Festival of Trees

For many in Greeley, the holiday season is wrapped in tradition and begins the weekend after Thanksgiving…Perfect timing for the recently held 28th annual Festival of Trees presented by the City of Greeley and the Greeley Philharmonic Guild. Almost as magical as Santa himself, every year the Union Colony Civic Center’s lobbies are transformed into a winter wonderland of holiday splendor created around beautifully decorated trees and displays each with their own theme and style. And even though the festival committee believes EVERY tree is a winner, we congratulate People’s Choice winner, Pope Farms and Garden Center, St. Nick’s Pick, Grace Pointe Senior Care Community, Mrs. C’s Favorite Tree, Assistance League of Greeley and ABC Central Pre-K B Classroom for winning the Kid’s Choice award. The Teddy Bear Bash and the Whoville Holiday, amazing silent auction items, choirs and musicians, The Silver Bells Social for Seniors, Sip & Shop ladies night out, and of course, visits from the jolly old elf himself – all the blessings of the season packaged in this 9-day festival would not have happened if it weren’t for the time, skills, kindness and financial resources of hundreds of generous sponsors, donors, designers, performers and volunteers as well as the loyal support and dedication of the community it serves.

We look forward to celebrating our 29th anniversary in 2017 but in the meantime, on behalf of the 2016 Festival of Trees Steering Committee, may you have a joyous Holiday Season surrounded by friends and loved ones!

Festival of Trees features

Displays and Candy Cane Lane

Every year the Festival of Trees presents a forest of beautifully decorated trees, whimsical to elaborate, each with its own unique theme. At the end of the Festival, the coveted People's Choice, St. Nick’s Pick, and Mrs. C’s Favorite Tree awards are presented to the businesses, individuals, or organizations whose trees are voted overall favorites.

There's also Candy Cane Lane, sponsored by Cornerstone Home Lending, Inc., a showcase of evergreens adorned with ornaments created by “mini-crafters” who compete for the Kids’ Choice ribbon! This celebration is one of the most anticipated yuletide events, not only for our community, but for all of Northern Colorado.

2016 Festival of Trees Display Designers

Silent auction

Throughout the festival, you can bid on seasonal items including trees, wreaths, Santas, snowmen, and year round items like jewelry in the silent auction!

Entertainment and Scheduled Activities

You'll soon discover the magnificent displays are only part of the fun! In addition to strolling through splendidly decorated lobbies, patrons also enjoy heartwarming activities including visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Merry Makers' face-painters, Montessori Academy of Northern Colorado’s Kris Kringle’s Craft Corner, Hearts and Tails horse and carriage rides, holiday demonstrations, door prize drawings, and joyous serenading by Christmas choirs and merry musicians. Keep an eye out for Holly and Noel, the talking Christmas Trees!

2016 Activities and Performance Schedule

Prizes

Kids can vote for their favorite display in Candy Cane Lane and register to win a bike. Adults can vote for their favorite display and win a gift certificate from one of Northern Colorado's finest restaurants!

There will be great photo opportunities, don't forget your camera!

Special events

Our celebration also includes the following special events with their own schedules and pricing.

Whoville Holiday Seussabration

Step into the Festival of Trees Whoville Holiday and you’ll be walking into the pages of Dr. Seuss’s classic holiday tale How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Sip & Shop Ladies Night Out

Attention all “festival fashionistas!” Grab your gal pals and join us for a night of merriment at the Holiday Sip & Shop Ladies Night Out.

Silver Bells Social

Seniors 55 and older (age exemption for those assisting patrons) can ring in the season at the annual Silver Bells Social and enjoy special activities including holiday entertainment, a silent auction, wonderful door prizes, refreshments and more!

Teddy Bear Bash

You and the kids won’t want to miss our annual Teddy Bear Bash. The morning will be filled with “unbearably” delightful activities!

Festival-of-Trees-snowflake This is one of the most loved holiday traditions in Northern Colorado! The commitment of hundreds of dedicated volunteers, supportive businesses and talented decorators make the festival a spectacular celebration for everyone.

Directions and Parking

Daytime and FREE Evening/Weekend Downtown Parking Maps

From Fort Collins/Loveland:

South on I-25, turn east on Highway 34. Take Greeley Business exit. This turns into 10th Street. Proceed to 10th Avenue, turn north. The UCCC is three blocks ahead on your left, 701 10th Avenue.

From Denver:

North on I-25, turn east on Highway 34. Take Greeley Business exit. This turns into 10th Street. Proceed to 10th Avenue, turn north. The UCCC is three blocks ahead on your left, 701 10th Avenue.

From Cheyenne:

South on Highway 85. Stay on 85 Business route, which becomes 8th Avenue in Greeley. Turn west on 7th Street. The street dead-ends at the UCCC, 701 10th Avenue.