WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Catch the holiday spirit and kick off the season with the sights and sounds of the 20th annual Festival of Trees, featuring shopping, entertainment, activities for children and the chance to view the Christmas tree forest.
The event, held at the Education Building on the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds, is open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 17, and from noon until 5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 18.
Admission to the Festival of Trees is $6 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under. Parking is free. All proceeds from the Festival of Trees support pediatric programs at Brenner Children’s Hospital, part of Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.
“The Festival of Trees has always been one of the largest fundraisers for Brenner, and is an event that brings the community together in order to raise money for programs that directly help patients and their families,” said Susan Kennedy, director of annual support and special projects, at the medical center. “We encourage everyone to come out, celebrate the holidays and support the excellent pediatric programs at Brenner Children’s Hospital.”
Special displays of miniature trees and wreaths, activities, entertainment and shopping will take place during the festival. The centerpiece of the festival is the 40 large, theme trees decorated by local garden clubs, interior designers and the supportive Friends of Brenner Children’s Hospital, who put on the Festival of Trees each year.
Gingerbread houses and celebrity ornaments will be available through silent auction, while decorative wreaths and 2-foot and 3-foot miniature trees can be purchased throughout the weekend.
For shoppers looking for fun and unique holiday gifts, the festival will have a wide range of vendors including: Arbonne International, Catamount Specialties, Costco, DB Designs, Deedle fun! usable! art!, Discovery Toys, Embellished, Feel Good Frames Stores, Girlees & Brothers, Too!, Habitat for Humanity, House of Plants, Izzimo, Karen and Nancy Homemade Goodies, Lisa's Originals and Tastefully Simple, Madame Craftsalot, Sassy Selections, Silpada Designs, Sydney Austin Designs, Temptations Boutique, The Finishing Touch, The Longaberger Company ®, and Usborne Books.
For non-shoppers who want to relax and enjoy the holiday atmosphere, there is entertainment throughout the weekend, including Mad Science, Academy of Dance Arts and Suzuki Guitar Players.
A Santa’s Breakfast that includes special treats and a visit from Santa will be at 9 a.m. Saturday morning. Santa will hear everyone’s wish list, and his elf will be there to take photos. Children under 12 can go to the children’s activities area to make crafts and play games. They can also visit the Children’s Shop and look for gifts (all under $5).
For more information on the Festival of Trees, contact Cindy Caines at (336) 716-7985.
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Media Contact: Cindy Caines at (336) 716-7985
Media Relations
Main Number: news@wakehealth.edu, 336-713-4587