Bringing Eastern Iowa joy, the chance to give, and excitement for the holiday season!
The Festival of Trees Community Event will be held on November 16-17 at Lindale Mall. This year’s event will include vendors, entertainment and of course, beautiful trees available for auction.
To enhance the 2024 experience of Festival of Trees, The Gazette team has added two new events. The Festival of Trees Jingle Mingle will be held on November 14 and Sensory Day will be held on November 15!
Join us for two days of live performers, craft-based activities, area holiday vendors and of course… the trees!
Holiday train rides, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and hourly performances only scratch the surface of what you'll experience at Festival of Trees. Our lineup of activities and entertainment will welcome you to the holiday season through music, dance, crafts and more.
Shop for unique and local holiday gifts with 45+ Eastern Iowa vendors. Local holiday enthusiasts and businesses have come together to uniquely decorate themed trees and wreaths. The trees will be auctioned off throughout the Festival of Trees week!
Every year, The Gazette designates a local non-profit to receive a portion of the tree auction proceeds and one local nonprofit as the recipient of the food drive donations. This year's tree proceed recipient is The Arc of East Central Iowa and the Freedom Foundation will receive the Festival of Trees non-perishable food donations.
The Gazette, along with co-presenting sponsors IBEW 405 and ESCO Group are thrilled to return this treasured holiday tradition to Lindale Mall. For the full schedule and information, visit the Festival of Trees website.
A holiday happy hour for all! The Festival of Trees Jingle Mingle event invites our local business community to an after-work holiday social.
Attendees will enjoy live music, appetizers, drinks, and exclusive access to bid on the beautifully decorated themed trees. Gather your team members and join area businesses at Lindale Mall for a night of celebration!
Tickets include a free drink ticket at the Jingle Mingle and a ticket to the weekend community event. Register now or at the door. Open to everyone 18 or older!
New in 2024, in partnership with Systems Unlimited and The Arc of East Central Iowa, is Sensory Day. The Festival of Trees Sensory-friendly experience is designed to provide an accessible and welcoming experience for people with sensory sensitivities, and other social, learning, or cognitive disabilities.
Sensory Day will include a venue layout adjusted to accommodate additional space to take in the experience at a preferred pace. Patrons will notice adjusted lighting and sound levels, designated space away from high traffic/programmed areas, and additional exit options.
Patrons of Sensory Day will enjoy beautifully decorated trees, a visit with Santa, arts and crafts activities, and holiday-themed space for photo options throughout the venue.
Tickets are on sale now and at the door. Admission is $5 per person and free for 17 years and younger with a canned food donation. For questions on this event please reach out to The Gazette's Event Manager, Elena Minor at [email protected] or [email protected].
