Light up the Holidays

Decorations at the Madonna Inn possess a life of their own. Each holiday, our creative team spends weeks transforming the inn into a whimsical expression of the season; with Winter often requiring the most planning and effort. And although each year’s decor is unique, this level of dedication to decoration is nothing new.

Photo by Tony Hertz/Telegram-Tribune first published 12-24-1986 Tony Hertz

Beginning in the mid-1970s, Alex and Phyllis Madonna decided to take their holiday decor to the next level by constructing a lit Christmas tree at the top of Cerro San Luis “Madonna” Mountain. This began after Alex bought the Bianchi ranch property in 1972, (located at the base of the mountain behind the inn), and built a road upon the parcel that allowed access to the top.

Initial responses were mixed among community members, but over time the holiday tree has become a beloved fixture of the Winter season in SLO - drawing hikers by the hundreds for an uphill trek to see it.

With 11 strands of glowing lights strung from a 30-foot aluminum mast, the tree lights up the night sky through the New Year. Though the tree was initially only lit for the 12 days of Christmas, it’s now assembled as soon as the December weather will allow. The tree takes roughly a day to set up and has been rebuilt numerous times throughout the years to withstand the elements.

2019’s tree assembly crew - Jose, Fred, Laurel, and Ted.

P.S. It’s a little-known fact that the tree's nightly illumination is not a feat of magic (or a timer). Every evening *rain or shine* a Madonna Inn employee travels up the mountain at dusk to turn on the generator that powers the lights. Cheers to teamwork!