43rd annual Holiday Tree Festival kicks off holiday season Nov. 16-24
10-30-2024 (Akron, Ohio)
The volunteers of Akron Children’s will host the 43rd annual Holiday Tree Festival Nov. 16-24 at the John S. Knight Center in downtown Akron. Admission to the festival is free.
A cherished tradition, the festival was founded in 1982 as a way for families to celebrate the holiday season.
This year’s festival will feature 165 decorated trees, 80 wreaths and 155 holiday gifts. In addition, a retail table will feature holiday decorations, gifts, small toys and more that can be purchased and taken home the same day.
All items on display are donated by local corporations, groups and individuals and will be available for sale to benefit Akron Children’s. The festival also includes local entertainment.
Since its beginning, the Holiday Tree Festival has raised over $7.3 million to benefit the continued efforts of medical research, education and patient care programs at Akron Children’s. The 2023 festival raised over $310,000.
“For 43 years, the Holiday Tree Festival has been a holiday tradition for families in Akron and the surrounding communities, bringing joy and excitement to the start of the holiday season,” said Mary Leuca, festival chairperson. “We hope the community enjoys this beautiful display as we welcome the 2024 holiday season.”
2024 Holiday Tree Festival Hours
The 2024 Holiday Tree Festival will be open to the public:
Saturday, Nov. 16: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 17: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 18: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 19: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 20: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 21: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 22: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 23: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 24: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
As part of the festival, the public is invited to attend several special events including:
Preview Gala
Friday, Nov. 15
Guests will enjoy a sneak peak of the trees before the festival opens to the public and enjoy dinner and the popular dessert buffet, as well as a silent auction. To receive an invitation to the gala, call 330-543-8424. RSVP by Nov. 1.
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, Nov. 16: 8:30-10 a.m.
Saturday, Nov. 23: 8:30-10 a.m.
Enjoy breakfast, holiday sing-a-long, and visit with Santa. RSVP by Nov. 6.
Tickets are:
Free for kids ages 0-3
$15 for ages 4-12
$20 for ages 13 and up including adults
To register for Breakfast with Santa, fill out and return this form.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Saturday, Nov. 16 at 10 a.m.
The festival officially opens to the public with a ribbon cutting ceremony. People of all ages are welcome to see the trees and enjoy the family-friendly activities.
For more information about the Holiday Tree Festival, visit https://www.akronchildrens.org/treefestival or call the volunteer department at 330-543-8424.
