The 10th Annual West Hartford Festival of Trees will begin on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025.

2024 West Hartford Festival of Trees at First Church West Hartford. Courtesy photo

By Cassidy Ward

First Church West Hartford will host the West Hartford Festival of Trees on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 5-8 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Join us at 12 South Main Street, West Hartford to begin Christmas celebrations together!

‘Tis the season to be jolly and give back to your community. The Festival of Trees is back for its 10th annual event which kicks off on the same night as West Hartford Center’s annual Holiday Stroll. Admission to this event is free, along with complimentary refreshments including hot cocoa and cookies. Come visit the church to see the 40-plus decorated trees, each with a unique theme and they are available for bidding. All trees will be displayed in the auditorium which is accessible from the rear parking lot.

Tickets for bidding can be purchased at 10 tickets for $10, or 25 tickets for $20. Winners will be announced on Sunday, Dec. 7 and notified by a call or text message, they will then be able to take their tree home to display.

“We are so excited about this year’s festival to support our mission partners,” commented Amy Melvin, one of the event organizers. “We have seen so much creativity once again and when the gallery of trees is opened up on December 4th, visitors will have a hard time deciding on a favorite tree!”

The church invites businesses, organizations, families, and individuals to participate by donating a decorated artificial tree or gift cards to support the event efforts. There are a few more days to register a donation. To enter a tree or donate a gift card, fill out the form(s) on the First Church website, www.whfirstchurch.org, by Sunday, Nov. 23. Please fill out a form for each tree donation.

The themes of decorations for the trees often reflect a business, favorite cause, or personal style – donors have fun with it! For inspiration, many consider representing a favorite movie, color, food, or organization. For the convenience of tree donors, a tax receipt will be provided from First Church, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

2024 West Hartford Festival of Trees at First Church West Hartford. Courtesy photo

The Festival of Trees is widely loved among the West Hartford community. This annual event brings the community together to celebrate the season of giving. Church member Wyrot Ward said, “I love the Festival of Trees because it brings so much joy to every age. As I stroll through the display, I experience wonder at the gift of creativity and am reminded of the reason for the season.” Members of the West Hartford and First Church communities are excited to continue the tradition that kicks off the season of Advent.

Participants also have the option to try and win one of two “gift card presents” which are collections of gift cards from local businesses; each gift includes more than $600 worth of gift cards. For a chance to take home the gift card present, all are welcome to participate and tickets are $5 each.

All proceeds from this event raise funds for the mission partners that First Church West Hartford supports, including: The Bridge Family Center, Hands on Hartford, Covenant to Care for Children, Interval House, Foodshare, Loaves and Fishes, and more. Please consider giving in any way possible to support our local communities.

For more information on Festival of Trees, contact [email protected].

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