Festival of Trees 2024: A Magical Holiday Experience
Are you looking for things to do in Baltimore over Thanksgiving Weekend? Festival of Trees 2023, is a magical holiday experience for everyone! From the moment you walk through the entrance, your holiday senses spark. The twinkle lights and festive decorations greet you with cheer. It is time to indulge your holiday spirit.
As professionals in the fair and festival industry, we have participated in this event for twelve years. Let us give you our unique perspective of what to expect when you attend the Kennedy Krieger Festival of Trees.
Kennedy Krieger Festival of Trees 2024:
When: November 29-30 -Dec 1, 2024
Where: The Cow Palace, Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd, Timonium, MD
Festival of Trees: The Experience
With over 158,000 square feet of everything Christmas, The Cow Palace at the Maryland State Fairgrounds is transformed into a magical holiday experience. Festival of Trees combines music, family entertainment, holiday shopping, and festival treats under one huge roof.
As you wander through the beautifully decorated Christmas trees or beeline to Santa Land to meet the Big Guy himself, you will be mesmerized by the Holiday Spirit! This is the one-holiday event in the Baltimore area not to be missed.
There is something truly special about the Festival of Trees. It combines the holiday spirit, community involvement, and family fun into an incredible and necessary fundraiser for The Kennedy Krieger Institute. With the financial help of this event provides, Kennedy Krieger is able to continue its life-changing research and treatment for those affected by spinal and brain trauma.
Christmas Trees:
Of course! Hundreds of beautifully decorated trees and amazing wreaths are everywhere. From professionally decorated 7ft trees to table toppers trimmed by local civic organizations, there is something to catch your eye. With imagination and a flair for accents, the evergreens are transformed into amazing and beautiful works of art.
These exquisite trees are available for purchase as a major fundraiser for The Kennedy Krieger Hospital. If you see something you like, don’t wait! Buy it! These trees will go fast! They will even help you package it and arrange for pick up.
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Entertainment:
Baltimore’s very own musical talent, (Grammy Nominated) Milkshake, starts the festivities with a Live Concert! Kids and adults love the contemporary rock renditions of traditional Christmas music. This whimsical creative rock band for kids brings The Festival of Trees alive!
Throughout the entire weekend, stage performers include local ballet companies, dance troops, school orchestras, storytellers, and who knows what else may be new this year. There is plenty of seating, so you and the whole family can sit back and be entertained!
Santa Land:
Festival organizers often say, “If Santa had a theme park, it would look like this!”, and we couldn’t agree more.
Santa Land is a magical space, full of wonderful surprises. This fun area changes yearly, with different attractions for the kids and young at heart. From a full-size indoor Carousel to Radio-Controlled Car Racing and pony rides, you can easily spend hours playing in Santa Land. Don’t miss the huge model train layout.
Festival of Trees has something for everyone in this area. Interactive attractions like decorating a giant cookie, playing carnival games, or simply strolling through the Christmas trees will entertain you for hours.
Photo Credit: Drew Cope
Santa:
Of course, the main attraction to any Christmas celebration is Santa. The Big Guy himself is here, listening to Christmas lists, and wishes while checking them twice. Stop by, for that special picture and let Santa know what you want under your tree.
Photo Credit: Cheeky Eye Candy Studios
Festival of Trees offers a variety of festival fun foods. From kid-friendly chicken tenders and fries to health-conscious salads, the menu is both appetizing and affordable. As you walk about you will also be surprised to find many other sweet delectable delights.
As a bonus, the food court area has ample seating. So take a load off your feet, grab a bite, and relax. There is still plenty more to see and do!
Shopping:
Many of us are looking for just the right gift to give our friends and family. Festival of Trees vendors have some of the most creative and unique offerings you will find anywhere.
<span”>Be sure to check out the hand-painted Christmas ornaments, leather shop, bakery treats for pets, and more in the Shopping Village. Remember, the trees and wreaths are also available for purchase.</span”>
Perhaps a vacation for two is more what you are looking to buy. The Silent Auction is filled with gift baskets, experiences, and artwork. Proceeds benefit the Kennedy Krieger Institute.
Sensory Rooms:
The organizers understand that sometimes there is a need for a quiet place to regroup. A specially designed area for those needing a break from the crowds is provided. Accessible restrooms are close by as well.
Much, Much, More:
There is still so much more to see and do at the Festival of Trees. The organizers keep the entertainment fresh each year and continue to bring the very best holiday celebration to the Baltimore area on Thanksgiving weekend. The Festival of Trees is a magical experience.
Is This Your First Time Attending Festival of Trees?
These StroTips may help you navigate the show.
🎄 Pre-Purchase tickets online.
🎄 Arrive within your 30-minute reservation time. The show floor is crowded, especially on opening day. Friday and Saturday afternoons the crowds generally thin out later in the day.
🎄 Layer your clothing. Thanksgiving weekend is typically cold in Baltimore. However, The Festival of Trees is inside and it does warm up inside.
🎄 Bring a shopping bag. Whether you are purchasing some gifts to take home or simply holding your family’s coats, a reusable shopping bag is a perfect solution to keeping your items contained.
🎄 Make sure your phone and camera are charged before coming to the show. There is nothing worse than missing that perfect photo opportunity. Charging stations are not publicly available in the expo center.
🎄 Designate a meeting place and time for family members to gather before leaving. The Cow Palace is a huge event area with thousands of people milling around throughout the day. It may be difficult to find someone wandering through the Christmas trees.
🎄 Parents, this is a good opportunity to discuss personal safety measures. Giving your children a clear plan on what to do if they get separated in the crowd is beneficial to all. The coordinators, security staff, and volunteers have protocols in place to reunite you quickly. Point out the uniformed guards and adult staff to your children throughout the areas.
🎄 Have fun! The start of the holiday season is here! Take pictures, make memories, and enjoy your day at the Festival of Trees.
About Kennedy Krieger Institute
The Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Mission:
“To transform the lives of children, adolescents, and adults with diseases, disorders, and injuries impacting the nervous system. We do this through groundbreaking research, integrated therapies, and innovative education, all led by expert, compassionate staff members, faculty members, and trainees.”
The first Festival of Trees opened in 1990 and has raised more than 25 Million Dollars for the Kennedy Krieger Institute. This event is special to all who participate. From the hundreds of community volunteers and dedicated staff to those who make the Festival a family tradition, everyone has a place at the Festival of Trees.
Spend Thanksgiving Weekend in Baltimore
Join the fun during Thanksgiving weekend in Baltimore. There is plenty more to do in the area. Just take a look at this list! Shop, play, eat, and enjoy your time!
- Baltimore Aquarium
- Christmas Village at Inner Harbor: 501 Light Street, Baltimore
- Wine and Chocolate Tour
- The Selfie Museum
- Foodie Tour of Fells Pointe
Conclusion
Whether you stop in for a few hours or spend the weekend, The Festival of Trees will jumpstart your holiday season. Not only is this magical event fun for the entire family, but it also raises awareness and much-needed funding for the many who suffer from brain and nervous system disabilities. Research, treatment, and recovery for those in need are possible through generous donations to The Kennedy Krieger Festival of Trees.
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Photo Credit: Drew Cope
Join the fun and Happy Holidays!
Not going to be in the Baltimore area? Check out a Festival of Trees in your area that supports local charities.
Festival of Trees: Philadelphia, PA
Festival of Trees: Wilmington, DE
Festival of Trees: Pinehurst, NC
Festival of Trees and Lights: Des Moines, IA
