There is no shortage of holiday festivities that take place in Gatlinburg during November and December. One of our favorite mainstays is the Gatlinburg Festival of Trees. This event has been going strong for over 45 years and is always a hit with locals and visitors.
The Gatlinburg Festival of Trees is known as a smaller event that produces a huge amount of generosity from the community. The Sponsors, volunteers, and patrons all come together in the spirit of giving, which is felt throughout the county.
This event is a longstanding tradition that raises money for area non-profit groups. This year’s recipients are the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains and the Gatlinburg Chamber Foundation Scholarship Fund. The Boys and Girls Club programs are available to over 1,600 youth throughout Sevier County and focus primarily on helping these individuals build character and essential life skills. The Gatlinburg Chamber Foundation provides college tuition assistance by awarding annual scholarships to outstanding high school seniors.
It’s all about the trees
The trees are the main attraction! If this is your first time attending the festival, get ready to experience an abundance of holiday cheer. The convention center transforms into a decorative forest, and there is no shortage of creativity. You’ll see everything from traditional, time-honored arrangements to incredibly imaginative compositions. As you stroll through this winter wonderland, you can’t help but feel joy in the air.
When and where
While the festival hasn’t released specific 2022 information yet, the event generally runs for five days in late November.
The festival takes place at the W.L. Mills Conference Center, and parking for the event is in the Reagan Drive parking lot.
Admission
Admission is free, and donations are graciously accepted. As previously mentioned, all proceeds from the event will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains and the Gatlinburg Chamber Foundation Scholarship Fund. If you can’t make it to the festival but would still like to make a contribution, you can do so directly through the Boys & Girls Club website.
Sponsors and volunteers
Sponsors
If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor and having your very own tree displayed, contact the event coordinators. This is an excellent way to participate in the event and show your support for the community.
Volunteers
The Festival of Trees can always use volunteers! If you’re interested in helping out and would like to donate your time, you can email the organizers for more information.
The Festival of Trees is the perfect way to kick off your 2022 holiday season and help support important programs that benefit the youth of the local community. Gather up the family and head on out to this year’s celebration!
