The Festival of Trees has become a holiday tradition for Treasure Valley families, bringing the community together each year in a spectacular display of festive decor, music, and entertainment. Celebrating its 41st year, this event features an incredible variety of Christmas trees, live performances, visits with Santa, and kid-friendly activities like scavenger hunts, an interactive talking tree, and impressive toy train displays.
Hosted by the Saint Alphonsus Foundation, the Festival of Trees also has a meaningful mission, with this year’s proceeds benefiting the Heart Institute at Saint Alphonsus. Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning fan, the Festival of Trees offers something magical for everyone and is the perfect way to begin the holiday season.
Let’s get all your questions answered so that you can fully enjoy your family’s visit to the Festival of Trees this year!
What is the Festival of Trees? What’s the history of this event?
The Festival of Trees, celebrating its 41st Anniversary, is a magical weeklong event ingrained in the fabric of the Treasure Valley’s holiday season. It connects families, community organizations, schools, and local leaders in the spirit of the season for a good cause: world-class healthcare that is close to home.
Over the years, the Festival has grown from being held in warehouses around the Treasure Valley to a full-blown event that sees tens of thousands of visitors each year at the Boise Centre in downtown Boise.
Attendees can expect to view about a hundred lavishly and creatively decorated Christmas trees, more than 300 wreaths and other holiday decorations. Families will enjoy the North Pole Village and Santa visits, a children’s scavenger hunt, an art contest, the gift shop, live performances of music and dancing, LEGO building, train displays and much more!
Who is invited to attend?
The Festival of Trees is for anyone who is feeling in the holiday spirit. It’s for families who want to spend a wholesome time together. From the gamified scavenger hunt to a visit with Santa, there is no shortage of holiday fun for families. Children of all ages will enjoy the creatively decorated trees, performances, and even a few enchanted characters. It’s also for people who want to be inspired by creative design and holiday decor.
What Is There to Do for Families During the Festival of Trees?
Throughout the Festival of Trees, you will enjoy all these special attractions:
North Pole Village
Experience a visit with Santa after having created a Christmas card, colored an ornament, or shared a laugh with one of the elves; then get a free photo to keep the memory!
Children’s Scavenger Hunt
Pick up a pencil, use the clues, and find Festival favorites!
Main Entry
The Festival provides a warm and tree-mendous welcome upon entering the Boise Centre.
Art Contest
In partnership with the Boise School District, the Festival offers a gallery of creativity and imagination by artists in kindergarten through 6th grade.
Gift Shop
Do your holiday shopping at the Festival Gift Shop and find treasures for others, and even a few special items for yourself!
Live Performances
You will be amazed at the talent right here in the Treasure Valley! Continuous entertainment is provided by local dance groups, choirs, and musicians on the main stage, and there will be piano performances throughout.
Celebrate with LEGO
Have you ever seen 20,000 LEGO bricks on a table? Well, now you can! The IdahoLUG (LEGO User Group) will be at the Festival with a variety of holiday and Christmas creations to view and will have thousands of bricks available for kids (of all ages) to build their own creations. Come build some seasonal cheer with LEGO! IdahoLUG will have a special Lego make and take kit available at our Festival Gift Shop!
Are there any food or drinks available?
Food and drinks will be available for purchase, including holiday favorites like hot chocolate and other seasonal drinks.
Can you bring strollers?
The ample space at the Boise Centre East allows for strollers inside the event. Elevators are also accessible and will take you straight up to North Pole Village and more.
What does it support?
Each year, the Festival of Trees supports advancement at Saint Alphonsus to meet the growing healthcare needs of the community. Your support this year directly benefits the Saint Alphonsus Heart Institute. The Saint Alphonsus Heart Institute is the largest, most advanced Heart Institute in the region, pioneering cutting-edge procedures and providing life-saving cardiovascular care close to home. With interventional cardiology, structural cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery options, Saint Alphonsus gets to know patients where they are at, addressing risk factors and lifestyles, to ensure patients are diagnosed earlier and start treatment faster for heart problems. To learn more about the Heart Institute visit Advanced Heart Care Solutions | Saint Alphonsus.
How can you bring home the magic of the Festival?
You don’t have to be at the Festival to feel the magic – You can bring it home! Bid online from anywhere on our dazzling trees, wreaths, and holiday decor. Online Bidding opens Wednesday, November 26 at 9:00 a.m. Large Tree bidding closes Saturday, November 30 at 6:00 p.m. Wreaths, Tabletop and Decor close Monday, December 1 at 12:00 p.m.
The Festival of Trees truly embodies the holiday spirit, blending joy, creativity, and community support in a way that keeps families coming back year after year. From the beautifully decorated trees to the impressive performances, every moment at this event is designed to bring holiday cheer and create lasting memories. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the celebration! Grab your tickets today!
2025 Festival of Trees Details:
Website: Explore the Festival of Trees Boise | Uniting for a Worthy Cause
Dates: November 26 – Dec 1, 2025
Wednesday, November 26 – Senior Day (Seniors admitted for $6.00)
-Senior day is presented by Optum!
-Festival Hours of Admission: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 27 – Thanksgiving
-Festival Hours of Admission: 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday, November 28
-Festival Hours of Admission: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 29 – Family Day
-Family Day is sponsored by DeBest Plumbing and Family Day Media Partner, KTVB!
-Festival Hours of Admission: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 30
-Festival Hours of Admission: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday, December 1 – Fashion Show Festival Fashion Show and Luncheon: Doors open and no-host cocktails begin at 11:00 a.m. The Fashion Show and Luncheon begin at 12:00 p.m. The event requires reservations and ticketing in advance. For more information, visit the Gala and Fashion Show page.
Location: Boise Centre – Boise Centre – 850 W Front St, Boise, Idaho 83702
Admission: Adults – $14.00, Seniors (62 and better) – $9.00, Military – $9.00, EMS – $9.00, Children (ages 3-12) – $9.00, Children (2 and under) – Free