The American Tobacco District in Durham, NC, sparkles with Christmas trees—and lots of them!—as part of the 3rd Annual Triangle Christmas Tree Challenge.

A scene from the Triangle Christmas Tree Challenge (American Tobacco District, Durham NC)
Over sixty trees line the walk in Diamond View Park outside the DPAC (Durham Performing Arts Center). The trees were decorated by and represent non-profits around The Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill).
Voting is currently underway (and ending soon!) for the trees that most decoratively display “the non-profit’s message and creativity while still embracing the joy of the season.”[1] Prizes range from $1000 to $5000.
During my recent stroll through the tannenbaums, the following firs caught my eye:

Left: Durham Arts Council Tree; Right: Community Affordable Housing Equity Corporation Tree

I love the topper on this tree by Converting Hearts, which is a ministry that was started by graduates of my seminary.

Come on in! ‘Lanterns’ made out of soup cans illuminate some of the twinkle lights on this Urban Ministries tree.

The Orange County Toys for Tots tree is cute as a button.

The Genesis Home tree is pure gold.

The Durham Rescue Mission tree colorfully conveys the non-profit’s ministry of hope and help.

An angelic twist: The North Raleigh Ministries Tree
Beautiful, yes? You can view all of the 2012 trees here.