An artificial tree has a central trunk, a number of main branches suspended from an upper portion of the trunk in a downwardly and outwardly inclined orientation, and a preformed tree top section extending upwardly from the upper portion of the trunk. Each main branch includes a number of sub-branch clusters and a bundle of fiber optic conduits which terminate in the sub-branches. The bundles of fiber optic conduits are received in an opaque enclosure housing a high intensity light source, which enclosure is attached to the upper portion of the trunk. Electric lights are disclosed as an alternative means to illuminate the tree. The trunk includes upwardly open hook elements which receive pin elements within the interior of rigid support members of the main branches. Each sub-branch cluster is pivotally connected to an associated rigid support member to articulate between a collapsed position for storage and shipping, and an extended position for display.