38th annual Holiday Tree Festival kicks off holiday season Nov. 23 – Dec. 1

11-07-2019 (Akron, Ohio )

The volunteers of Akron Children’s Hospital will host the 38th annual Holiday Tree Festival Nov. 23 – Dec. 1 at the John S. Knight Center in downtown Akron. Admission to the festival is free.

Originally founded in 1982 as a way for families to celebrate the holiday season, the 2019 festival will feature more than 160 decorated trees, as well as more than 85 wreaths and hundreds of other holiday decorations.

All items on display are donated by local corporations, groups and individuals and will be available for immediate sale to benefit the hospital.

The festival also includes local entertainment surrounded by 85,000 strings of dazzling lights. Since its beginning, the Holiday Tree Festival has raised more than $6 million to benefit the continued efforts of medical research, education and patient care programs at Akron Children’s.

“For 38 years, the Holiday Tree Festival has been a holiday tradition for families in Akron and the surrounding communities,” said Mary Leuca, festival chairperson. “We hope people will continue that tradition this year and come enjoy this beautiful display as we welcome the 2019 holiday season.”

The 2019 Holiday Tree Festival will be open to the public Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thanksgiving, 2 to 6 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

As part of the festival, the public is invited to attend several special events including:

Preview Gala
Friday, Nov. 22 at 5:30 p.m.

Guests will enjoy a sneak peak of the trees before the festival opens to the public and enjoy dinner and the popular dessert buffet, as well as a silent auction. For tickets, corporate tables or sponsorship opportunities, call the Akron Children’s Hospital Volunteer Services at 330-543-8424.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 
Saturday, Nov. 23 at 10 a.m.

The festival officially opens to the public with a ribbon cutting ceremony. People of all ages are welcome to see the trees and enjoy the family-friendly activities.

For more information about the Holiday Tree Festival, visit akronchildrens.org/treefestival or call the volunteer department at 330-543-8424.