The 2014 Christmas season begins with Chattanooga’s second annual Festival of Trees to be held at the Chattanooga Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors will be transported into a wintery wonderland of over 50 trees Christmas trees decorated by local designers and members of the Greater Chattanooga community.
The festival will have fun activities for kids and adults alike such as an inflatable bounce house and over 20 vendors. The Gingerbread Village will have cookie decorating, reindeer handprint art, and an opportunity to make reindeer food. The gift boutique will be filled with great Christmas ideas and gifts from dozens of local vendors.
Each afternoon will include special appearances from famous Christmas characters, free face painting, and a visit from Santa. Visitors may bring their own camera and take pictures with Santa for free. Anna and Elsa from Frozen, Kristoff and his live reindeer Sven, Darth Vader and his Storm Troopers and other popular characters will also be available to meet with kids and have their picture taken.
Sunday afternoon will feature a live Nativity scene and petting zoo for children. Refreshments of hot cocoa and other treats will be available. The atmosphere will be complete with music and performances from area children’s choirs and dance teams.
“We are very excited about our second annual event, and this year promises to be bigger and better. We’re pleased to see this becoming a wonderful Chattanooga Christmas tradition for families and friends to enjoy each year,” said this year’s festival Chairperson Suzanne Morris.
The Festival of Trees kicks off with opening ceremonies on Saturday at noon, and will remain open until 6 p.m. The festival will open again from 12-5 p.m. on Sunday.
“The convention center will be a special place for families to be as our Festival of Trees and the Chattanooga Holiday Market will be open there,” said Ms. Morris.
Adult admission to the Festival of Trees is $12 at the door and $10 in advance online. Kids 1-12 are $8 at the door and $5 in advance online. Children under one are free.
Proceeds benefit Safe Families for Children.
Further details including a schedule of events and online tickets are available at www.festivaloftreeschatt.com.