Almaty to light this year's Christmas Tree on December 1

Lighting of Almaty city's tallest Christmas Tree will take place on December 1 at 7:00 p.m. near Almaly mall at Republic Square (Satpayev Str), Tengrinews reports citing the marketing department of Almaly Trade company. Almaty Akim (Mayor) Akhmetzhan Yessimov will take part in the festive ceremony that will be held on the First President's Day, December 1. The Christmas Tree is 18 meters tall and will be placed in front of the central glass dome of the mall. 16 European-style Christmas houses, specially ordered for the event, will surround the dome. The tree itself will be decorated with 3 000 Christmas tree decorations. 7 more New Year's trees will be set in different places in Almaty and lit at the same time on December 1. Start of the New Year Fair with Christmas decorations and souvenirs at the mall will be timed to the lighting. A 3D-mapping show will take place after the lighting ceremony. The organizers of the show came from Hungary; they have won several 3D-mapping show contests in Moscow and Tokyo. The show will be followed by a pop concert that will include participants of X-Factor, a Kazakhstan singing talents show.