Create a Tree
SEEN warmly invites you to be part of SEEN Christmas Trees 2026.
This is an opportunity to enjoy the creative process and have your work enjoyed by others. Each tree is as unique as the different artists that make them. The trees will be displayed all together, creating a festive, quirky, Christmas Wonderland.
You might enter as an individual, or create a collaborative tree as a family, classroom, school, community group or local business. We hope this creative time brings you joy!
Your tree can be as simple, bold, quirky, colourful, sustainable or imaginative as you like. We encourage projects that are thoughtful, handmade and full of personality.
There is a registration fee of $40 per tree, this includes two free tickets to our exhibition and helps to offset the cost of running this event. All additional funds raised go towards SEEN Learning Collective, to enable us to continue to deliver our children's programmes.
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2026 Tree Categories
Once Upon A Tree
Step into the pages of your favourite storybook, and craft a tree inspired by fictional characters and far away lands.
Christmas Through the Ages
Travel through time by creating a tree inspired by the past, present or future. Think Christmas with the dinosaurs, in the Middle Ages, Art Deco, the 1960s or even 100 years from now. Each tree represents a single moment in time. Together, they'll create a forest that visitors can explore through the ages.
We Are Rotorua
Celebrate the people, places, cultures and stories that make our community unique. Whether you're representing a school, business, community group, whānau or simply yourself, show us what makes you, you.
Earth's Treasures
Celebrate the beauty of the natural world by creating a Christmas tree using natural materials. From leaves, branches and seed pods to shells, stones and flowers, let nature be your inspiration.
Marvelous Miniatures
Great things come in small packages. Show off your craftsmanship by creating a miniature Christmas tree between 1cm and 20cm tall.
Important Dates and FAQ'S
Registrations - Open Now
Tree Details (Category, title, artist and short blurb) - 15th November
Trees to be delivered - Thursday 26th November 8am - 12noon
Exhibition Dates - 27th, 28th and 29th of November
Trees collected - 29th and 30th of November
Can I decorate a Christmas Tree?
No. This event encourages people to construct the tree. If you have an idea to create decorations, we encourage you to think creatively about what else could be used to create a simple base - plywood, wooden structures, branches. No artificial, commercially purchased trees allowed.
How big is too big?
Trees that are over 150cm tall make a stronger impact (unless entering Marvelous Minatures of course), as long as you can transport it and fit it through the doorway, there is no size limit (the hall ceiling is approx 4 meters high). In the past people have constructed trees in layers that can be assembled on site.
Can my tree have power/lights?
Yes. Please provide an extension cord during installation.