As fall approaches, the Festival of Trees committee continues its work to make this year’s fundraising event a huge success.Thanksgiving will be here in a blink of an eye – bringing with it the 41st Festival of Trees.
Held the first weekend after Thanksgiving, Festival of Trees rings in the holiday season for hundreds of those eager to get the holidays under way. This year’s series of events begins on Friday, November 27 through December 1.
For those unfamiliar with Festival of Trees, it is spearheaded each year by a group of volunteers, under the auspices of Friends of Hospice. All proceeds, nearly $3.9 million to date, directly benefit Talbot Hospice.
This year’s theme, “A Holiday to Remember,” is inspiration to tree and wreath decorators. Leading the charge this year is chairman Dale Jafari and co-chairman Gail Shorter, each a long-time Festival of Trees volunteer.
For Dale, volunteering to support Talbot Hospice is personal. “I have spent over a decade volunteering with the Festival of Trees because it gives me the opportunity to strengthen the vital services Talbot Hospice provides. Their support meant everything to our family as our mother was dying, and I am committed to supporting them as they continue to care for our community,” Dale explains.
Co-chairman Gail says it is an “honor to step into the role of co-chair of the entire event.” She explains, “I have been honored to be a volunteer for the Festival of Trees for the past several years. I was welcomed into this supportive family, everyone dedicated to the same cause – providing support to individuals and their families through this end-of-life transition. Before I volunteered, I would attend the event and feel the wonder and magic that surrounds all the trees. I had always wanted to be part of making this happen.”
The Festival of Trees is truly magical. Walking into the Gold Ballroom of the historic Tidewater Inn is a beautiful sight. One hundred trees of varying sizes, all twinkling in lights, is the maker of memories each holiday season.
The Preview Gala, which serves as the official launch for the Festival, will be held on Friday, November 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. Advance tickets will be sold only. The Festival is then open to the public from Saturday, November 28 through Tuesday, December 1. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $5 for children 6 to 12, and free for those 5 and under.
Don’t miss the Mistletoe Marketplace again this year where carefully curated items, including custom ornaments and notecards, are perfect for gifting or adding a touch of festive charm to your home. And explore a collection of wreaths and one-of-a-kind trees ranging in size from 12 inches to 3 feet.
A family event, the Festival of Trees offers Santa’s Workshop on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Children pose with Santa and the elves for a holiday keepsake and participate in crafts that will be enjoyed for years to come.
For those who enjoy a brisk jog, dress in your best elf costume and join the Santa 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, November 28 at 9 a.m. at Idlewild Park. Awards are given by age group and pets are welcome to participate, too.
Reserve beautiful poinsettias in time for the holiday season online at festival-of-trees.org. The limited-edition luminary design for 2026 will be unveiled in the near future and is a real show stopper. Additionally, a festive quilt designed for this year’s Festival of Trees will be raffled in support of Talbot Hospice.
To volunteer, sponsor, or learn more, visit the website at festival-of-trees.org, email talbotfestival@gmail.com or call 410-819-3378 (FEST).
