Christmas Tree Lane

Christmas Tree Lane at the Dacotah Prairie Museum is a beloved annual holiday tradition that transforms the museum’s galleries into a festive, community-driven winter exhibit. Each year, local businesses, organizations, families, and individuals are invited to decorate Christmas trees inspired by a unifying theme, creating a diverse and imaginative display woven throughout the museum’s permanent exhibits. Visitors are encouraged to stroll through the galleries and experience the trees as part of the larger historical setting, blending seasonal creativity with the stories of the Dakota Prairie.

The 2025 theme, “Yule Be in My Heart,” invited participants to explore the emotional and nostalgic side of the season, encouraging decorations that reflect warmth, connection, memory, and the personal meanings of Christmas. Whether through family traditions, sentimental ornaments, or heartfelt storytelling, the theme emphasized the spirit of togetherness that defines the holidays.

In 2026

Looking ahead, the 2026 theme, “Spirit of ’76,” will offer a distinctly patriotic interpretation of the holiday season, aligning with the nation’s 250th anniversary. Participants will be encouraged to blend Christmas traditions with American heritage—incorporating red, white, and blue motifs, historical references, and themes of independence, community pride, and civic identity. The result promises to be a visually striking and meaningful exhibition that connects holiday celebration with the nation’s founding.

Together, these evolving themes highlight what makes Christmas Tree Lane unique: it is not just a display of decorated trees, but a living community exhibit—one that invites creativity, honors tradition, and reflects both personal stories and shared history year after year.