Festival returns to City after Pandemic hiatus
Vermont Business Magazine The St Albans Festival of Trees has evolved from a simple Gala evening with a cocktail party, dance and an auction of donated trees to raise money for charity, to a full Festival, boasting a packed week of holiday activities and entertainment, ushering in the season with merry style. The Festival continues to add events to their roster, dictated by the community, the weather, and even a Pandemic.
Although said Pandemic forced the cancellation of this year’s fundraising Gala, the Festival is still raising money for Martha's Kitchen and Northwest Family Foods. Please consider making a donation. Your contribution will help a local family in need.
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
November 25 - December 31
Downtown Tree Walk
Stroll downtown Saint Albans, where the Festival of Trees committee, local businesses and organizations will display uniquely decorated holiday trees in their business windows. Though the Festival ends on December 7, many trees will be displayed throughout the season. Free and open night and day for risk-free viewing. Information
November 27, 5 -7pm
Downtown Tree Lighting & Fireworks – Taylor Park
Festivities begin on Small Business Saturday! The Christmas tree and Downtown decorations light up at 5pm. Santa arrives few minutes later on a fire truck! Plus, the Fire Department will build a bonfire to keep everyone warm! Traditional cider and treats served by the Saint Albans Community Arts & Festival of Trees committee. At 6pm, enjoy spectacular fireworks, sponsored by the City of Saint Albans. Information
November 29 & 30, 6-8pm
Holiday Wreath Making Classes – St. Albans City Hall
Registration required. Registration information.
November 30, 6-7pm
PJ Story Time at the St. Albans Library
Children are invited to the library for festive stories and songs!
Registration required.
December 1, 6-8pm – Weldon Theatre
Free Holiday Movie
The Weldon Theatre shows a surprise, family-friendly holiday film every year.
NOTE: Proof of vaccination is required for everyone 12+. Masks are also required in the theatre. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Information
7-9pm
Holiday Paint & Sip at Twiggs
Create a festive painting, guided by artist Katherine Hartson.
Cost: $35 Registration required, HERE
December 2, 6-8pm
11th Annual Running of the Bells in Taylor Park
A festive, holiday fun run, walk or jog. Participants are invited to attach jingle bells to hats, shoes, gloves, coats, strollers, etc. to make merry noise as you move. Trophies awarded for best holiday costumes! All proceeds benefit Operation Happiness. Registration and information.
December 3, 4:30-5:30pm
Holiday Puppet Show, presented by The Traveling Storyteller – St. Albans City Hall
Ernie, the Traveling Storyteller presents the story of Alaskan polar bear,"Nanook,”in a dramatic performance for younger children. Craft project for children included. Information
December 4
9am-3pm
8th Annual Arts & Crafts Show – St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
10am-2pm
Santa’s Workshop – St. Albans Museum
Santa will be present from 10:30-1. Visit with Santa and make gifts. Information
10am-2pm
Holiday Cookie Sale – St. Albans City Hall
The First Congregational Church of St Albans holds their cookie sale in City Hall. Stock up on tasty treats for the holidays! Information
10am-4pm
Tree Showcase, Dance & Musical Performances, Train & Doll Displays – St. Albans City Hall
Local dancers and musicians offer a series of public performances throughout the day to celebrate the start of the season. City Hall will be decorated for “A Traditional Vermont Christmas”.
1pm - Up North Dance Studio
3pm - Electric Youth Dance Company
Display of Scangus dolls, courtesy of decorator & crafter Pam Cross
Model train layout, courtesy of Jim Murphy
Crafts and gifts available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Festival’s charities.
Buy a ticket (or three) for the tree raffle – many of the trees will be available for raffle.
Please consider making a donation, or bringing a non-perishable food item. Information
4-6pm
Take-Out Dinner, presented by Martha’s Kitchen
Feast at home on a delicious meal, prepared by Martha's Kitchen, with assistance from local restaurants. Pickup dinners at Martha’s Kitchen - 139 Lake Street
7:30-9:30pm
World Premiere of "Missa Pandemica: Mass in Time of Pandemic" sung by the Vermont Choral Union
First Congregational Church of St. Albans
Vermont Choral Union member Maarten van Ryckevorsel was inspired to compose the Missa Pandemica, during the Pandemic in 2020. on the program: Marques Garrett’s “My Heart Be Brave,” “The Road Home,” by Stephen Paulus, three settings of “O Magnum Mysterium”, plus other compositions of seasonal music. NOTE: All Vermont Choral Union Members are vaccinated. Masks are required for all audience members to gain entrance to this event. There will be no refunds issued to those who refuse to wear a mask. Tickets and information here.
December 5, 10am-4pm
Tree Showcase, Dance & Musical Performances, Train & Doll Displays, PLUS A concert by the 40th US Army Band – St. Albans City Hall
Local dancers and musicians offer a series of public performances throughout the day to celebrate the start of the season. City Hall will be decorated for “A Traditional Vermont Christmas”.
1pm - Up North Dance Studio
3pm - Electric Youth Dance Company
Display of Scangus dolls, courtesy of decorator & crafter Pam Cross
Model train layout, courtesy of Jim Murphy
Crafts and gifts available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Festival’s charities.
Northside Baptist Church will be selling holiday cookies!
Buy a ticket (or three) for the tree raffle – many of the trees will be available for raffle.
Please consider making a donation, or bringing a non-perishable food item. Information
December 10, 6pm
Holiday Tractor Parade, presented by the Dairy Farmers of America /St. Albans Creamery & Supply
A merry display of beautifully lit farm vehicles, tractors, hayers, first responder vehicles, and more! Parade route begins at the Co-Op, winding up Federal, Lake, Main and through the City. This year there will be no pre-parade events at the store. Information
The Festival of Trees is made possible through the generosity of our major sponsors:
The City of St. Albans, Jolley Stores, People's Trust Company, Dickinson Brannon Dental, Med Associates, NPF Property & Casualty Insurance of St Albans, Dickinson Baynard Foundation, People's United Bank and Butler Medical Transport
Additional donors include:
The St. Albans Rotary, Franklin County Industrial Development Corporation, the Garibay Family,
The Eloquent Page Bookstore, Judy Zsoldos, NMC - Rise VT,
Suncrest Community Healthcare/Franklin County Rehab Center, Kevin Smith Sports, Holy Angels Parish, Hannaford Supermarkets, Vermont Green Mountain Tours, Knights of Columbus Council 297, Union Bank, Twiggs Gastropub, and the St. Albans Museum.
Special thanks to our Committee and the volunteers who make these events possible.
For ticket information, and more, please visit the Festival of Trees Facebook Pages
Source: St. Albans, VT - Franklin County Regional Chamber of Commerce www.fcrccvt.com