CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — It may not feel like Christmas-time outside in the Coastal Bend, but if you are looking to get into the holiday spirit, there is a Christmas wonderland that has taken over the Art Museum of South Texas.
It's the return of the 13th Annual Christmas Tree Forest, and this year's theme is bringing to life some popular childhood storybooks.
Museum director, Sara Morgan, explained the museum partners with H-E-B and the Junior League of Corpus Christi to put on the annual event, but that the area students are the key players here.
"It's amazing, the creativity the kids come up with. It's really fun to see every year!"
Several area schools are participating this year, each tasked with picking a book to draw inspiration from for their decorations: whether it's cempasúchil (marigolds) made from tissue paper as a tribute to "Coco," ornaments hand-crafted to look like candy from "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," the faces of gentle, misunderstood giants created out of construction paper from "Where the Wild Things Are," or an emerald city perched atop a tree of gold and glittery baubles showcasing "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," and much more.
The list goes on.
The tree forest will be on display through Wednesday, Dec. 14, but even once they're taken down, their stories don't end there. Morgan said the trees will then be gifted to local families through the Antonio E. Garcia Arts & Education Center.
"We box up the ornaments and we take them to the Garcia Center and families can come pick up a tree," Morgan said. "They have their tree and their decorations, so the trees keep on living, they don't stop here."
There are about 30 trees on display this year and with a dose of friendly competition too! Museum visitors can vote for their favorite tree using a QR code. According to Morgan, the top three schools whose trees win the most votes will get a prize.
You can learn more about the Christmas tree forest display by clicking here.
A reminder, admission to the art museum is free. To see what other holiday happenings they have in store this holiday season, click here.
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- Nueces County traffic stop turns into largest liquid fentanyl drug bust in US history
- Area districts try to keep students' spirits high, but cause some parents to stress
- Five arrested on organized crime, gambling charges after weeks-long game room investigation
- Surviving Harbor Bridge crash victim files lawsuit against Flatiron/Dragados, Railroad eatery, Palacios
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for your daily news and exclusive extended interviews.
Do you have a news tip? Tell 3!
Put your name and contact information below, or email tell3@kiiitv.com, so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.
If you do not have a photo/video to submit, just click "OK" to skip that prompt.