The Baby Fold's Festival of Trees
Visitors can wander through the Enchanted Forest to admire an extensive display of decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, and centerpieces, or explore nearly 100 sweet creations in Gingerbread Village. Children can meet Santa Claus for a trinket, get festive face painting, and take photos at the digital selfie station. The event also features coffee, cookie, and bake shops, alongside an online silent auction benefiting local children and families.
What to Expect
Central Illinois holiday showcase featuring decorated trees, gingerbread, and Santa.
Event Details
Ages
All ages (Gala is 21+)
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
The Baby Fold
Food & Drink
Visitors can sip hot cocoa and visit the coffee, cookie, and bake shops; Friday also features a Chick-fil-A breakfast and an Avanti's Family Night meal.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and family-friendly
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Thursday 5:30 PM–9:30 PM (Gala ticketholders only); Friday 9:00 AM–8:00 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
- Parking: Free parking is available at the Interstate Center.
- Accessibility: The venue is fully accessible with wheelchair-friendly ramps, pathways, and designated accessible parking spaces near the entrance, but wheelchairs and strollers are not provided.
- Pets: Service animals are welcome. Pets are not permitted.
Tips & Advice
- Bring your own stroller or wheelchair if you need one, because the venue is fully accessible but has none to lend.
- Buy Avanti's Family Night tickets online ahead of time, or on-site Friday, since the dinner is a separate ticketed event.
- Come on Friday if you're a senior, because Senior Day includes coupons at the cookie and coffee shops even though tickets aren't discounted.
- If you bid in the online auction, plan to collect your items in person on Sunday or send a friend, because unclaimed items go to The Baby Fold.
- Pass your ticket to someone else if your plans change, because Festival tickets are non-refundable but transferable.
Special Events & Promotions
- Thursday night: an adult-only Gala, open only to Gala ticket holders who buy in advance.
- Friday: Breakfast with Chick-fil-A, with all sales benefiting The Baby Fold, followed by Senior Day with coupons at the cookie and coffee shops.
- Friday evening: Avanti's Family Night, a ticketed family dinner with live holiday entertainment.
- Saturday morning: Breakfast with Santa, an extra ticket that includes early entry before general opening.
- Holiday Vendor Fair on Friday and Holiday Vendor Market on Saturday afternoon.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for kids?
Kids get free visits with Santa, who gives each child a trinket. There are also holiday crafts, face painting and temporary tattoos. Tattoos are offered Friday night and Saturday. Breakfast with Santa on Saturday needs its own ticket.
What food and drink is there?
There's hot cocoa, plus coffee, cookie and bake shops. Avanti's Family Night is a ticketed meal of mostaccioli with marinara, garden salad, bread and a soft drink or water.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The Interstate Center is fully accessible, with ramps and pathways. Wheelchairs and strollers aren't provided, so bring your own.
Can I bring my dog?
Service animals are welcome, but pets aren't allowed.
How does the auction work if I win?
All bidding is online, and you can bid without attending. Winners pick up items in person at the Interstate Center on Sunday, November 22. Nothing is shipped, but large 6–7 foot trees get free delivery within 50 miles.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.