Crystal Cove prides tree on history, not sheer size

It may be about 100 feet shorter than the one at Fashion Island, but Crystal Cove State Park takes pride in its annual holiday tree.

Saturday afternoon, dozens of spectators gathered on the windy beach to witness the park’s tree lighting next door to the Beachcomber Cafe.

The 18-foot tree glowed with white lights shortly after 5 p.m. Laura Davick, president and founder of the Crystal Cove Alliance, said her group had sought to make this year’s tree a replica of one from half a century ago, even shopping on eBay for vintage ornaments.

She added that the tree lighting, which the Alliance held for the 11th year, brought back childhood memories of the seaside area.

A number of people snapped pictures of the tree before and after the lighting. Cathleen McNally, a Laguna Beach resident, said she planned to use the image on a Christmas card for friends.

“When I saw this last year, it gave me the idea to do it this year,” she said. “It’s just a beautiful setting.”

— Michael Miller