The Saint Alphonsus 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 42nd 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 more.
Each year the Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees brings together the community to kick off the holiday season, all while giving back to a meaningful mission. This year’s proceeds will help expand access to primary and urgent care for patients and families across the region.
Let’s get all your questions answered so that you can fully enjoy your family’s visit to the Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees this year!
What is the Festival of Trees? What’s the history of this event?
The Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees, celebrating its 42nd 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 into a Treasure Valley holiday staple that sees tens of thousands of visitors each year at the Boise Centre in downtown Boise.
Attendees can expect to experience close to 100 lavishly and creatively decorated holiday trees, plus 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, and much more!
Who is invited to attend?
The Saint Alphonsus 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 special attractions including:
North Pole Village
Step into the magic of North Pole Village where holiday wonder awaits around every corner! Bring the whole family for a festive experience filled with hands-on activities, creativity, and memorable moments with Santa himself.
New this year, young elves can earn their stripes at Elf School, build amazing creations in the LEGO Build Zone, and let their imaginations shine with holiday coloring activities. Wreath ornament and train LEGO sets will be available for purchase to make and take home.
After that, stop by to meet Jingles the Talking Tree, a cheerful North Pole favorite who loves greeting guests and spreading Christmas cheer.
Of course, no visit to the North Pole would be complete without a special visit with Santa, where holiday wishes come to life and photos capture the magic of the season.
Whether you’re crafting, building, coloring, chatting with Jingles, or sharing a moment with Santa, North Pole Village is the perfect place to create cherished holiday memories and experience the joy, wonder, and spirit of the Festival of Trees.
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! 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. Plus, there will be piano performances throughout the event.
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. Plus, they 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 allows for strollers and wagons inside the event. Elevators are also accessible and will take you straight up to North Pole Village and more.
What does it support?
All proceeds from the Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees will be directed where they are needed most, strengthening our ability to compassionately care for the community long into the future. That means bringing primary and urgent care closer to where families live, establishing new health plazas, and more closely connecting patients to the full Saint Alphonsus Health Systems – so they receive the right care, at the right time, in the right place.
The Festival of Trees truly embodies the holiday spirit. It blends 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!
2026 Festival of Trees Details:
Website: www.saintalphonsus.org/festival
Dates: November 25 – 29, 2026
Wednesday, November 25 – Senior Day (Seniors admitted for $5.00)
-Senior day is presented by Optum!
-Festival Hours of Admission: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 26 – Thanksgiving
-Festival Hours of Admission: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday, November 27
-Festival Hours of Admission: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 28 – Family Day!
-Family Day is sponsored by DeBest Plumbing and Family Day Media Partner, KTVB!
-Festival Hours of Admission: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 29
-Festival Hours of Admission: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday, November 30 – 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 – 850 W Front St, Boise, Idaho 83702
Admission: Adults – $16.00. Seniors (65+) – $11.00. Military – $11. Children (ages 3-12) – $11.00. Children (2 and under) – Free. *Note that no cash is accepted this year.
