A Wicked Christmas tree that defies gravity
HS1, Universal & Substance Global
Step into the Emerald Glow of Christmas
Christmas just got a whole lot more exciting, and it’s waiting for you at St. Pancras International. Standing proud at 11 metres tall, the Wicked St Pancras International Tree is more than a tree—it’s an adventure into the enchanting world of Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz.
This jaw-dropping masterpiece celebrates Universal Pictures UK’s upcoming film release and brings the Emerald City to life in ways you’ve never imagined. Packed with vibrant green and gold tones, immersive details, and magical surprises, this isn’t just something to see—it’s something to experience.
Gimmie the stats
- Makers x32 (teamwork that could make even Glinda proud)
- Tree-making hours x5,400 (because magic takes time)
- Height 11 metres (it’s literally towering)
- Cardboard tubes x225 (humble beginnings, dazzling results)
- Weight 3,112kg (heavier than Dorothy’s entire wardrobe)
- Tiny flowers x1,500 (hand-crafted, because details matter)
- Wizard heads x1 (and it’s gloriously grand)
- Emerald cities x2 (if you count the tree and the diorama)
A Festive Experience Like No Other
This isn’t your standard tinsel-wrapped fir tree. Oh no, this baby’s a full-blown theatrical spectacle!
At the base, discover immersive Ozian booths, complete with photo ops and music straight from Wicked. Peer through the illuminated towers and their tiny, whimsical windows to spot glimpses of your favourite characters. And don’t miss the pièce de résistance: a hand-crafted diorama tucked inside the tree. This magical little world includes Munchkinland, Shiz University, and the Emerald City itself, all linked by a glowing yellow brick road.
Need a break from the buzz? Take a seat and let the enchanting score from Wicked transport you. Watch behind-the-scenes footage and special trailers while the tree lights up your imagination.
And if you’re a fan of a cheeky selfie (who isn’t?), the Wizard of Oz’s gilded head is ready and waiting for its close-up.
How We Made the Magic Happen
Turning an ordinary tree into the Wicked St Pancras International Tree took a splash of creativity, a dash of craftsmanship, and a whole lot of imagination. Here’s the lowdown on how this spellbinding spectacle came to life.
First, let’s talk towers. The soaring, illuminated structures were brought to life using humble cardboard tubes, proving you can turn everyday materials into something truly magical. Topped with vac-formed, onion-shaped roofs (yes, they’re as quirky as they sound), each tower was hand-finished with love and detail to capture that whimsical Ozian charm.
The sturdy timber base? Oh, it’s not just holding up the tree—it’s the stage for all the magic above. But it’s the Wizard of Oz head that truly steals the show. Sculpted from polystyrene, cloaked in fibreglass, and given a hand-painted wood-effect finish, this showpiece looks so majestic it could convince you it’s been plucked straight from the film.
And the diorama nestled at the heart of the tree? That’s where the real magic happens. This miniature Oz was hand-sculpted from polystyrene, with sparkling resin rivers and tiny hand-crafted houses and trees that bring the entire landscape to life. You’ll spot the Emerald City and Kiamo Ko Castle too, both expertly 3D printed in-house for that picture-perfect finish.
From towers to tiny trees, every element was designed with a sprinkle of mischief, a dollop of joy, and a lot of creative wizardry. It’s not just a tree—it’s an adventure, handcrafted to make your Christmas sparkle. 🎄✨
Design & Fabrication Team
AJ, Caz Hicks, Charlie, Clive, Chloe, Claudia, David B., David P., Diana, Emma SK, Georgina, Greg, Harrison, Jason, Jeff, Jess E., Joe, Josh S., Josh T., Lee, Louis, Lucy, Matt, Neil, Paul, Richard W., Rob, Rowan, Sarah, Simon, Tim, Tina, Toby C., Toby F., Tony.
Main Suppliers
Alden Cabinets, Apollo Foam, Autopaints, Bay Plastics, BPAT Ltd, Brighton & Hove Plastics, Cass Art, Chandlers Building Supplies, CHR Wraps, Covers, Creffields, Dalston Mills, Eagle Plastics, EPS, Essex Tube Windings, Flints, Hobby Craft, IMS, South Coast Metal, Minerva Crafts, Mylands, Notcutts, Peter Evans Studios, Total Machining Solutions
Photography at St Pancras International
Sam Lane Photography
More magic this way
There’s plenty more eye-popping, jaw-dropping, mind-blowing, supersized, spectacular creations here: