Festival of Trees 2026: A Holiday to Remember

The Festival of Trees committee works all year to ensure the fundraising event is a huge success. The 41st Festival of Trees, held the first weekend after Thanksgiving, rings in the holiday season for hundreds of those eager to get the holidays under way. This year’s series of events begins on Friday, November 27 through December 1.

Festival of Trees is spearheaded each year by a group of volunteers under the auspices of Friends of Hospice. All proceeds, nearly $3.9 million to date, directly benefit Talbot Hospice.

This year’s theme, “A Holiday to Remember,” is an inspiration to tree and wreath decorators. Leading the charge this year is chairman Dale Jafari and co-chairman Gail Shorter, each a long-time Festival of Trees volunteer.

For Dale, volunteering to support Talbot Hospice is personal. “I have spent over a decade volunteering with the Festival of Trees because it gives me the opportunity to strengthen the vital services Talbot Hospice provides,” Dale explains.

Co-chair Gail explains, “I have been honored to be a volunteer for the Festival of Trees for the past several years. I was welcomed into this supportive family, everyone dedicated to the same cause – providing support to individuals and their families through this end-of-life transition.”

The Festival of Trees is truly magical. Walking into the Gold Ballroom of the historic Tidewater Inn is a beautiful sight. One hundred trees of varying sizes, all twinkling in lights, is the maker of memories each holiday season.

The Preview Gala, which serves as the official launch for the Festival, will be held on Friday, November 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. Advance tickets will be sold only. Held in the Gold Ballroom of the historic Tidewater Inn, it’s the first opportunity to view the trees and wreaths. Additionally, Dale Jafari and Gail Shorter have decorated and donated the 4.5-foot Northern Lights Magic tree valued at $650 for silent auction during the 2026 Festival of Trees.

The Festival of Trees is then open to the public from Saturday, November 28 through Tuesday, December 1. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $5 for children 6 to 12, and free for those 5 and under. The 12-foot Poinsettia Tree will be on full display – adorned with ‘White Marblestar’ and ‘Prestige Red’ plants.The poinsettias are purchased in advance, on show for all during Festival of Trees, then available for pickup to enjoy during the holidays. Talented local musicians will perform throughout the Festival, adding to the beautiful ambiance.

Don’t miss the Mistletoe Marketplace again this year where carefully curated items, including custom ornaments and notecards, are perfect for gifting or adding a touch of festive charm to your home. Wreaths will also be for sale this year and are guaranteed to be spectacular.

A family event, the Festival of Trees offers Santa’s Workshop on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Tidewater Inn’s Ballroom Garden. Children pose with Santa and the elves for a holiday keepsake and participate in crafts that will be enjoyed for years to come. Admission is free with a ticket to the Festival of Trees.

For those who enjoy a brisk jog, dress in your best elf costume and join the Santa 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, November 28 at 9 a.m. at Idlewild Park. Awards are given by age group, and pets are welcome to participate. Register in advance online at festival-of-trees.org or on the day of the event starting at 8 a.m.

Reserve beautiful poinsettias in time for the holiday season online at festival-of-trees.org. The limited-edition luminary design for 2026 will be unveiled in the near future and is a real showstopper. Additionally, a festive quilt designed for this year’s Festival of Trees will be raffled in support of Talbot Hospice.

To volunteer, sponsor, or learn more, visit the website at festival-of-trees.org, email talbotfestival@gmail.com or call 410-819-3378 (FEST). A million thanks go to the generosity of sponsors, volunteers, and attendees.