The nine-day celebration benefits the Orlando Museum of Art and its educational programs.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Festival of Trees will return to the Orlando Museum of Art Nov. 14–22, celebrating its 40th anniversary with designer-decorated trees, visits with Santa, holiday workshops and evening parties.
Presented by the Council of 101, with AdventHealth as platinum presenting sponsor, this year’s festival carries the theme “Forty Seasons of Joy.” Its design inspiration comes from the ruby, a traditional symbol of a 40th anniversary.
The museum will feature more than 50 designer-decorated trees, along with wreaths, tablescapes, holiday vignettes, a Gingerbread Village and a Holiday Boutique, according to organizers.
“Whether you’re bringing the children to meet Santa, gathering friends for a festive night out or finding inspiration for your own holiday decorating, there’s a way to make the season your own at Festival of Trees,” said Elizabeth Benoist, president of the Council of 101.
Hours, Tickets and Museum Support
The festival will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Nutcracker Café will operate from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
General admission costs $23 for adults and $15 for children ages 3–12. Seniors, active-duty and retired military personnel, first responders and educators qualify for $15 admission with valid identification.
Guests can purchase designer trees, wreaths and gingerbread creations, enter drawings for tabletop displays and participate in a silent auction. Proceeds support the museum and its educational and lifelong-learning programs.
“We’re excited to welcome guests back for another memorable celebration that supports the Orlando Museum of Art and the important role it plays in enriching our community through art and education,” Benoist said.
Santa Breakfasts and Family Celebrations
Breakfast with Santa returns Nov. 14, 15 and 21 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Families can reserve tables for four, six, eight or 10 guests, with prices ranging from $185 to $460.
The breakfasts include a hot meal, crafts, face painting, photos with Santa, balloon artists and early access to the festival.
The Reindeer Romp Children’s Holiday Party takes place Nov. 20 from 6:30 to 9 p.m., with VIP admission beginning at 5:30 p.m. Activities include photos with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, face painting, holiday sing-alongs and reindeer stilt walkers.
Tickets cost $35 per adult or child of any age, or $40 for VIP admission. Dinner will be available for purchase at the café.
Holiday Parties and Evening Events
The celebration begins before the public opening with the Opening Night “TreeView” Party on Nov. 13 from 7 to 10 p.m. The evening includes entertainment, food offerings and a ceremonial tree lighting. Guests receive a welcome glass of sparkling wine and two drink tickets; a cash bar will also be available.
Other evening events include:
| Event | Date and time | Admission |
|---|
| Ugly Sweater Holiday Party — Live music, a holiday sweater contest and cash bar | Nov. 14, 7:30–9:30 p.m. | $40 |
| Festival After 5 — After-hours displays and Holiday Cookie Stops; food and beverages sold separately | Nov. 19, 5:30–9:30 p.m. | $15 adults; $10 children |
| Sip & Sleigh Cocktail Party — Adults-only evening with jazzy holiday music; food and drinks sold separately | Nov. 21, 7–9 p.m. | $35 |
Decorating, Beauty and Entertaining Workshops
The festival’s workshops offer ideas guests can bring into their own holiday celebrations.
| Workshop | Date and time | Ticket price |
|---|
| From the White House to Your House — Winter Park interior designer Lindsay Matteoni shares stories, photographs and tips from volunteering to decorate the White House for Christmas | Nov. 14, 3:30–5 p.m. | $65 |
| Shimmer & Spice — Film and television makeup artist Leslie Christin demonstrates holiday makeup techniques | Nov. 15, 1:30–3:30 p.m. | $65 |
| The Festive Platter — Chef-led appetizer demonstration, tastings and take-home recipes | Nov. 15, 3:30–5:30 p.m. | $70 |
| Baubles & Branches — Bow-making techniques and seasonal decorating tips | Nov. 21, 3–5 p.m. | $65 |
The makeup workshop is limited to 25 guests, who should bring a hand or stand mirror. Participants in Baubles & Branches may bring their own ribbon or use materials provided.
Special-event tickets are priced separately from general admission and include festival admission, according to organizers.
Special Days Honor Seniors and Community Heroes
Salute to Seniors takes place Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering guests ages 60 and older $15 admission and special entertainment.
Heroes Day, scheduled for Nov. 22 during the same hours, offers $15 admission with valid identification to active-duty and retired military personnel, first responders and educators.
New Café Operator Supports Hunger Relief
Plate Above Catering, a catering company of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, will operate The Nutcracker Café this year.
Organizers said the partnership connects the festival’s support for arts education with local hunger relief efforts.
Tickets, special-event details and updates are available at councilof101.org. Follow @FestivalofTreesOrlando on Facebook and @councilof101oma on Instagram.
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