Festival of Trees Returns to Reading

Kick off your holiday season on Saturday and Sunday, December 5th and 6th, by visitingReading Education Foundation’s (REF) 14th annual Festival of Trees, a winter wonderland of decorated holiday trees donated by local families, organizations, businesses and schools that festival visitors can win for themselves! This signature REF fundraising event held at the Parker Middle School is a magical and memorable community holiday tradition for adults and children of all ages.

With approximately 100 uniquely-decorated trees of all shapes, sizes and themes to choose from, festival visitors can try their luck at winning the raffles for their favorite trees, well as vote for the Favorite, Most Creative, Most Spectacular, Most Unusual and the Best Tree Topper! In addition, children will enjoy decorating their own cookie, face painting by Creative Arts, and taking part in our annual Scavenger Hunt to earn a free raffle ticket! There is a silent auction and entertainment throughout both days, including live performances by local school choruses and ukulele students, and featuring Karen K and the Jitterbugs on Saturday at 1pm. Pizza, popcorn and drinks will be available for purchase.

Saturday evening from 6 to 9pm, the Festival will host our popular “Night with the Trees,” with dinner for purchase, and live family entertainment beginning at 6:30, with the Ben Rudnik and Friends Band. Lucky winners of tree raffles will be selected at closing on Sunday night.

New this year, the Reading Band Parents Organization will be selling undecorated, live Christmas trees and wreaths, in support of RMHS Band and Color Guard, outside Parker Middle School during the Festival of Trees.

Hours: Saturday December 5th: Daytime from 12 to 9pm, with “Night with the Trees” beginning at 6pm; Sunday December 7th : 10am to 5pm.

Location: Parker Middle School, 45 Temple Street, Reading.

Tickets: $5/person, $10/family. Tickets are available at the door, and raffle tickets for trees can be purchased inside the event.

All proceeds go towards Teacher grants in Reading Public Schools. To learn more, donate a tree or silent auction item, and see a schedule of events, visit the REF website at www.readingEF.org.

REF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, volunteer-run, fundraising organization dedicated to supporting the whole child, and every child in Reading Massachusetts. Contact us at info@readingef.orgto learn more.