It was my family's first time at the Festival of Trees and we're kicking ourselves over not going sooner! It was held from Nov 29th - Dec 2nd, and we arrived a few hours before the last day's event concluded.
For starters, all funds raised at this event, which is put on by selfless volunteers with the help of generous community donations, support Primary Children's Hospital. That fact alone should be enough motivation to come and see what this event is all about!
The parking situation was definitely a little hectic, BUT despite waiting in a 4-5 minute line to get into the parking lot, once we were in, it only took us another minute or two of driving around to find a spot pretty close to the entrances. Honestly wasn't even that bad.
Once you enter the Mountain America Expo Center, which is where this event is held, you're greeted with amazing smells wafting through the open doors leading into the event. You can purchase tickets at the door or online! We bought our's online, so we were able to head straight in after getting our e-tickets scanned. (You receive e-tickets sent to your email if you purchase online)
It's overwhelming in the best ways to walk in for the first time and see how many different items they have on display at this event. Twinkling Christmas lights everywhere, endless rows of beautiful trees, wreaths, quilts, decorations, bake shops, treat stops, you won't know where to begin!!
It was packed when we arrived, and while there were a couple of times when we had a little trouble maneuvering our very large twin stroller through the crowd of people, majority of the time, we were fine. They do a really great job of spacing the aisles in between the rows of displays out enough.
We all got hot chocolates from the little grill they had open, and it was good, but it was hot chocolate from store-bought packets, which I personally didn't mind, but don't come expecting homemade hot chocolate or anything like that. They also served it scalding hot, so be careful when you take your first sip!
There was a huge band of performers who put on a yearly show at this event, and it was so much fun hearing their bagpipes and beautiful music as well as watching their traditional Irish and Highland dances! Before taking the main stage, the band paraded through the expo center playing their music while all the volunteers who put the event together were proudly parading behind!
Being a mom of 3, I know firsthand what it feels like to have a child who you love more than anything in the world. Imagine losing that child or having to watch that child suffer every single day of their life. It could easily be one of my kids, it could easily be one of your's or a child you may know.
Some of the trees had pictures of who I assume to be the tree donor's family member or someone they knew, many being children, who lost their life - it was devastating to see. A stark reminder of why this event is put on, and why it's so important to come out and show your support! Even simply buying a ticket to this event is a donation.
It was so heartwarming seeing the amount of donations, the countless volunteers who dedicate so much time and effort into making this event happen, and the sheer volume of community members who came out to support Primary Children's Hospital. If you're going to attend a Christmas event, you may as well go to one with an amazing and important cause such as this one!!
My family was truly awestruck at the beauty of the handmade items. We couldn't get enough of the amazing trees that were each decorated with their own unique themes and corresponding gifts. The treats from the shops are divine. My kids loved watching the live performances. Festival of Trees is absolutely a new yearly Christmas tradition for us! This event truly is a sight to behold and it's one that you absolutely can't and shouldn't miss out on!! read more