during half hourly water shows, 48 pumps shoot water 20 meters into the air, from 8pm to 11pm. the construction, maintenance, and final dismantling of the tree involves almost 1,100 workers. 

11 specially designed floating steel blocks, forming an 810 square base, support the structure. 2,228 kilo volt amperes (kva) are required to light the tree, and the christmas tree as well as the magical reflection of the lights on the surface of the water can be seen from anywhere around the rodrigo de freitas lagoon.

admission is always free and the event usually opens at 8pm, though excited crowds have been known to form earlier in the afternoon.