Step into the enchanting world of Christmas at The Inn at Saint Mary’s, where the holiday spirit comes to life with the erection of America’s Tallest Fresh-Cut Christmas Tree. Nestled at the South Bend/Notre Dame entrance to the Indiana Toll Road (Exit 77) in St. Joseph County, this towering tree is a luminous beacon, casting a warm and festive welcome to the City of South Bend throughout the holiday season.

The tree was decorated by Polly McCarthy of Poppies Florist and is decked with 10,000 twinkling LED lights, and over 750 ornaments. The 87-foot-tall pine tree was donated by residents of South Bend near W Pokagon St. and was cut on November 21, lifted by two cranes, placed on a semi-truck, and into the foundation the next day. The tree weighs 18,000 lbs. with a foundation that goes down 12 feet deep. 

A tree lighting ceremony was held on December 7, at 6:30 PM ET, complete with a towering tree, free hot chocolate, a visit from Santa Claus, and live perfomance from Premier Arts.  

A vision of John Phair, Chairman & Director of Asset Management of Holladay Hospitality Group, the tree will be the first sight seen by most visitors coming into South Bend throughout December until February.