Authentic or ugly? Montrealers debate the city's 26-metre Christmas tree

The goal was to get a Christmas tree so big, it would rival the one at Rockefeller Center in New York.

But many Montrealers have complained that the 26-metre tree is ugly, skinny and lopsided. 

The tree was lit during a ceremony hosted by Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre on Nov. 30 — and has been the subject of criticism on social media in the week since.

It even has its own Twitter account.

A local company, Sapin MTL, teamed up with Just For Laughs, Canadian Tire and La Tribu to install Montreal's tree in the heart of Quartier des Spectacles at Place des Arts. 

Despite its size, one Montrealer said it brings back memories of Charlie Brown's sad, mangled tree.

For her part, Anna Zavitsanos said it's "a pretty sad excuse for a Christmas tree compared to the Rockefeller tree."

"It's a little bit skinny," she said.

Others jumped to defend the tree.

"It's a wonderful tree you can't go wrong with that many lights. It's Christmas, it doesn't have to be perfect," said Carolyn Jameson.

"[It's] just missing a star."

Montrealer Haythem Abid says he doesn't mind if the tree isn't perfect.

"As long it makes kids happy, that's cool."

Canadian Heritage Minister Melanie Joly, the MP for Ahuntsic-Cartierville, joined in the conversion online, saying she's happy with the all-natural balsam fir.

"I think it's beautiful, especially since it's real," Marie-Elaine Labelle said.

"Compared to the Rockefeller tree, which cost over $100,000. It's got jewels and fake branches to make it look bigger and better ... It's close to what Christmas is all about, being authentic."