Palmerston North is beginning to look a bit like Christmas.

The city council has got in the festive spirit by erecting its Christmas tree in The Square.

It will take about two days to put up, with council arborists starting construction yesterday.

Executive support general manager Jane Julian said it was the same tree used for the past three years.

Bought in 2008, it caused controversy at the time, as its budget blew out to about $32,000.

She said picking the right time to erect the tree was easy, as the city's Christmas parade was on this Saturday.

"We try not to start Christmas too early in this town, so the end of November or the first week of December is preferable."

The tree's LED bulbs will be lit up tomorrow night from 8pm.

A young boy, who won a competition, will get to put the star on the tree before the lights are switched on.

People attending the ceremony will be provided with hot chocolates and entertained by a choir.

- © Fairfax NZ News