Catholic Charities Hosts 27th Annual Saratoga Festival of Trees
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties invites the local community to unwrap the magic of the holiday season at their 27th annual fundraiser – The Festival of Trees – on Wednesday, Nov. 30 through Sunday, Dec. 4, at the Saratoga Springs City Center.
The Festival returns with a showcase of beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and other holiday and gift items for purchase. Festival proceeds will benefit the programs of Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties.
The Festival of Trees event hours vary as follows:
Festival of Trees Preview Reception, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 6-8 p.m.; Festival of Trees, Thursday, Dec. 1, 4-9 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 2, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 3, 12-7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec 4, 11 a.m. -2 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person, $5 for Seniors, $5 for ages over 10 and free for anyone 10 and under, when accompanied by an adult. Special admission pricing set at $5 will be offered on Thursday of Victorian Streetwalk Weekend after 5 p.m. Festival of Trees tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the Festival. Festival of Trees Preview Reception tickets can be purchased online at www.saratogafestivaloftrees.com or by calling 518-587-5000.
After a two-year pause, Breakfast with Santa returns this year. There are three Breakfasts with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 3: 8:30-9:30 a.m., 10-11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Sundaes with Santa follows from 1-2 p.m. Tickets are $10 each. Children two and under are free. Adults must accompany children. Tickets include either the breakfast or sundae, a tour of the Festival of Trees, a photo with Santa and access to a variety of children’s activities for $1 per ticket. Activities include cookie decorating, face painting, manicures, ornament making, picture frame creating and letters to Santa. There will also be a Holiday Shop with gifts for purchase. Breakfast with Santa and Sundaes with Santa admission tickets are sold in advance only and can be purchased online at the Festival of Trees website or by calling 518-587-5000.
Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties, Sister Charla Commins said, “The Festival of Trees is the biggest fundraiser and community event of the year for Catholic Charities. With decreasing funding and increased need, it is becoming more difficult to assist people in the tri-county communities who have been seriously impacted during these difficult times. This festive and magical event has been greatly modified in the last few years because of COVID, but this year we are reinstating all of the Festival’s activities, including the ever- popular Breakfast with Santa. Proceeds will assist us in providing services to individuals and families across the ages. We are sure the generosity of our communities will continue to support this wondrous holiday event and we are grateful.”
For more information on the mission or services provided by Catholic Charities, call 518-587-5000.
Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties is an agency of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany.