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 will be released to Massachusetts Horticultural Society members on October 3 and to the general public on October 17. Become a member today to get early access and discounts on Festival of Trees tickets!
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
Donate a Tree
Volunteer
Volunteers are an essential part to ensure the success of the event and the joy of our guests! Sign up here to receive our volunteer positions when we release them later this year.
Sign up for Volunteer Updates
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Be the First to Know
Tickets to Festival of Trees are released to the public in early November. Sign up for our newsletters to be the first to know when tickets are released!
Sign up for Updates
FAQ
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. Guests are able to check in at the gatehouse up to 15 minutes before the time on their ticket and up to 15 minutes later. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated.
How many tickets can I purchase at once?
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 prior to your visit.
General Admission: Each time slot has a limited number of tickets. You may purchase as many tickets that are available in your chosen slot.
Can I change my date or time?
At this time, we are unable to accommodate date or time changes. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
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 26 tickets.
Drawing will take place at on Sunday, December 31st.
If we draw your ticket, we will call the phone number(s) you registered. An adult must answer the phone when it rings on Sunday, December 31st. 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 Sunday, December 31st or on Monday, January 1, 2024. No tree will be held. MHS is not responsible for any damage.