Good Tidings from the Festival of Trees
The holiday season kicks off in Atlanta with the annual Festival of Trees. For the third consecutive year, it takes place at the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth. The festival’s opening day is Saturday, November 21.
That’s followed by several theme days: Sunday is Pajama Day; Monday is free admission for people with physical and developmental disabilities and one caregiver, and Tuesday is complimentary admission for people age 62 and over. The festival is closed for Thanksgiving eve and Thanksgiving, and it resumes on Black Friday when active and retired law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS professionals and 911 dispatchers with qualifying identification can get in for free. Friday is also Homeschool Day and Ugly Sweater Day. On Saturday, for Armed Forces Day, active-duty military members and veterans with qualifying identification get in free of charge. The last day is Sunday, November 29, which is Holiday Hats Day.
Up For Auction: People attending the Festival of Trees can bid on beautifully decorated Christmas trees and other items. Photo credit: Georgia Festival of Trees
The festival features hundreds of designer Christmas trees that are up for auction, as are other decorative items including wreaths, centerpieces, Nativities and more.
As adults pick out their favorite holiday décor, kids can ride the Pink Pig, decorate cookies and get photos with Santa Claus. Each day includes live entertainment, boutique shopping and interactive experiences for all ages.
The festival is produced by the nonprofit Unto the Least of These, which supports year-round efforts to prevent exploitation and trafficking of children and strengthen resources for survivors.
