Roll out the holly and the jolly: The much-anticipated Festival of Trees returns to the Maryland State Fairgrounds during Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 24-26. This three-day holiday celebration benefits the patients, students and programs at Kennedy Krieger Institute and ushers in one of the most magical times of the year for families across the region.
Hundreds of designer-decorated trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses will be on sale and on display that weekend throughout the Cow Palace, which the Festival’s team of elves will convert into a dazzling winter wonderland. These cleverly crafted trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses are the Festival’s biggest draw—local businesses, community groups and individuals from all over the area create these designs, and in some instances, work throughout the year on their Festival entries. Past designs have highlighted local sports teams, area schools, and both traditional and modern takes on the December holidays.
However, Festival offers many additional activities to enjoy during this special, three-day event. In fact, there is a little something for everyone! Holiday shoppers will appreciate the vendor village, featuring artisans from around the area. Music lovers and community arts supporters will appreciate the lineup of local acts who will sing, dance and perform at Festival’s main stage.
For kids, there will be rides, carnival games, face painting, craft making, and all the trimmings for a fun-filled family weekend. Santa Claus will be on hand for photo opportunities and to hear what is on children’s wish lists this year.
Jason Putsche
Throughout Festival, there will be selfie stations for fun holiday-themed photos. Food and beverages will be on sale as well.
The Festival kicks off on Friday morning at 10 a.m. with Santa’s arrival. Saturday is Healthcare and Education Heroes Day, and healthcare workers and educators with a valid employee ID will receive half off one ticket. Sunday is Hometown Spirit day, and we are inviting everyone to wear Baltimore Ravens or Orioles apparel that day.
For up-to-date information about Festival, follow Kennedy Krieger on Facebook, Instagram, X or LinkedIn. Additionally, head to KennedyKrieger.org/FestivalofTrees for more details on Festival’s programming and partners.
WHAT: Kennedy Krieger Institute’s 34th Annual Festival of Trees WHEN: Friday, November 24 – Sunday, November 26 WHERE: Cow Palace at the Maryland State Fairgrounds 2200 York Road Timonium, MD 21093
Hours: Friday, November 24: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, November 25: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, November 26: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ticket prices are discounted ahead of the event: Adults: $18 Seniors 65 and older: $13 Children 5-12: $8
Children 4 and under: Free
To purchase tickets, visit https://www.kennedykrieger.org/festivaloftrees/tickets.
About Kennedy Krieger Institute
Kennedy Krieger Institute, an internationally known, non-profit organization located in the greater Baltimore/Washington, D.C. region, transforms the lives of more than 27,000 individuals a year through inpatient and outpatient medical, behavioral health and wellness therapies, home and community services, school-based programs, training and education for professionals and advocacy. Kennedy Krieger provides a wide range of services for children, adolescents and adults with diseases, disorders or injuries that impact the nervous system, ranging from mild to severe. The Institute is home to a team of investigators who contribute to the understanding of how disorders develop, while at the same time pioneer new interventions and methods of early diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Visit KennedyKrieger.org for more information about Kennedy Krieger.
