Businesses, organizations, families and individuals can help create the ‘Country Christmas’ winter wonderland for visitors and residents to enjoy. The annual Festival of Trees at the Dawes County Courthouse returns this year, and for the first time is listed as one of the 20 stops on the Holiday Passport Program sponsored by State Tourism.
“The Holiday Passport program was implemented by the State Tourism Office a few years ago to build upon the popularity of the summer Passport program,” said Discover Northwest Nebraska Director Kerri Rempp. “There are fewer stops on the holiday version, but all of them are selected to provide a fun holiday experience as visitors travel the state. We’re thrilled to have the Festival of Trees on the exclusive list this year.”
The Festival of Trees kicks off Nov. 20 and runs through Jan. 8, 2025, and Passport stamps will be given to participants starting on Nov. 22. The Festival of Trees will be available for viewing during regular courthouse business hours.
“There will also be special viewing hours in conjunction with the Chadron Parade of Lights Dec. 5. The courthouse will be open from 5:30-7:30 p.m. that evening for viewing, with refreshments provided by courthouse staff and live music after the Parade of Lights by the United Methodist Handbell Choir,” Rempp said. “There will also be special viewing hours on four Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Saturday dates are Nov. 23, Nov. 30, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21.”
Anyone who wishes to participate in the Festival of Trees can register for free by Nov. 7 at the Chadron Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center. The registration form can also be downloaded online at https://discovernwnebraska.com/a-country-christmas.
“Participants must provide their own tree and decorations and are responsible for set-up and tear-down of their tree. Last year we had more than 30 trees decorated to a variety of themes, and I’d love to see more this year to give Passport participants and all other visitors a great experience,” Rempp said.
