Step into a winter wonderland where over 100 magnificently decorated Christmas trees transform Leominster’s City Hall into a glittering forest of holiday magic. This cherished tradition, standing proudly among beloved local Leominster festivals, draws thousands of visitors each December for its enchanting display of community creativity and festive spirit. Marvel at the intricate ornaments, twinkling lights, and themed decorations crafted by local businesses, organizations, and families, while supporting vital community programs through the festival’s charitable mission. Whether you’re hunting for holiday inspiration, creating memories with loved ones, or simply seeking to experience the warmth of small-town Christmas charm, the Leominster Festival of Trees offers a magical escape into the heart of New England’s holiday season.
When Winter Magic Comes to Leominster
Event Schedule & Location
Join us at Leominster City Hall from November 25 through December 10, 2023, for a dazzling holiday celebration. The Festival of Trees is open Monday through Friday from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and weekends from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Located at 25 West Street in downtown Leominster, the venue is easily accessible with plenty of free parking available in the adjacent municipal lot.
Special evening viewings with hot cocoa and caroling are scheduled for December 1st and December 8th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The grand finale and tree raffle drawing will take place on December 10th at 5:00 PM sharp. Don’t miss the special “Senior Citizens’ Morning” on December 5th from 9:00 AM to noon, featuring complimentary refreshments and guided tours.
Ticket Information & Parking
Join the festive celebration for just $5 per adult and $3 for seniors and children under 12. Little ones under 3 enter free! Tickets are available at the door of Leominster City Hall throughout the event’s run, or you can purchase them in advance at City Hall’s main office during regular business hours.
Free parking is abundant in the municipal lots surrounding City Hall, with the most convenient spots located in the Lancaster Street and Church Street lots. Additional street parking is available along West Street. For those needing accessible parking, designated spaces are located directly in front of City Hall’s main entrance. We recommend arriving early during peak weekend hours to secure the most convenient spots.
Be sure to hold onto your ticket stub – it serves as your voting ballot for the People’s Choice Award!
Festive Highlights You Can’t Miss
Decorated Trees & Themes
Each year, the Leominster Festival of Trees transforms into a magical winter wonderland featuring dozens of uniquely decorated Christmas trees. Local businesses, organizations, and community members showcase their creativity through themed trees that range from traditional to whimsical. You’ll find trees adorned with everything from vintage ornaments and hand-crafted decorations to modern LED light displays and custom-made toppers.
The festival embraces different themes annually, adding fresh excitement to each celebration. Past themes have included “Winter Wonderland,” “Holiday Around the World,” and “Childhood Christmas Memories.” Each participating group interprets these themes in their own special way, resulting in an impressive variety of artistic expressions.
Some memorable displays have featured trees decorated entirely in local sports memorabilia, handmade Victorian-era ornaments, and even candy-themed creations that delight young visitors. Many trees also tell stories through their decorations, showcasing local history, cultural traditions, or charitable causes. The creative use of non-traditional materials like recycled items, natural elements, and innovative lighting techniques makes each tree a unique work of art worth discovering.
Special Events & Entertainment
The Festival of Trees comes alive with a delightful array of entertainment and special activities for visitors of all ages. Local school choirs fill the halls with cheerful holiday melodies throughout the event, while dance troupes perform festive routines that capture the magic of the season. Children can participate in hands-on ornament-making workshops where they’ll create their own holiday decorations to take home.
Santa makes daily appearances, offering perfect photo opportunities for families and listening to children’s Christmas wishes. The popular cookie-decorating station lets kids unleash their creativity with festive frostings and sprinkles. For those interested in tree-decorating techniques, local designers host daily demonstrations sharing professional tips and tricks.
Evening visitors can enjoy the enchanting light displays while sipping hot cocoa and enjoying live acoustic performances by local musicians. Special storytelling sessions feature holiday classics, and weekend craft workshops teach visitors how to make wreaths and centerpieces. Don’t miss the grand finale celebration, complete with carolers, a holiday raffle, and the much-anticipated “People’s Choice” tree award ceremony.
Family Activities & Winter Fun
Kids’ Craft Corner
The Kids’ Craft Corner is a magical wonderland where young festival-goers can unleash their creativity through exciting seasonal craft activities. Children can create their own miniature ornaments, design festive cards, and craft sparkly decorations to take home. Each crafting station is supervised by friendly volunteers who guide little hands in making pine cone animals, paper snowflakes, and glittering tree decorations. The popular cookie-decorating station lets kids frost and sprinkle their own holiday treats while parents capture precious moments. Face painting adds extra joy as children transform into festive characters. All materials are provided, and the crafting area is specially designed with child-sized tables and chairs to ensure comfort for our youngest visitors. Remember to arrive early, as these stations are among the festival’s most popular attractions!
Photos with Santa
Make cherished holiday memories with a special visit to Santa at the Festival of Trees! Santa Claus will be available for photos throughout the event, greeting children and families in his cozy winter wonderland setting. Professional photographers will be on hand to capture these magical moments, or you’re welcome to take your own pictures.
Santa’s schedule includes morning and afternoon sessions, ensuring plenty of opportunities for every family to meet him. Children can share their Christmas wishes while parents snap the perfect holiday photo amid the beautifully decorated trees. For the best experience, we recommend visiting during weekday afternoons when lines tend to be shorter.
Photo packages are available for purchase, with prints ready for pickup before you leave the festival. Don’t forget to bring your own camera too – candid moments are encouraged! Santa’s elves will be there to help coordinate visits and keep the holiday spirit bright.
Making the Most of Your Visit
To make your Festival of Trees visit truly memorable, arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy the displays at your own pace. The best viewing times are typically weekday mornings, when you can fully appreciate each uniquely decorated tree without feeling rushed. Don’t forget your camera – the twinkling lights and creative decorations make for fantastic photo opportunities!
Consider bringing cash for the raffle tickets and vendor purchases, though many exhibitors now accept cards. Wearing comfortable shoes is essential, as you’ll be walking through multiple rooms of displays. For families with young children, bring a small notebook so kids can jot down their favorite tree numbers for voting.
Plan to spend at least 1-2 hours exploring the festival – there’s much more than just trees to see! The craft fair and bake sale are highlights you won’t want to miss. If you’re visiting with little ones, schedule your visit around the special children’s activities, which often include ornament-making workshops and visits with Santa.
Make the Festival of Trees part of a wider winter adventure by combining it with other local holiday events. Remember to dress in layers, as temperatures can vary inside the venue. For the best experience, check the festival’s social media pages for daily updates on special performances and demonstrations.
The Leominster Festival of Trees stands as a shining example of community spirit during the holiday season. Each year, this magical event brings together local businesses, organizations, and residents in a celebration that does more than just spread holiday cheer – it creates lasting memories and supports vital community causes. The festival’s impact extends far beyond the joy it brings to visitors, with proceeds benefiting local charities and community projects that serve Leominster throughout the year.
Whether you’re a long-time resident or first-time visitor, the Festival of Trees offers a perfect opportunity to experience the warmth and generosity that makes our community special. Make plans to join us this holiday season and become part of this cherished tradition. Your visit not only promises a delightful experience but also helps ensure this beloved festival continues to brighten our community for generations to come.