The Midwest Museum of Natural History offers non-profits and businesses the opportunity to decorate Christmas trees as part of a competition known as the Festival of Trees.

The Festival of Trees is in its third year and has sold out of trees with a record high of 20 participants this year, said Molly Holman, executive director of the Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St. in Sycamore.

The trees are decorated in November and displayed in December, said Margaret Glick, president of the Board of Directors at the Midwest Museum of Natural History.

“The museum gets decked out for the holidays,” Holman said. “We have live animal presentations and free tours on Saturdays. Trees that are on display have been decorated by different groups in our community.”

Throughout December, museum visitors can make a donation to vote for their favorite tree, Holman said.

“Last year, the Sycamore High School art department won first place,” Holman said. “They are back this year and I can’t wait to see what they come up with.”

The winner will be recognized by the museum and all trees will be on display in the exhibit hall at the museum, Glick said.

“The festival is a great holiday activity for families to enjoy throughout the holiday season,” Glick said. “At the same time, businesses and non-profit groups enjoy decorating the trees.”

Sharon Emanuelson, marketing and public relations director at Kishwaukee Community Hospital, 1 Kish Hospital Drive, said this is the hospital’s third year participating in the event.

“The Midwest Museum of Natural History is an asset for our community,” Emanuelson said. “The Festival of Trees helps them raise money and we are happy to be a part of it.”