Nov. 24 – Dec. 29, 2023

15th Annual Festival of Trees

A Magical Holiday Event for the Whole Family

Massachusetts Horticultural Society's 15th Annual Festival of Trees showcases dozens of decorated trees and Snow Village, a festive model railroad display. Join us for this festive & fun holiday event at the Garden at Elm Bank.

Displayed in the Hunnewell Building, Festival of Trees offers beautiful holiday trees that are donated and decorated by local businesses, garden clubs and other organizations, and individuals.

Visitors vote with their raffle tickets for trees they would like to win and take home at the end of the event. Trees range from one foot to nine feet tall, and many have gifts in addition to beautiful decorations. 

Enhancing the Festival is Snow Village, an indoor model train exhibit. Model trains wend their way through villages and vignettes, including Christmas in the City (Boston, of course!), Fenway Park, a Dickensian village, the North Pole, and hundreds of decorated houses and lights. With too many Santas to count and skaters galore, Snow Village is a visual treat for young and old alike.

Holiday lights and decorations fill the Garden. Visitors stroll through a winter wonderland with hot chocolate in their hands and gather by the firepits to keep warm and cozy while melting s'mores.

Tickets are now on sale! Advanced purchase of timed tickets is required for this event.

Become a member today to get discounts on Festival of Trees tickets. 

Event Information

Advanced purchase of timed tickets is required for this event. Tickets will not be sold on site. 

Hours

Weekends (including Friday, November 24 of Opening Weekend): 10am-6pm

Weekdays (Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays after opening weekend): 3:30-6pm

Christmas Week

Sunday 12/24 (Christmas Eve): 10am-1pm

Monday 12/25 (Christmas Day): CLOSED

Tuesday 12/26-Friday 12/29: 10am-6pm

Pricing

Off-peak pricing:
$20 Adults
$15 MHS Members
$5 Youth (3-17)
FREE Kids (2 and younger)

Peak pricing:
$25 Adults
$20 MHS Members
$5 Youth (3-17)
FREE Kids (2 and younger)

Get Involved

Want to join the festivities? Thanks to our amazing tree donors and volunteers, Festival of Trees gets better each year! View the opportunities below to get involved in the 15th Annual Festival of Trees.

Questions? Contact festivaloftrees@masshort.org

Volunteer at Festival of Trees!

Volunteers are an essential part to ensure the success of the event and the joy of our guests! Be a part of making our biggest fundraiser of the year enjoyable and successful.

Stay Connected

Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated on Festival of Trees ticket availability! 

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FAQ

How many tickets can I purchase at once?

Each time slot has a limited number of tickets. You may purchase as many tickets that are available in your chosen slot. 

Members: Individual Members can purchase 1 ticket at the Member rate; Dual Members and above may purchase 4 tickets at the Member rate.

Additional tickets should be purchased at the non-member rate. If you wish to upgrade your membership to purchase more tickets, please contact membership@masshort.org. Please note: membership upgrade requests are only able to be fulfilled on weekdays during staffed office hours. Please allocate enough time in advance to upgrade your membership. 

How does my MHS Membership discount work?

For all MHS programs and events, your Membership ID is needed to grant access to member pricing. You can find your ID number on your membership card. If you can't locate your ID number, please respond to this email or contact our membership department at membership@masshort.org. 

To secure your Membership Discount:

ON DESKTOP

  1. Select your preferred  "Weekend" (Opening Weekend & weekends in December) or "Weekday"  (Wednesdays & Thursdays; Fridays in December) timeslot
  2. Add MHS Member tickets to cart*
    • "MHS Member" tickets will be listed as the same price as standard "Adult" tickets until you apply your discount on the final screen
  3. In your cart, click "Check out" 
  4. Before completing payment, locate the "Discount code" box
    • The "Discount code" box is located on the right side of the screen under your tickets
  5. Enter your Membership ID (up to 6 digits, numbers only)
  6. Click "Apply", and the adjusted price should apply to your cart total
  7. Complete contact and billing information, then complete purchase

ON MOBILE

  1. Select your preferred  "Weekend" (Opening Weekend & weekends in December) or "Weekday"  (Wednesdays & Thursdays; Fridays in December) timeslot
  2. Add MHS member tickets to cart*
    • "MHS Member" tickets will be listed as the same price as standard "Adult" tickets until you apply your discount on the final screen
  3. In your cart, click "Check out" 
  4. Before completing payment, locate the "Discount code" box
    • Click "Show order summary" toward the top of the screen and the "Discount code" box appear under your tickets
  5. Enter your Membership ID (up to 6 digits, numbers only)
  6. Click "->", and the adjusted price should apply to your cart total
  7. Complete contact and billing information, then complete purchase

*Individual Members are only able to purchase 1 ticket at the Member rate. Dual Members and above may purchase 4 tickets at the Member rate. Additional tickets must be purchased at the non-member rate as "Adult" tickets. Individual members who wish to upgrade their membership to purchase more member tickets should contact membership@masshort.org. 

Can I change my date or time?

Changes to ticket date or time can be processed for a $10 convenience fee. Please reach out to mconnolly@masshort.org to request a ticket change. All tickets are non-refundable.

What happens if I show up early or late for my entry time?

Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your designated time to ensure a stress-free experience. The 30-minute time slot listed on your ticket purchase is your entry window. Once you enter the event, you are welcome to stay as long as you please until the event closes for the day, which is up to two hours after the last entry time that day. 

What is the weather policy?

Unsafe or extreme weather will cancel this event. In the event we have to cancel due to weather, we will offer a full refund or an alternative date to return to the show.

Where is the parking for this event?

There is free paved/dirt lot parking on site. All parking is within 150 yards of the entrance.

Is the site handicapped or stroller accessible?

Yes. Access ramps are in place for several entrances. Please contact us if you have any concerns or particular needs. Due to smaller spaces and maneuvering among the displays we recommend NOT bringing a stroller.

Do children under 2 need a ticket?

Children under 2 are free, but please include free "Child" tickets in your ticket reservation. Please note: s'mores kits and hot chocolate is only included with paid tickets.

Are dogs allowed?

No, we are unable to accommodate dogs due to the nature of the event.

What do I need to bring with me?

Please bring your mobile or printed ticket(s), and all your holiday spirit!

Can I bring in food?

Outside food is not allowed at this event, however if you do have an allergy we recommend bringing your own s'mores supplies or hot chocolate. Food trucks will be on-site during certain days, please check our website or social media for updates.

What should I wear?

The event will take place indoors and outdoors with outdoor walking between buildings and to view garden lights. Please dress for these outdoor transitions and experiences.

What is the event's photography policy?

By entering an event or program of Massachusetts Horticultural Society (MHS), you are entering an area where photography, audio and video recording may occur.

Your entry and presence on the event premises constitute your consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded and to the release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction of any and all recorded media of your appearance, voice, and name for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity in connection with MHS and its initiatives, including, by way of example only, use on websites, in social media, news and advertising.

By entering the event premises, you waive and release any claims you may have related to the use of recorded media of you at the event, including, without limitation, any right to inspect or approve the photo, video or audio recording of you, any claims for invasion of privacy, violation of the right of publicity, defamation, and copyright infringement or for any fees for use of such record media.

You understand that all photography, filming and/or recording will be done in reliance on this consent.

How does the raffle work?

Tickets will be for sale on-site, $10 for a sheet of 26 tickets.

Drawing and winner notification will take place at on Saturday, December 30th.

Calls will be made between 11am and 2pm on Saturday, December 30. If we draw your ticket, we will call the phone number(s) you registered. An adult must answer the phone when it rings on Saturday, December 30th. If we do not reach an adult, we will draw another winning ticket.
• We will NOT leave a voice mail message
• Caller ID is NOT notification that you have won a tree
• We will NOT accept call backs

More raffle details will be provided when you purchase raffle tickets at the event.

How & when do I pick up a tree that I won?

If we notify you as outlined above that you have won a tree, you must come to collect it either on Saturday, December 30th between 11:30am-4pm, or on Monday, January 1, 2024 from 12-4pm. No tree will be held. MHS is not responsible for any damage. We are closed on Sunday, December 31st