There are a lot of Christmas traditions, but there is nothing quite like the oohing and ahhing of your annual visit to the Festival of Trees. All your favorite joys are back again this year, including Breakfast with Santa, Fables and Fantasies Come To Life and the yummy, edible Raffle Tree.
New this year will be daily performances by Idaho Dance Theatre with a fun, interactive program called “Holiday Magic Through Dance.” Back for its second year is North Pole Village, where you can have your own little chat with St. Nick. It was so popular last year that organizers have refined the way they handle the lines to make it even easier. And, of course, you can get photos.
You’ll also be able to see the new Women’s Mobile Health Clinic parked at the festival. It’s the very important recipient of this year’s festival proceeds as Idaho ranks 51st in the country in mammography screening rates (which include Washington, D.C.).
“Our message for women is — no excuses — just get checked,” Foundation Director Jill Aldape said.
Also new this year, you’ll be able to register online for the kick-off Gala and the Fashion Show, along with Breakfast with Santa.
Whether you go just to dazzle your eyes with holiday pleasures or you plan on bidding for the best tree of the bunch, you really can’t start the season any better.
“You’ll walk out the door with that special Christmas glow,” Aldape said.
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (except Thanksgiving, when the festival is open from 2 to 9 p.m.) Nov. 23-27.
TICKETS: $7 for adults, $4 for seniors and children ages 12 and younger (2 and under free). A family pass for six is $30.
• Senior Day is Wednesday, and admission is only $2 instead of $4. Admission includes tea from 1 to 4 p.m.
• The Gala kick-off is at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. Tickets are $250 and are available online. This is a black-tie event with dinner, tree sales, live auction and dancing.
• Breakfast with Santa tickets always go fast, so get online and get them right away.
• The Fashion Show is a luncheon event Monday, Nov. 28. Tickets are $50 each or $750 for a table of 10 with premier seating and are available online.
• Saturday is Family Day and includes carnival games and an interactive train display by the Treasure Valley Train Collectors Association. Bring a toy donation for the Salvation Army and receive $1 off an adult admission. Combine your day with Boise city’s Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration outside on The Grove Plaza from 5 to 7 p.m.
FOR INFORMATION OR ONLINE TICKETS: Call 367-TREE (8733) or visit www.saintalphonsus.org/festival.
