One tell-tale sign of holiday season is decorated trees and with the Brookings Arts Council (BAC) and the Student Union putting on festivals of trees, the holidays will feel close.

The two separate festivals showcase trees decorated by local and student organizations to spread holiday spirit across campus and the community.

This year for the 32nd BAC festival of trees, 18 organizations or individuals registered and will begin decorating their trees on Nov. 14. They’re open for the public Nov. 24 and remain open until Dec. 22 at the BAC building, located on Fourth Street.

Other activities are on Nov. 29 all lead up to the parade, which is scheduled for 7 p.m.

On the day of the parade, students can visit the Children’s Museum of South Dakota for some dachshund-themed holiday cookies, matching the dog-centric theme of events this year.

Kuhlman hopes to see more SDSU students come to the tree showcase and participate in the festivities.

“It’s a great way for them to get connected to the community,” Kuhlman said.

For students that would rather stick to campus festivities, the Festival of Trees in The Union is an on-campus chance to see decorated trees.

The event will showcase around 45 trees decorated by various student groups. Applications to get a tree are due Monday, Nov. 19. There’s a $35 registration fee. The trees will be displayed by Nov. 29 for SDSU’s open house, which will feature Santa Claus.

“We like to give people the feeling of Christmas and a homey feeling during finals,” Miranda McMullen, a senior and student manager for Information Exchange said, “and give a chance for student organizations to display themselves.”

Some members from Student’s Association are decorating a tree this year, something Vice President Spencer Harwood said is a good opportunity for their organization.

“It gives a chance to do some team bonding outside the Senate together. We’re able to capture our group’s personality on the tree,” Harwood said.