News
November 25, 2024Catholic Charities Hosts 29th Annual Saratoga Festival of Trees
Catholic Charities invites the local community to unwrap the magic of the holiday season at their 29th annual fundraiser – The Festival of Trees – on Wednesday, December 4, through Sunday, December 8, at the Saratoga Springs City Center.
The Festival returns with a showcase of beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, and other holiday and gift items for purchase. Festival proceeds will benefit the programs of Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. Traditional Festival of Trees tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the Festival. Festival of Trees event tickets can be purchased by calling 518-587-5000, or online here. Tickets are $10 per person, $5 for Seniors, $5 for ages over 10, and free for anyone 10 and under, when accompanied by an adult. Special admission pricing set at $5 will be offered on Thursday, December 5, for the Victorian Streetwalk.
The Festival of Trees event hours:
- Preview Reception, Wednesday, December 4, 6-8pm
- Festival of Trees, Thursday, December 5, 4-9pm; Friday, December 6, 3-8pm; Saturday, December 7, 11am-7pm; and Sunday, Dec 8, 11-2pm.
The Preview Reception, on Wednesday, December 6, from 6-8pm, is an opportunity to be the first to walk amid hundreds of beautifully twinkling trees, wreaths, centerpieces and other holiday decor available for sale and viewing. Complimentary food & drinks, generously donated by the Olde Bryan Inn & many other local businesses, will also be provided. Tickets for the Preview Reception are sold in advance only.
New this year is Tinsel and Tonic: Happy Hour for a Cause. On Friday, December 6, from 5-7pm, the 2024 Festival of Trees weekend will kick off with an evening of festive cheer as local bars, including Whitman Brewing Co, Wheatfields, Henry Street Taproom, and Old Tavern Farm, mix up craft cocktails, accompanied by live music from Demantra Constantine. Chris Onorato of WNYT NewsChannel 13 and Ashley Miller, formerly of WNYT, will co-host the event with fun raffles & giveaways throughout the evening. Tickets are available online (preferred) or at the door.
Breakfast with Santa returns again this year. There are two Breakfasts with Santa on Saturday, December 7: the first scheduled for 8:30-9:30am, the second from 10-11am. Sundaes with Santa follows from 11:30-1pm. Tickets are $10 each. Children 2 and under are free. Adults must accompany children. Tickets include either the breakfast or sundae, a tour of the Festival of Trees, a chat with Santa, and access to a variety of children’s activities for $1 per ticket. Activities include cookie decorating, face painting, manicures, ornament making, picture frame creating and letters to Santa. There will also be a Holiday Shop with gifts for purchase. Breakfast with Santa and Sundaes with Santa admission tickets are sold in advance only.
Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties, Jolene Munger said, “The Festival of Trees is a cherished tradition that brings our community together in the spirit of giving and celebration. This event not only spreads holiday joy, but also supports our mission to assist those in need. We are excited to welcome everyone to this year’s Festival, where every ticket purchased and every tree admired helps us continue our vital work in the tri-county area. We are particularly thrilled to introduce Tinsel and Tonic: Happy Hour for a Cause, a new addition that promises to bring even more festive cheer and spirit to our event. The participation and generosity that comes from the community makes a real difference in the lives of many.”
