Fernbank Once Again Invites Atlantans to 'Winter Wonderland' of Trees Decorated by International Community

A display of trees decorated by Atlanta consulates and global community organizations is back on display at Fernbank Museum of Natural History for the 13th year this holiday season.

“Winter Wonderland: Celebration and Traditions Around the World” provides a colorful backdrop and dose of international awareness for visitors enjoying the museum’s myriad events and activities this year.

“The exhibit provides many opportunities for our guests to learn about cultural traditions and the diversity that is represented, both in Atlanta and across the globe,” Bobbi Hohmann, McClatchey curator and vice president of programming and collections, said in a news release.

The trees represent an ecumenical array of traditions, from Christmas and Hanukkah to Dia de los Muertos as well as some secular celebrations.

While its ostensible focus is on natural history, Fernbank’s programming often intersects with the international community.

Examples of the museum’s multicultural collaborations over the years include 68 Voces/Voices, an exhibition of stories recounted in indigenous Mexican languages; a major exhibition on Mongolian emperor Genghis Khan and an IMAX film on the migration of monarch butterflies from Canada to Mexico, among many others.

Starting Thursday, visitors to the outdoor nature experience, WildWoods: AGLOW, will also be able to tour the Winter Wonderland exhibit on the entry and upper levels of the museum, allowing them to take advantage of the view of the trees in their illuminated state.

Organizations representing some 28 countries and regions are represented among this year’s trees, including: