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 30th 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 - Integrated Dental, St. Nick’s Pick – Assistance League of Greeley, Mrs. C’s Favorite Tree – Gin & Fred Leuchter, and ABC Central Child Development Center Pre-K B Class 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 wouldn’t have happened if it were not 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. On behalf of the 2018 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, 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.
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, Moonlight Carriage Company 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!
Prizes
Kids can vote for their favorite display in Security Service Federal Credit Union’s 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!
Special events
Our celebration also includes the following special events with their own schedules and pricing.
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.
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!
Attention all “festival fashionistas!” Grab your gal pals and join us for a night of merriment at the Holiday Sip & Shop Ladies Night Out.
You and the kids won’t want to miss our annual Teddy Bear Bash. The morning will be filled with “unbearably” delightful activities!
Greeley’s Festival of Trees 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.
2018 Festival of Trees Winners
Kids Choice - ABC Central Child Development Center Pre-K B Class
Mrs. C's favorite Tree - Fred and Gin Leuchter
St. Nick's Pick - The Assistance League
People's Choice - Integrated Dental
Contact Rhonda Welch for more information at 970-350-9451 or Rhonda.Welch@greeleygov.com.