The area’s holiday season unofficially kicks off today with The Festival of Trees in Danville’s David S. Palmer Arena, just as it has every year since 1997. The event runs today through Wednesday.
This year’s festival, with its theme Where the Treetops Glisten, will treat visitors with the sights, sounds and scents of more than 130 designer-decorated full-size trees and wreaths, special 4-foot-tall trees designed by area students and a variety of holiday decorations and activities.
Admission costs $5 for those 13 and older, $2 for children ages 3-12, and those 2 and younger will be admitted for free. The festival will celebrate Veterans Day on Monday with veterans admitted at no charge. On Wednesday, Seniors Day, visitors ages 60 and older can attend free from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
In addition to the beautiful Christmas trees, the festival includes live entertainment by local groups such as the Danville Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet, DLO Festival Singers, Danville Sweet Adelines, the Wabash Valley Band along with other performers. The entertainment begins at noon today with the last group starting at 6:30 p.m. On Sunday, performers begin at 1:30 p.m. with the last act at 5 p.m.; 2-7 p.m. on Monday; 1-6 p.m. Tuesday and Senior Day Entertainment will fill the stage 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday.
Special events require a separate ticket. The events include Breakfast with Santa; a Ladies Luncheon; and Princess Tea Party. The festival’s schedule also includes Pickle Day on Sunday, when visitors can participate in a special event to find pickle ornaments throughout the displays with those ages 10 and younger admitted free. For information, visit festivaloftreesdanville.com
Visitors can enjoy the Sweet Shop, have lunch at the Holiday Café, create holiday decorations in the family craft area and smile as for a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Some activities require a separate fee. In addition to the decorated trees and wreaths, visitors can look over a Gingerbread Village.
The festival, staged with help of sponsors such as the Julius W. Hegeler II Foundation and more than 35 local businesses, organizations and individuals, originated in 1997. It has been organized since 2021 by the same volunteers who put together Balloons Over Vermilion every summer. The organizers dedicate long hours on both festivals, with proceeds from both events supporting children’s programs throughout Vermilion County.
The arena requires backpacks or other large items to be clear. Only purses of certain sizes will be allowed.
Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the area to the west, and in the lots north of the facility across Main Street.
The Festival of Trees treats the senses to the lights, beautiful decorations, tasty treats and special activities for the holidays. The event is sure to put a smile on even the most Ebenezer of Scrooges. Help support our communities’ youngest residents and visit Where the Treetops Glisten this year.