The Transylvania Heritage Museum’s ATOM exhibit brings back the glittering optimism of mid-century America, when sleek, fireproof aluminum Christmas trees captured the excitement of the Atomic and Space Age. This year’s Fun and Fabulous Fifties theme features more than two dozen vintage aluminum trees in 1950s colors, paired with the museum’s signature Shiny Brite Forest of over 400 classic ornaments. Rotating color wheels cast shifting hues across the foil branches, recreating the original light show, while nods to Elvis, poodle skirts, and mid-century style round out the decade’s shiny spirit. 

The exhibit runs November 14–January 16 in the museum’s historic 1890s house in downtown Brevard. Admission is free, with donations appreciated. A small gift shop offers vintage ornaments and locally made items. Combine your visit with shopping and dining in downtown Brevard, just a short drive from Asheville and next to Pisgah National Forest.