News Photo by Darby Hinkley This tree decorated by the Alpena County Horseman’s Club is part of the Community of Trees display in the Season of Light exhibit at Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan.

ALPENA — It takes a lot of preparation and planning and a whole lot of holiday helpers to present the Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan’s Season of Light display.

“DeLynn Medina and Laurie Anderson work with staff to develop a theme to do some of the major unique elements,” said Christine Witulski, executive director at Besser Museum. “This year, we chose a Victorian Charles Dickens theme, with rose golds, blushes, and light pink.”

She noted that Medina and Anderson start planning early in the year and begin working in August.

“They are 100% volunteer,” she said. “It’s truly a team effort.”

Thunder Bay Arts Council helped decorate the Trees of Nations in one gallery, while the Community of Trees features trees decorated by 18 different nonprofits in the Wilson Art Gallery this year.

“It truly is a community effort to bring this Christmas magic to our Northeast Michigan visitors,” Witulski said. “There are over 40 trees, and the Christmas village is up this year. There’s something special around every corner and tucked into every tree. People can just meander through and enjoy the holiday surroundings.”

She added that the museum closed from Nov. 1 through 18 to transform the place into a Christmas wonderland.

“We deck the halls,” she said, noting that all staff helps with the process. “We really work seven days … Sarah Honeycutt and Nicole Page set the village this year and it really turned out awesome. It’s very well-staged. Kids come in and they just love the village.”

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays through Saturdays.

“It’s just a great way to get into the holiday spirit and get inspired,” Witulski said, adding that museum memberships make a great gift. “It’s a great way to create special holiday memories.”