Portsmouth wasn’t quite ready to part with its towering Christmas tree just yet. So they turned it into a Tree of Love — just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Now a tradition, the project began three years ago to boost spirits and share a little love, explained Brinn Sullivan, assistant recreation director for the city.

It was 2021, and her department was doing what it could to plan family-friendly activities that could be done safely outdoors. “It was the pandemic, and people needed a little extra love,” Sullivan said.

The Christmas tree in Market Square was a popular draw for families. That’s when they had an inspiration: “Let’s transform the tree into the Tree of Love for the Valentine’s season,” Sullivan said.

They invited city residents of all ages to color valentines, and the recreation staff laminated them and hung them up. It was a hit, especially among the littlest ones, who were thrilled to search for their hearts hanging on the tree, Sullivan said.

“We’ve been doing it since then. We get such wonderful feedback from people,” she said. “It’s a free activity, it promotes creativity and art, and it’s a good reason to get outside.”

“The Market Square tree is in the shadow of North Church, and it’s at this intersection in Portsmouth where all walks of life intersect,” Sullivan said.

“Anyone, regardless of age, can color a heart, be as creative as they want and hang it on the tree,” she said. “The next person’s going to see it and read their message, and hopefully smile and be the better for it.”

By late last week, they had received more than 300 hearts to decorate the tree, including submissions from a second-grade class at Little Harbour School.

It’s not only little kids who love the project, Sullivan said. Big kids, too, come by to take selfies in front of the tree and then post their photos on social media. “It was really heartwarming to see teenagers get into it,” she said.

It’s a favorite activity for her department as well, Sullivan said. “We derive so much joy from seeing what people come up with,” she said. “It’s a real treat for us.”

“We want to promote kindness and love, and just spread that really positive energy throughout our community,” she said. “Whether you live in Portsmouth or are a guest, we welcome everyone to hang a heart.”

Sullivan said she’ll collect any last-minute hearts dropped off at the Recreation Department before Valentine’s Day, and Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern will hang them on the tree on Wednesday.

Not everyone is enamored with Valentine’s Day, but not to worry.

The Tree of Love has a much broader message, and appeal, than what many consider a “Hallmark holiday,” Sullivan said. “This is about community and kindness and spreading love,” she said.

“We could do this event any time of the year,” she said. “We just happen to have a tree left over from the holidays, so logistically it works out.”

The city’s 40-foot blue spruce is donated by the Pease Development Authority, and the city’s Parks and Greenery Department replants a tree each year at Pease to replace the one taken.

After its service as the Tree of Love, the Market Square evergreen will come down later in February.

But until then, Sullivan said she hopes it makes people smile.

“We’re spreading a little light and love and a little happiness,” she said. “We need it on these cold winter days.”

The Tree of Love is on display in Market Square through Friday, Feb. 16. Participants are encouraged to tag their photos with #Portsmouth Rec and #portsmouthtreeoflove on social media.