The Festival of Trees: Candied Christmas
Ornately decorated gingerbread house and yard, lit with small lights on a sheet of artificial snow.
Text: The Festival of Trees, November 20 - December 28, 2025, “Candied Christmas”, The Brookings Arts Council 524 4th St., Brookings SD
One Sweet Tradition!
Every year the Brookings Arts Council is transformed into a winter wonderland of holiday splendor created around beautifully decorated trees and displays each with their own theme and style. From whimsical to elegant and everything in between, this year promises to be no different!
The celebration’s special events this year include a local artisan holiday shop, musical performances throughout the holidays, and of course the trees! Additionally, we will have some extended hours during the holiday season.
Interested in becoming decorator?
Our theme for 2025 is Candied Christmas. Decorators are welcome to keep that theme in mind for their tree, but it is not required to decorate to that theme. Check out our Pinterest board for an idea on how we will be decorating the space!
17 provided trees are available for decoration at the BAC for $35 per tree for businesses, groups, organizations, and individuals. Got a group of crafty friends? Or an artistic family? Let’s do it!
Decorators are responsible for providing all elements of their design, including lights, a tree skirt, tree topper, and anything you would like to be under your tree, we will have power strips and extension cords.
Once all the trees have been registered for, a sign up will be sent out to decorators to pick a time to choose/decorate their tree. We have a variety of sizes and shapes of trees, and selection will be first come first serve.
Wreaths are also available for take-home and return decoration for $10/wreath
Popular votes will be cast by the public for favorite trees; the 1st place winner will receive a BAC gift basket and a whole year of bragging rights!
Not sure you want to commit to a whole tree? Wreaths are available for take home decorating too! Wreaths will not be voted on, but they will help us make the space even more magical!
Interested in becoming a vendor at our holiday gift shop?
The Brookings Arts Council is excited to once again transform one of our galleries into a holiday gift shop showcasing local and regional artists and makers. Our holiday shop will open November 20th and will run through the end of the year.
Artists can drop off artwork during our open hours between November 11-15th. Please bring a completed copy of your inventory sheet or fill one out at drop-off.
Please have each piece labeled with your name and price somewhere visible on the item or artwork.
To encourage holiday sales, we are asking that work in the store be $100 or less. Please take into consideration our 20% commission when pricing your artwork. We are not accepting edible products or artworks that contain copyrighted or AI generated images at this time. Items and artwork must be hand-made or prints of hand made art; due to our very limited space the BAC reserves the right to decline applications or items that do not adequately meet that requirement—thank you for understanding.
There are no size, weight, or quantity restrictions, but keep in mind that smaller works may sell better. Space is limited, so we may keep some of the art in back stock to replenish as it sells throughout the season.
Interested in Performing or hosting an activity amongst the trees?
Contact us directly at directorbac@swiftel.net or call us at 605-692-4177 (don’t be afraid to leave a voicemail if we can’t get to the phone!) we’d love to plan something with you, whether it’s free or paid.