Each year, for 33 years and counting, the Festival of Trees in Rochester, MN has ushered in the holiday season. And they’ve done this while raising significant funds for Hiawatha Homes—an organization that provides quality support services to people with disabilities at home and in their community.
While the stars of the show are the beautifully decorated trees, the festival also includes other attractions. Guests can enjoy visits with Santa, visit the Gift Thyme Shoppe (a holiday gift boutique), have a warm cup of cider in the holiday cafe, and sing along with live entertainment.
Here’s what else you should know about Festival of Trees, by the numbers:
1986: Year of the first Festival of Trees.
$3.8 million: Amount of money raised through Festival of Trees for Hiawatha Homes since its inception.
41: Number of trees featured at that first event.
105: Number of trees created by volunteer designers for this year's event.
$1: Donation requested at the Little Hands Giving Tree in order to receive a personalized ornament.
Hundreds: Number of musicians and dancers who will perform throughout the event.
$75: Cost to attend this year’s Opening Night Gala, where—and we quote—“…guests are dazzled by a beautiful display of decorated trees, spectacular and unique silent and live auction items, and an elegant evening of dining among the trees.”
The 34th annual Festival of Trees takes place at Mayo Civic Center from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 29-30, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 1.
Tickets ($6 for adults, $5 for seniors/groups, $4 for children 2-12, and free for “babes in arms”) are available at the door.
The Opening Night Gala ($75) takes place Nov. 26. For more info (and Gala tickets), visit hiawathahomes.org/festival-of-trees or call 507-289-8683.
Festival of Trees | Mayo Civic Center
Find more holiday events in Rochester, MN, and discover other fun things to do in winter in Rochester, MN.