Festival of Trees Serving Up Holiday Fun

November 24 – FOT Preview Gala – Tidewater Inn, Easton. 6-8pm festival-of-trees.org.
November 25 – Festival of Trees – Tidewater Inn, Easton. 10am-8pm festival-of-trees.org.
November 25 – Carols by Candlelight – Harrison Street, Easton. 5-7pm festival-of-trees.org.
November 25 – Santa 5K Fun Run – Idlewild Park, Easton. 8am festival-of-trees.org.
November 25 – Holiday House Tour – Mulberry Manor, Easton. Noon-8pm festival-of-trees.org.
November 26 – Holiday House Tour – Mulberry Manor, Easton. Noon-5pm festival-of-trees.org.
November 26 – Festival of Trees – Tidewater Inn, Easton. 11am-8pm festival-of-trees.org.
November 26 – Santa’s Workshop – Tidewater Inn, Easton. Noon-4pm festival-of-trees.org.
November 27 – Festival of Trees – Tidewater Inn, Easton. 10am-8pm festival-of-trees.org.
November 28 – Festival of Trees – Tidewater Inn, Easton. 10am-6pm festival-of-trees.org.

While the final preparations for Festival of Trees takes place behind the scenes, folks eagerly await this regional favorite event that kicks off the holiday season. Taking place November 25 through 28, the 38th Festival of Trees includes such events as Festival of Trees, Carols by Candlelight, Santa 5K Fun Run, Santa’s Workshop, and a Holiday House Tour. Proceeds from Festival of Trees, presented by Friends of Hospice, benefits Talbot Hospice.
Talbot Hospice Executive Director Molly Kirsch, RN, BSN, said, “We are so grateful for all of the work and dedication from the Friends of Hospice for nearly 40 years. Their commitment to supporting our mission through the spectacular events that make up the Festival of Trees help us continue our vital role in providing hospice and supportive care in Talbot County. The Festival of Trees reminds us that when a community comes together, incredible things can happen.”
Preview Gala
In sync with this year’s Victorian theme of “Caroling, Caroling Through the Town,” the Preview Gala will return to a more formal affair on Friday, November 24. From 6 to 8pm, guests will have the first opportunity to view 100 exquisitely trimmed trees of varying sizes. Tickets to the Preview Gala are available in advance only for $125 per person or $200 per couple. While the larger trees are sponsored in advance, Preview Gala guests get the first opportunity to purchase the smaller trees, from 12 inches to three feet, in varying price ranges. Tickets to the Preview Gala are for sale in advance at www.festival-of-trees.org.
Guests will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails in the Gold Ballroom at The Tidewater Inn while listening to the piano tunes of the talented Joan Dent. Preview Gala Chairman Dale Jafari said, “We are very excited to elegantly present this year’s Victorian theme of Caroling, Caroling Through the Town. In addition to mouth-watering hors d’oeuvres by The Tidewater Inn, there will be Victorian streetlamps to set the tone.”
Festival of Trees
The signature event, the Festival of Trees in the Tidewater Inn’s Gold Ballroom, will be a sight to behold with its array of decorated trees and live entertainment. Many talented decorators spend untold hours turning the trees into something magical. Poinsettias and the Hospice tree are lovely additions to the room as well. The public is invited to view the trees for $10 on the following dates:
Saturday, November 25 • 10am-8pm
Sunday, November 26 • 11am-8pm
Monday, November 27 • 10am-8pm
Tuesday, November 28 • 10am-6pm
Carols by Candlelight
This magical free family-friendly holiday event returns for a fourth year. Choral groups, bell ringers, and musicians will perform, and all spectators will receive a complimentary candle at Carols by Candlelight on Saturday, November 25 from 5 to 7pm in downtown Easton on Harrison Street between Glenwood Avenue and Dover Street. Hot cocoa and holiday treats will be served as the crowd spreads holiday cheer in song. The celebration begins with a festive holiday marketplace. Twinkling holiday accessories will be sold by Santa’s elves to help celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season.
Santa 5K Fun Run
The Santa 5K Fun Run returns this year with running enthusiast Alisha Saulsbury serving as Chairman. The run begins and ends at Idlewild Park in Easton on November 25 with registration in advance at www.fesival-of-trees.org or on site at 8 a.m. There will be age division awards and T shirts for pre-registrants. Participants are encouraged to dress as elves. Cost is $40 per person. Register at www.festival-of-trees.org.
House Tour
A Holiday House Tour is always a favorite leading up to the Christmas holidays. Mulberry Manor on Matthewstown Road in Easton will be elegantly decorated for the season and will feature 10 Christmas trees. Tours will be available from noon to 8 p.m. on November 25 and from noon to 5 p.m. on November 26. Tickets cost $20 in advance at www.festival-of-trees.org and on site the day of for $25. Homemade Christmas cookies and a festive drink will be provided as guests leave the home. Other features to look forward to will include a visit by Santa, at least a dozen outdoor inflatables, carolers and more.
Santa’s Workshop
The newest Festival of Trees event is being introduced on Sunday, November 26 and is sure to please the younger holiday revelers as Santa makes a visit and his elves offer free activities. For the admittance cost to the Festival of Trees, parents and guardians may enjoy activities together with children of all ages from noon to 4 p.m. in the Tidewater Inn’s Gold Ballroom Garden, in the outdoor rotunda just off the Gold Ballroom. Chairman Kari Diefenderfer explains, “When entering, your child/children will receive a work order to complete. Each task will require a bit of creativity, a lot of fun and a spark of holiday magic. As you and your child make your way through the workshop, you can write a letter to Santa and drop it in the mail, check out the train, paint a homemade cookie ornament to take home, color a holiday picture, and take a selfie with Santa. Come on out and join us in Santa’s Workshop at the Talbot County Festival of Trees and get into the holiday spirit.”
To get involved in any capacity, big or small, contact Karla Wieland-Cherry at dkcherry4@aol.com or 410-310-8421. Tickets are available at www.festival-of-trees.org. Visit the Festival of Trees on Facebook and Instagram.