Events

“Pongrácz Christmas tree” Lights Up Cape Town’s Silo District

November 28, 2023

3 mins read

A magnificent 8.5 meter high Christmas tree designed by Pongrácz has lit up Cape Town’s Silo District. The tree is a fusion of artistic innovation and traditional Christmas aesthetics, with cascading golden baubles and a star-shaped stopper that emits light from a cutting-edge outdoor laser. Visitors can share personalized messages on the tree, and it also acts as a stunning backdrop for Instagram-worthy photographs. The Pongrácz Christmas tree will continue to spread holiday cheer until 10 January 2024.

The V&A Waterfront’s Silo District in Cape Town, South Africa is now home to a magnificent sight: a stunning interactive Christmas tree designed by Pongrácz. Standing tall and sparkling at 8.5 meters high, this tree is an artistic marvel that invites everyone to celebrate in their unique way, in line with the “Festive, Your Way” theme.

A Fusion of Tradition and Artistic Innovation

The Pongrácz Christmas tree is constructed in the image of a champagne bottle, complete with cascading golden baubles and a colossal star-shaped stopper, reflecting a contemporary take on traditional Christmas aesthetics. This fusion of artistic innovation and holiday tradition paints a vivid picture in the heart of the Silo District.

The Tree’s Technologically Advanced Features

The Pongrácz tree not only impresses with its size and form but also with its technologically advanced features. A cutting-edge outdoor laser, the first of its kind in South Africa, emanates light for several hundred meters at the heart of the star-shaped stopper, transforming the night into a spectacle of lights, further enhancing the festive atmosphere. Custom-made LED lights spiral around the structure, painting the tree in a kaleidoscope of colors at different intervals, creating a mesmerizing visual experience that captivates visitors.

An Interactive Experience

The Pongrácz Christmas tree is more than a striking holiday decoration; it is an interactive experience. On certain days, visitors can share personalized messages to loved ones, which are then displayed in real time on the tree. This innovative feature encourages people to share their holiday sentiments in a unique and public way, fostering a sense of communal celebration.

A Stunning Backdrop for Capturing Festive Moments

The tree also acts as a stunning backdrop for capturing the festive moments. A spacious deck encircling the tree provides the ideal spot for Instagram-worthy photographs. Thus, the tree not only illuminates the district but also the digital space, as visitors share their captured moments online.

An Interactive Virtual Tree

As part of the #FestiveYourWay campaign, an interactive virtual tree is also available online, allowing all South Africans to share their festive feelings. Participants also have the chance to win one of four exclusive Pongrácz experiences worth R20,000 each.

A Spectacular Installation

The Pongrácz Christmas tree, with its stunning visuals and interactive features, illuminates the V&A Waterfront’s Silo District, inviting everyone to celebrate the festive season in their unique way. This spectacular installation will continue to spread holiday cheer until 10 January 2024, creating a lasting impression and unforgettable memories for all who visit.

1. What is the Pongrácz Christmas tree?

The Pongrácz Christmas tree is a magnificent 8.5 meter high Christmas tree designed by Pongrácz that has lit up Cape Town’s Silo District.

2. What is the design of the Pongrácz Christmas tree?

3. What are the technologically advanced features of the Pongrácz Christmas tree?

The Pongrácz tree impresses not only with its size and form but also with its technologically advanced features. A cutting-edge outdoor laser, the first of its kind in South Africa, emanates light for several hundred meters at the heart of the star-shaped stopper, transforming the night into a spectacle of lights. Custom-made LED lights spiral around the structure, painting the tree in a kaleidoscope of colors at different intervals.

4. Is the Pongrácz Christmas tree an interactive experience?

Yes, the Pongrácz Christmas tree is more than a striking holiday decoration; it is an interactive experience. On certain days, visitors can share personalized messages to loved ones, which are then displayed in real time on the tree.

5. Is there an interactive virtual tree for the #FestiveYourWay campaign?

Yes, as part of the #FestiveYourWay campaign, an interactive virtual tree is also available online, allowing all South Africans to share their festive feelings. Participants also have the chance to win one of four exclusive Pongrácz experiences worth R20,000 each.

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Sarah Kendricks
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Sarah Kendricks is a Cape Town journalist who covers the city’s vibrant food scene, from township kitchens reinventing heritage dishes to sustainable fine-dining at the foot of Table Mountain. Raised between Bo-Kaap spice stalls and her grandmother’s kitchen in Khayelitsha, she brings a lived intimacy to every story, tracing how a plate of food carries the politics, migrations and memories of the Cape.

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