular landscape of the high desert.