Florida’s Top 10 Festival of Trees Events
The holiday season in Florida is a time of magic and joy, with communities across the state coming together to celebrate. One of the most beloved traditions across the state is the Festival of Trees.
This is where beautifully decorated Christmas trees are displayed to the public, often accompanied by holiday markets and family-friendly activities. These events not only spread holiday cheer but also support local charities and organizations.
In addition to viewing these magnificent Christmas trees, you can usually purchase them! Because of that, most of these events occur before Thanksgiving. Because I try to attend the Orlando Festival of Trees every year I wanted to share about these special events going on across Florida. In this guide, I will break down the top 10 Florida Festival of Trees to experience.
Central Florida
The part of the state with the most Festival of Trees events is definitely Central Florida. You can find them from coast to coast, each with its own unique qualities. Here are some I recommend checking out.
1. Orlando Museum of Art
- Location: Orlando
- Dates: November 16-24, 2024
- Highlights: Gingerbread village, Holiday-themed gift shops, art museum exhibits
The Orlando Museum of Art hosts one of the most prestigious Festival of Trees events in Florida. The event, themed “Let the Joy of the Season Shine,” transforms the museum into a winter wonderland with designer-decorated trees, wreaths, and gingerbread houses.
In addition to the stunning displays, there are holiday boutiques, a Toyland Town for children, and various special events such as the Opening Night Party and a breakfast with Santa Claus.
2. The Arc Tampa Bay Foundation
- Location: Clearwater
- Dates: November 21-24, 2024
- Highlights: Over 100 decorated trees, wreaths, centerpieces and pictures with Santa
Every year, The Arc Tampa Bay Foundation puts on a beloved Festival of Trees event in Clearwater, featuring over 100 decorated trees, wreaths, and centerpieces. This event supports The Arc’s mission to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The festival is open to the public for two days only, so you will want to mark your calendars. There is also a gala the first night for those who want to celebrate the start of the holiday season in style.
3. Wickham Park in Melbourne
- Location: Melbourne
- Dates: November 23, 2024
- Highlights: Beautifully decorated trees, a holiday market and delicious treats
The Junior League’s Festival of Trees is a popular event in Melbourne, Florida, featuring a variety of trees, wreaths, and holiday decorations. All proceeds support the junior league’s mission of improving the local community.
This one day only festival includes a silent auction, food and drinks for purchase, and opportunities to take photos with Santa. There are not a lot of Space Coast Christmas events, so this is a must-do for me!
4. The Kind Mouse in St. Petersburg
- Location: Horan Park, St. Pete Beach
- Dates: November 23, 2024
- Highlights: Free entry, Gingerbread House Competition, Candy Cane Lane
The Horan Park Festival of Trees is a neighborhood-focused event that showcases decorated trees created by local businesses and organizations. The trees are auctioned off, with proceeds going to local charities.
Families can enjoy live entertainment, cookie decorating, and activities for kids, making it a perfect outing for all ages. And with free admission, it’s the ideal place to get some Christmas photos and enjoy Christmas music and treats.
South Florida
I had a more difficult time finding Festival of Trees events in South Florida, as this tradition does not seem as popular there. However, I did manage to find a couple festivals that can help you start off the holidays right!
5. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers
- Location: Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
- Dates: December 5 – 8, 2024
- Highlights: Raffle, Santa’s Block Party, Wine and Paint and a concert
The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers hosts a Festival of Trees that is a highlight of the city’s holiday season. The event features a stunning array of creatively decorated trees, which are auctioned off to support the Art Center’s educational programs.
The festival also includes a holiday preview party, a Santa’s Block Party for families, and other special events. Admission only costs $2 per person, making this is an affordable way to get into the holiday spirit!
6. FIU Interior Architecture in Coral Gables
- Location: Coral Gables Country Club
- Dates: November 21, 204
- Highlights: Gala Event, Artistic Designs, Food and Drinks
Held at the Coral Gables Country Club the FIU Festival of the Trees is a festive one-night event that benefits the students and program of FIU Interior Architecture. Visitors can get dressed up and view extremely creative “trees”, each representing a different theme.
This gala like event is quite different from other festivals on this list. Tickets start at $150, but include food and beverages, as well as entertainment and a photo booth. If you want to support a good cause and experience a nice night out, this festival is for you!
North Florida
Last but not least, The Panhandle and Northern Florida have a variety of chances to celebrate Christmas with a Festival of Trees. You can enjoy any of these uniquely special events across the northern part of the state this year.
7. Pensacola State College
- Location: Pensacola State College
- Dates: November 15-17, 2024
- Highlights: Silent Auction for Trees and Wreaths, Free Photos with Santa, Free Admission
Pensacola’s Festival of Trees is a delightful community event that showcases beautifully decorated trees in various themes and styles. The festival is often held in conjunction with other holiday events in Pensacola, like Winterfest!
Visitors can enjoy the tree displays and wreaths, participate in a silent auction, and take part in holiday activities designed for all ages, like live music. All funds raised go towards the WSRE PBS station.
8. Forgotten Coast Festival of Trees
- Location: The Joe Center for the Arts
- Dates: November 22 – December 13, 2024
- Highlights: Jingle at the Joe finale, Silent Auctions, Santa & Mrs. Claus
The Forgotten Coast Festival of Trees is a new tradition that supports the arts. Held in the Joe Center for Performing Arts, this event features a spectacular array of Christmas trees decorated by local businesses, organizations, and artists.
This event goes for almost a month long and starts with Santa and Mrs. Claus photos the first weekend. However the grand finale ends this event with Jingle at the Joe. On December 12th, you can attend this free event that features music, hors d’oeuvres and holiday photos.
9. Fort Walton Beach
- Location: Emerald Coast Harley Davidson
- Dates: December 5, 2024
- Highlights: Catered Dinner, Live Entertainment, Silent Auction
The Cruisin’ into Christmas Festival of Trees at Fort Walton Beach Harley-Davidson is a festive celebration that combines the holiday spirit with a fun night out. Though it costs $75 per person, you will get a catered dinner, free drinks, and lots of music and dancing.
While there, you can also admire the themed trees that will be raffled off! The event also supports local charities, making it not only a fun way to welcome the holidays but also a meaningful opportunity to give back to the community.
10. Gainesville Woman’s Club
- Location: Gainesville Women’s Club
- Dates: November 21, 2024
- Highlights: Candyland Christmas Theme, Raffles, Holiday Shopping
The Gainesville Woman’s Club Festival of Trees is an annual fundraiser that benefits local scholarships. The event features a wide range of decorated trees, wreaths, and holiday decor available for purchase or raffle.
This year’s event is themed to a Candyland Christmas, which means you can expect lots of whimsy and sweet treats. They even have trees being raffled off with over $1,000 in gift cards, so be sure to try your luck with this event!
Know Before You Go
Florida’s Christmas tree festivals are a lovely way to get into the holiday spirit, showcasing creativity, community involvement, and festive fun. From North Florida’s charming charity festivals to the grand displays of South Florida, there’s something magical at each stop on this holiday journey.
Whether you’re looking for a tree to take home or simply a dose of holiday cheer, these festivals are sure to brighten your season. Keep in mind these tips before you participate in a Festival of Trees this year!
- Be sure to check the website listed with each event for exact times and dates.
- For popular Festival of Trees events, get your tickets early, since they might sell out.
- I also recommend going to earlier dates, as some festivals auction off their trees early. This way you will see everything before it goes to a new home!
- Unless you are going to a gala-like event, wear comfortable shoes. Some of these events include lots of walking.
- While many vendors accept cards, some smaller vendors may prefer cash. Additionally, many Festival of Trees events support charities, so bringing extra cash lets you participate in raffles, auctions, or donations for local causes.
Have you been to any of these annual events before? I am looking forward to checking out a few of them this year.
Read my guide to Christmas activities across Florida for more fun things to do this holiday season!
