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A crowd gathers around the intense heat of Marblehead's Annual Epiphany Tree Burning on Monday. (Spenser Hasak) Purchase this photo

Marblehead’s annual burning of the Christmas trees

Grace Calandrella

January 6, 2025 by Grace Calandrella

MARBLEHEAD — Over the last two weeks, the town of Marblehead collected Christmas trees in preparation for Monday evening’s annual bonfire held at Riverhead Beach.

Locals of all ages made their way to claim a spot lining the barricade around the trees. Children and adults alike were all in awe of the number of trees that curated this year’s pile. 

Kids play along the fence as Marblehead’s Annual Epiphany Tree Burning lights up the background.

As 6 p.m. neared, the suited-up firefighters began pulling out the flares and making their way behind the pile. As they lit the flares, onlookers began shouting, “Throw them in! Light it up!” 

Once the flares were thrown in, the backside of the pile quickly ignited. It was about five minutes later the pile of trees was fully engulfed in flames casting a bright orange light upon every face in the crowd. 

The heat coming from the flames was easily felt as the fire continued to grow. Firefighter Liam Gilliland even had a temperature reader that measured the temperature of the fire which read more than 1,000 degrees. 

Marblehead Fire Lt. Liam Gilliland’s thermo camera shows a reading of 1,022 degrees at Marblehead’s Annual Epiphany Tree Burning.

One local fascinated with the physics of the bonfire said, “Suddenly there’s a heatwave that permeates your entire body, then it sways back to the other side.” 

A tradition that has gone on for decades in Marblehead was once again shared among family and friends. 

A father and son duo, Brian Lucas and son John attended the bonfire, John attending for his first year despite his father having attended for decades. 

Brian said, “It’s a great Marblehead tradition that brings out the town and everyone to gather in the middle of the winter and cold.” Brian later added he’s been coming to this annual tradition since the late 80s. 

Despite taking a few-year hiatus back around 2010 the tradition continues in the historic coastal town and locals can expect it for years to come. 

Spectators take phone videos and photos as the fire dances across the Christmas trees burning in Marblehead’s Annual Epiphany Tree Burning at Riverhead Beach on Monday.
Christmas tree go up in flames during Marblehead’s Annual Epiphany Tree Burning at Riverhead Beach on Monday.
Marblehead Fire Lt. Liam Gilliland sprays down the wetland behind the Christmas tree bonfire burning at Riverhead Beach.
A warm glow falls over spectators as they watch Marblehead’s Annual Epiphany Tree Burning at Riverhead Beach on Monday.
Christmas tree go up in flames during Marblehead’s Annual Epiphany Tree Burning at Riverhead Beach on Monday.
Christmas tree go up in flames during Marblehead’s Annual Epiphany Tree Burning at Riverhead Beach on Monday.
Marblehead Fire Lt. Liam Gilliland is silhouetted as he walks past the raging Christmas tree bonfire.
A crowd gathers around the intense heat of Marblehead’s Annual Epiphany Tree Burning on Monday.
  • Grace Calandrella
    Grace Calandrella

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