Community invited to sponsor and decorate a tree at the Kentucky Coal Museum’s Festival of Trees

Published on Oct 17, 2025

The Kentucky Coal Museum in Benham invites businesses, organizations, churches, civic groups, families and individuals to kick off the holiday season early by sponsoring and decorating a tree at the museum for this year’s Festival of Trees.
 

Over 250 trees will be on display this holiday season, with the grand opening on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. This beloved tradition invites families, friends and visitors to enjoy an evening of live music, seasonal treats and festive fun. Guests can expect appearances by Santa Claus, the Grinch and other holiday favorites, plus carolers and musicians performing classic tunes throughout the museum. Seasonal refreshments will add to the cozy atmosphere.

“Each year, the creativity of our community shines through these beautifully decorated trees,” said museum curator Amanda Hughes. “It’s amazing to see local businesses, families, and organizations come together to make the museum sparkle with holiday spirit.”

Sponsoring a tree is a festive way to showcase your organization’s name, spread holiday cheer, and be part of one of the region’s most cherished holiday traditions. To participate, call 606.848.1530 by Nov. 15. Trees must be decorated before Thanksgiving.

Sponsors will be recognized on-site during the Festival of Trees and should provide their own signage for display. Current participants include Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College, Tri City Pentecostal Church, Save the Children, and Girl Scouts Troop 5161.

The display will remain up through the beginning of the new year, giving visitors plenty of time to enjoy the sights of the season. Admission is free on Dec. 6; regular museum admission applies for later visits.

Operated by Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College, the Kentucky Coal Museum is located in the historic International Harvester commissary building in downtown Benham, Kentucky. Its four floors of immersive exhibits preserve and exhibit artifacts that tell the story of coal miners and the impact of the industry on Appalachian communities. The museum welcomes thousands of visitors annually and offers educational programming that shares the region’s rich history.

For more information, visit kycoalmuseum.southeast.kctcs.edu or call 606.848.1530.