Scott Larson, digital content manager for the Steamboat Springs Chamber and part-time elf, helps his co-workers decorate the Chamber’s entree into the 24th annual Festival of Trees, which opens at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Tread of Pioneers Museum, 800 Oak St. The trees will be on display daily through Nov. 26. (Photo by John F. Russell)

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — The Christmas spirit will be aglow this weekend at the Tread of Pioneers Museum for the 24th annual Festival of Trees.

The holiday festivities transform the museum into a twinkling forest that is open to the community starting Saturday, Nov. 17, with free daily viewings available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Monday, Nov. 26.

“We feel we’re a part of the community and believe these traditions are foundational to our valley,” said Donine Schwartz, president of the Delectable Mountain Quilters Guild. “We love the unique creativity that comes out each year at this event.”

The trees were decorated by 25 local organizations, artists, clubs and businesses, including Colorado Crane Conservation Coalition, Young Bloods Collective, Elevation Dance Studio, Steamboat Art Museum, Moxie Home Consign and Design, Emerald Mountain School, Holy Name Preschool, LiftUp of Routt County, Yampatika, local Girl Scout troops, the Ladies Recreation Club and more.

The decoration themes ranged from the “North Pole” to “Harry Potter and the Wizarding World” to “An old fashioned Christmas from the heart.” There will be an opportunity to vote for a favorite tree in the decorating competition.

The Quilters Guild decked its tree with handmade, Victorian-style and pioneer-inspired ornaments, white lace ornaments, hand-sewn doves and garland made of fabric and ribbon wrapped with wooden thread spools.

“The theme and its decorations are a way to share with the community who we are and gives character to our tree,” Schwartz said.

To reach Audrey Dwyer, call 970-871-4229, email adwyer@SteamboatPilot.com or follow her on Twitter @Audrey_Dwyer1

Katie Womack works with co-workers from Jones Wither Property Management to decorate a tree for the 24th annual Festival of Trees. (Photo by John F. Russell)

An ornament on Elevation Dance Studio’s tree titled “Nutcracker Winter Wonderland.” (Photo by John F. Russell)

A feather graces this tree by Emerald Mountain School. (Photo by John F. Russell)

Julia Yamashita, 15, helps decorate a tree for Girl Scouts Troop No. 4313 while setting up for the 24th annual Festival of Trees. (Photo by John F. Russell)