Festival of Trees, with its evergreens bedecked with everything from candy canes to Jayhawks to Christmas movie DVDs, will bring its quirky holiday spirit back to downtown Lawrence this week to benefit The O’Connell Children’s Shelter.
The festival will fill up Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering starting this Friday, Nov. 28 with a collection of traditional and whimsical Christmas trees and wreaths.
The suggested donation for viewing at the door is $5. The trees and wreaths will be auctioned off at a gala the following weekend, and all of the money will go to The O’Connell Children’s Shelter and the families they serve.
“Proceeds from this event have been used to enhance services as well as make capital improvements,” according to the shelter’s event page.
Viewing hours, as well as special events like cookies with Santa and an ugly sweater contest, will all be held at Maceli’s, 1031 New Hampshire St.
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Festival viewing hours:
General public viewing hours are as follows, per the shelter’s website:
• 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28
• 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29
• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30
• 1:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1
• 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2
• 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3
• 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4
• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5
• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7
Senior viewing hours will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2. The shelter suggests a $3 donation per adult ages 62 and older.
Organizers will have a “Mitten Tree” set up during viewing hours. Each mitten has the “wishes of families in need in your area,” according to the shelter. Folks can grab a mitten, which includes instructions, restrictions and a due date to shop for your neighbors.
Celebrations continue with these events:
We’ve noted if tickets are required, per the event website. Keep an eye on the event page for updates.
• Festivalgoers can imbibe holiday-themed cocktails during Cocktails and Carols, starting at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29. The suggested donation is $10 per person.
• The North Pole denizen himself is swinging by Maceli’s for Cookies with Santa from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 1 and 2. $5 is the suggested donation for adults and children older than 3, or $20 for families of four or more.
• Holiday Trivia and the Ugly Sweater Contest will test attendees’ holiday fact recall. It costs $100 for a team of four to enter, with another $25 per additional contestant. “Winning and worst teams earn prizes,” according to the event page. That’s set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3. Tickets can be purchased here.
• Breakfast with Santa will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Tickets are $17 per adult and $13.75 per child.
• The annual Auction Party, where attendees bid for the trees and wreaths that have been on display, will happen Saturday, Dec. 6. Tickets cost $75 per person for general admission, $100 for reserved admission and $150 for VIP entry. Purchase tickets at this link.
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Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
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