A beloved Genesee County holiday tradition is getting a new home this year. The 26th annual Wonderland of Trees is moving out of the Holland Land Office Museum and into the former JCPenney store in Batavia City Centre, with organizers framing the shift around a fitting theme: “Christmas Under Construction.”
The move comes because of renovations at the museum itself, according to the Holland Land Office Museum, which says this year's display will be featured at a new location while work continues on the historic building. Genesee County has separately confirmed it began restoration work at the Holland Land Office in Batavia, with exterior and interior repairs and building-system updates continuing in phases through fall 2026 and spring 2027, according to Genesee County, New York. The temporary new venue, the former JCPenney space, sits inside Batavia City Centre, according to the museum.
A Theme Born From the Disruption
Rather than treat the renovation as a hiccup, organizers leaned into it, naming this year's display “Christmas Under Construction,” per the museum. The event, now in its 26th year in Genesee County, features local businesses and organizations decorating holiday displays, according to TheDailyNewsOnline.com, which first reported on the relocation. The museum says hundreds of visitors typically come through each year to view nearly forty trees between November and January.
Last year's festival featured upward of 30 decorated trees, and Volunteers For Animals was among the participants, the outlet's reporting notes. Purple Pony Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc. won the staff choice award, while Volunteers For Animals took the people's choice award. Helen Batchellor's creativity helped shape the event.
Opening Gala Plans
The opening gala is set for Friday, Nov. 20. The 2025 gala included a basket raffle, food from the Alabama Hotel and music by the DSP Jazz Trio, per the same report.
At the 2025 event, tickets could be purchased until Saturday, Dec. 20, and winners were drawn at the end, according to The Batavian.
How to Take Part or Visit
Prospective participants can decorate trees at the museum from Nov. 1 until opening night. The display is expected to remain open through the end of December, and the museum notes that admission to Wonderland of Trees is included with regular museum admission.
Regular opening hours for this year's display had not been announced at press time. The museum describes the event as supporting the community and spreading holiday cheer, with proceeds helping the Holland Land Office Museum cover operating costs and fund educational programs for the public.
The community element has grown considerably over the years. Past coverage from The Batavian described more than 40 organizations and businesses participating with decorated trees in a recent year. Those wanting more information or looking to participate can call 585-343-4727 or visit the Holland Land Office Museum website.
