Annual Festival of Trees - Schenectady County Historical Society
Please help us keep this calendar up to date! If this activity is sold out, canceled, or otherwise needs alteration, email mindy@kidsoutandabout.com so we can update it immediately. If you have a question about the activity itself, please contact the organization administrator listed below.
Festival of Trees FAQ
What is the Festival of Trees?
The Festival of Trees is a festive display of 70+ lighted fir trees, spread throughout the galleries of SCHS. Over 1,500 people visit the Festival throughout December, enjoying the enchantment of the holidays. We invite you to participate by sponsoring and decorating your own lighted tree, in any theme you choose! All proceeds support the mission of our community non-profit.
When and Where?
The event is open to the public daily from December 5 to 27, 2026, 10am-4:30pm. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission is $8 for adults; kids under 12 are free. The Festival of Trees is located at SCHS, 32 Washington Ave, Schenectady.
How to Take Part?
By sponsoring a tree at the Festival of Trees, you are helping our local non-profit to fulfill our missions, while also making your mark in front of thousands of people from the Capital Region. On your end, sponsoring a tree means setting up and decorating a tree in our galleries, in any theme or style you choose.
Any guidelines or decor tips?
Trees can be set up and decorated in any style that best represents you or your organization. Visitors vote in several categories for their favorite trees, so we encourage creativity. All trees should have lights.
Tree set-up is Nov. 30 1 – Dec. 4, 2026. You can stop by and take down your tree after January 1. You will schedule the date and time of your tree installation and removal in advance, online.
Along with your tree, please bring a sign that indicates your organization’s name, mission, and the name/theme of your tree. If you have flyers, brochures, or postcards, please bring those along too!
We recommend having fun and being creative! Be sure to remember your tree topper and tree skirt, and think about adding some panache to the base of your tree. Colorful, sparkling, or handmade ornaments and fun or cute themes are always popular.
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.