Step through the doors of the Yoakum Heritage Museum during December, and you’ll feel like you’ve wandered straight into a wooded winter wonderland. Every year, the museum hosts its beloved Christmas Tree Forest—a magical display of nearly 50 uniquely decorated trees, each trimmed with creativity, personality and cheer.
What began more than 35 years ago as a small holiday display has grown into a cherished tradition, drawing visitors from across the Crossroads area. Each year brings a brand-new theme, ensuring the forest is never the same twice. For 2025, the theme is “Christmas Eve”, with displays capturing the traditions, anticipation and timeless joy of that special night.
A highlight of the Christmas Tree Forest is the enchanting come-and-go Night at the Museum event, held in early December. This special evening allows visitors to stroll from room to room and explore the forest after dark, where twinkling lights, a soft glow and live music create a storybook setting. “Often held with other Christmas festivities in Yoakum, this event has become a favorite stop for families, friends and community members alike,” says Director Laura Henson.
But what truly makes the Christmas Tree Forest shine is the community spirit behind it. Local families, schools, businesses, churches and civic organizations sponsor a tree in the forest. Each sponsor selects a variation that plays off the main theme—adding their own creative flair, imagination and personality to the theme-within-a-theme Christmas tree. The displays range from whimsical to majestic; many decorations are handcrafted by school children in the area, while others are precious heirlooms that have been passed down through generations, but each tree tells its own story. When the individual trees are all nestled together, they not only transform the museum into a remarkable celebration of the season but also showcase the community spirit of Yoakum itself. Henson delights in seeing the forest come together, saying “The Christmas Tree Forest is not static—it evolves! It is especially magnificent at night as each and every light contributes such grand splendor!”
Sponsors begin designing their visual elements as early as August, with decorating and tree setup taking place from mid-October through November. On the Thursday a week before Thanksgiving, the museum opens its doors to the public and remains open through New Year’s Day. For weeks on end, the museum is filled with holiday spirit, giving guests plenty of opportunity to stroll through the meandering forest. Visitors can also cast a vote for their favorite tree by placing $1 in the black box next to the tree. To plan your visit, check the Yoakum Heritage Museum Facebook page for regular and holiday hours, or call 361-293-7022 to make special arrangements. Admission is by free-will donation, gratefully accepted.
The Yoakum Heritage Museum itself is a community treasure, preserving and sharing local history through engaging exhibits and cultural events year-round, including the second-floor renovation to reflect Yoakum’s rich and extravagant Tom-Tom history.
So, if your holiday spirit needs a little more wonder, make plans to visit Yoakum’s Christmas Tree Forest. You’ll leave with your heart lighter, your smile brighter and a renewed sense of what makes Christmas—and community—so special.
In 2017, GVEC’s Power Up grant program helped the museum fund important wiring upgrades, ensuring the museum could continue safely hosting events like the Christmas Tree Forest for years to come.
