Since 1983, the Fashion Island Christmas tree has been the tallest Christmas tree in the USA and one of Newport Beach’s holiday traditions.

Fashion Island has featured a Christmas tree over 100 feet tall for the past 25 years. It has been located in the Bloomingdale’s courtyard and the tree weighed about 20,000 pounds and included 17,000 ornaments and Christmas lights. Unfortunately, all of this has changed this year.

The Christmas tree at Fashion Island this year is only 40 feet tall, and a resort in Las Vegas has taken Orange County’s place for having the tallest Christmas tree. The Christmas tree at the M resort in Las Vegas is 109 feet tall and is the nation’s tallest tree this year.

“The Fashion Island Christmas tree is my favorite part about the holidays! I look forward to it every year, so I’m so bummed that it’s so short this year,” said Jenna Johnson.

Why is the Christmas tree so minute this year? After countless years of festive celebrations, why stop this year? Fashion Island’s website has stated that the the tree has been made shorter this year due to the remodeling that has been taken place. This has forced mall officials to make the tree about 60 feet shorter, which is very  disappointing because it is very undersized for Fashion Island.

“I am so mad about Fashion Island’s Christmas tree this year. It is such a let down. Hopefully next year it will be the same as always,” said Peyton Wolonsky.

Fashion Island officials are not determined to bring the 115 foot Christmas tree back next year, but luckily for Fashion Island, the M resort doesn’t plan on starting any competition according to spokeswoman Rina Foster, but being on the top still felt good.

“I did know about Fashion Island – was actually excited to hear that they had to downsize this year. It really helped us,” said Foster

“The Christmas tree at Fashion Island makes the place so special during the holidays, so I will be very disappointed if the tree isn’t really tall again,” said Kevin Hill.