Peabody's City Hall Christmas Tree Crashes Down In Wild Storm

PEABODY, MA — Even the Christmas trees aren't safe in 2020.

The storm that brought fierce winds and rain to the North Shore Monday night sent the Peabody City Hall Christmas tree tumbling into the city's World War II memorial. Both the tree and the veterans memorial were "damaged beyond repair," according to Mayor Ted Bettencourt.

"We are very grateful that nobody was hurt during the City Hall mishap or anywhere else in Peabody during the storm," Bettencourt said.

Bettencourt said the city ordered a new memorial on Tuesday and that the city will make "every effort to replicate the original design." He said the intent is to have the new memorial in place by the spring.

"Those Peabody residents who who gave their lives for our country during World War II deserve nothing less," Bettencourt said.

As for the tree donated to the city by a "wonderful Peabody family," the mayor said that will be replaced as well.

The city is seeking donation of ornaments for the new tree — since many of those ones just put on the original 2020 were crushed in the crash.

"If you or your family can spare an ornament or two from your collection, please bring it to City Hall and place it in the special drop box located in front of the building," Bettencourt said. "We cannot let 2020 win. Peabody is strong and united in spirit and resolve."