A Wisconsin museum is facing criticism and backlash following its annual Christmas tree festival, which featured controversial entries this year. Out of the 66 trees on display at the National Railroad Museum in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, the ones that garnered the most attention belonged to the Satanic Temple of Wisconsin and the Bay Area Council on Gender Diversity. These trees deviated from the traditional ornaments depicting Jesus, angels, and other symbols associated with the holiday season.

The Satanic Temple's tree was adorned with red lighting and beads, pentagrams, and various ornaments, including one that read, "Hail Santa," a play on the phrase, "Hail Satan." On the other hand, the Gender Diversity tree featured pink and blue colored trans flags, as well as ornaments with messages such as "Protect Trans Kids."

According to local NBC affiliate WGBA, Jacqueline Frank, the CEO of the museum, acknowledged that some local residents had expressed concerns about the presence of these trees, while others praised their inclusivity. The controversy also spilled onto social media, with users expressing their outrage and questioning the appropriateness of displaying these trees at a "family-friendly event." Some even drew comparisons to California, claiming that Wisconsin was becoming “Commiefornia” and lamenting the loss of its wholesome and safe reputation.

Fox News Digital spoke with Luke Farwell, a local Christian pastor from De Pere, Wisconsin, who questioned the museum's decision to include these trees at a Christmas event targeted towards children. Farwell expressed his disappointment at what he perceived as a “pushback” against Christians in terms of their First Amendment rights, while groups like the Satanic Temple were allowed to participate in such a manner. He argued that Christians believe in free speech, including for the Satanic Temple, but questioned the judgment of combining Christian themes with Satanic ones.

Farwell called on fellow Christians to exercise their ability to allow different ideologies and groups with differing viewpoints to be included at venues such as the National Railroad Museum. However, he emphasized that Christians should also recognize when these displays may be offensive or belittling to their faith and holiday celebrations. Farwell concluded by referencing a quote from the late Christian author C.S. Lewis, stating, "There is no neutral ground in the universe; every square inch, every split second, is claimed by God and counter-claimed by Satan."

Fox News Digital reached out to the National Railroad Museum for comment on the controversy surrounding the trees.