Walk-Through Christmas Trees: Turning Footfall Into Festive Magic
- Richard JONES
- Jun 18, 2025
- 3 min read
Welcome to the Tree You Can Walk Through
Set down a normal 40-foot Christmas tree in a shopping mall and you get smiles—plus a headache for the facilities team managing blocked walkways. Set down a walk-through Christmas tree, and you get something else entirely: lines of shoppers queuing to post Reels, a measurable uplift in footfall, and a retail landlord who suddenly looks like a marketing genius.
Today we’ll explore why walk-through trees are surging in 2025, what makes ours uniquely safe and simple to install, and how you can monetise every square inch of the structure.
What Exactly Is a Walk-Through Tree?
Think of it as a classic giant Christmas tree with a 5 ft-wide, 8 ft-tall tunnel running straight through its centre. The tunnel can be lined with garland, dual-chip LEDs, or both, creating a fully immersive light chamber. Because the tunnel eats into the core structure, the minimum overall height is 30 ft to preserve stability and head-clearance. Giant Christmas Tree Co…
“Rather than obstructing footfall, the tree creates it,” says co-founder Braeden Peterson.
Four Reasons Walk-Through Trees Boost Footfall & Revenue
Instagram Gold – A branded hashtag + tunnel lighting equals hundreds of organic posts a day.
Flow, Not Blockage – Shoppers don’t detour around the tree—they go through it.
Retail Tie-Ins – Position product pop-ups or QR codes at either end of the tunnel.
Sponsorship Surfaces – Sell the archway panels or internal garland wraps to headline sponsors.
Engineering the Experience: Safety First
Steel Frame, Built to Code
Like our standard giants, walk-through trees use a powder-coated structural-steel frame rated for 68 mph sustained winds. Each ring nests for compact summer storage.
Modular Tunnel Inserts
The tunnel is pre-fabricated in 5-ft sections with integrated handrails (if required by local code). Sections bolt directly to the main frame—no field welding.
Dual-Chip LEDs
Inside and out, the tree wears dual-chip LEDs (warm-white ⇆ ice-white or multicolour) offering 50 ,000 hr life and < 5 % lumen loss after 5 ,000 hr.
Feature | Standard | Upgrade |
Height | 30, 35, 40 ft | 45 or 50 ft (ask about crane access) |
Garland lining | UV-stabilised green PVC | Colour-match garland to brand palette |
Base | Steel hexagon, 2 ft | 4–6 ft branded panels with LED back-lighting |
Star topper | 3-D LED star | Rustic steel or custom logo topper |
Monetising the Tunnel
Branded Selfie Spots – Vinyl floor wrap + overhead halo light marks the “perfect shot.”
Projection Mapping – Turn the interior walls into an animated ad canvas after 5 pm.
Charity Partnerships – $1 per selfie donation triggers at checkout QR.
Data Capture – NFC tag at exit gate for instant brand-opt-in giveaways.
Installation & Logistics
Step | Timeline | Notes |
Order confirmation | 4–12 weeks pre-event | 50 % deposit triggers fabrication |
Freight | 1 x 40 ft flatbed (30–40 ft tree) | 50 ft trees require 2 flatbeds |
On-site unload | 2 hrs | Forklift or telehandler |
Assembly | 1 day (30 ft) – 1.5 days (50 ft) | 6-person crew + boom lift |
Electrical test | Same day | Dual-chip controller pre-programmed |
Sustainability Snapshot
Modular Growth – Add 5 ft rings instead of replacing entire structure.
Low-Energy LEDs – Up to 70 % less power than incandescent displays.
Re-skinnable Branding Panels – DiBond faces reprint yearly, frame lasts 10 + years.
Quick-Fire FAQ
Minimum ceiling height?Allow at least 4 ft clearance above topper for ventilation and sprinklers.
Can we line the tunnel with live greenery?Yes—panel system accommodates fresh garlands; ask about drip trays.
Does the tunnel meet ADA guidelines?Internal width is 5 ft; add optional ADA-grade ramp if base > 2 ft tall.
Colour changes on a schedule?Dual-chip controller supports 16-channel DMX or simple timer presets.
Call-to-Action: Book Your Walk-Through Tree
Spaces fill fast—especially for walk-through models. Email Braeden at braedon@giantchristmastrees.com or visit giantchristmastrees.com to secure your 2025 installation slot before they’re gone.
