O Christmas Tree, What a Sight!
Hundreds of decorated Christmas trees are taking over Duluth's Gas South Convention Center, but the Georgia Festival of Trees has something bigger in mind. Its Thanksgiving weekend festivities pair holiday traditions with a cause worth talking about.
The Georgia Festival of Trees returns November 21–29, filling the convention center with designer Christmas trees, wreaths, elaborate displays, and enough holiday decorations to make even the most enthusiastic Christmas collector reconsider their storage space. The festival closes November 25–26 for Thanksgiving, then reopens Friday, November 27, for three final days.
Behind the ornaments and twinkling lights is a mission that reaches well beyond December. The nonprofit event raises awareness and funds to help combat the sexual exploitation and trafficking of women and children, with proceeds benefiting its charitable partner, Street Grace.
The centerpiece is a Christmas tree and holiday décor auction featuring creations donated and decorated by individuals, businesses, and community groups. Bidding runs through Saturday, November 28, at 6 p.m., giving visitors a chance to take home an unusual holiday centerpiece while supporting the cause.
Of course, there's plenty happening for families who aren't shopping for an entire Christmas tree. Santa visits, live entertainment, cookie decorating, LEGO activities, boutique shopping, and the returning Pink Pig train are among the attractions. The daily festival schedule outlines activities and special events throughout the week.
The final weekend also puts the spotlight on people who serve their communities. Friday, November 27, is First Responders Day, offering complimentary admission to eligible police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and 911 professionals. Saturday, November 28, is Armed Forces Day, when active-duty military members and veterans receive free admission.
Both days run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., while the festival's final day, Sunday, November 29, runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission tickets are $19.95 online or $22.95 at the door, with parking available for $10.
For a community gathering built around Christmas trees, the festival has developed a purpose that lasts considerably longer than the decorations. It brings together volunteers, designers, businesses, and families while putting a difficult issue into the public conversation.
For more Georgia gatherings that bring communities together, explore the Georgia Business Journal's Festivals directory at https://gbj.com/festivals.
