Christmas Tree Festival
Visitors can explore more than 100 trees and wreaths decorated by local businesses and organizations, alongside a children's art exhibit. Highlights include encounters with Evergreen the Talking Tree, craft demonstrations such as wood carving and rug hooking, a holiday boutique, and a bakery. Outside, guests can experience a Victorian Christmas with seasonal music inside the MacDonell House and observe hearthside cooking demonstrations at the Log House.
What to Expect
Features over 100 decorated trees and Evergreen, the Talking Tree.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Allen County Museum & Historical Society, Allen County Master Gardeners, and Johnny Appleseed Park District
Food & Drink
A bakery and confectionery are available Friday through Sunday.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children and holiday décor fans
Vibe
Festive and traditional
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Daily 10 AM to 5 PM; Friday 10 AM to 8 PM; Sunday 12 to 5 PM.
- Parking: The museum's parking entrance is off Metcalf Street.
Tips & Advice
- Visit Friday through Sunday if you want Santa photos, the bakery, the craft demonstrations and the Polar Express reading, because those only run on those days.
- Go on Friday if evenings suit you better, since the festival stays open later that night than on the other days.
- Walk next door to the MacDonell House for its Victorian Christmas, where admission is free throughout the festival and donations are welcome.
- Take young children to the lower level to meet Evergreen the Talking Tree and, Friday through Sunday, to shop the Little Children's Shoppe.
- Use the parking entrance off Metcalf Street, and remind kids that food and drink aren't allowed in the museum's exhibit areas.
Special Events & Promotions
- Friday–Sunday: photos with Santa or wreath photos in the Changing Gallery
- Friday–Sunday: Polar Express reading near the Shay
- Friday–Sunday: wood carving and rug hooking demonstrations
- Extended evening hours on Friday
- Free admission to the MacDonell House's Victorian Christmas throughout the festival
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see inside?
There are more than 100 trees and wreaths decorated by local businesses and organizations. You'll also find a children's art exhibit from Lima elementary schools, a holiday boutique, and Evergreen the Talking Tree on the lower level.
Which activities only happen on certain days?
Several only run Friday through Sunday. These include the bakery and confectionery, Gifts from the Earth, fingerprint ornaments, the wood carving and rug hooking demonstrations, and photos with Santa or wreath photos in the Changing Gallery. The Little Children's Shoppe and the Polar Express reading near the Shay are also Friday through Sunday.
Is there anything outside the main museum?
Yes. The MacDonell House shows a Victorian Christmas with trees, decorations and seasonal music, and it's free throughout the festival. At the Log House, docent Mark Mohr and other reenactors do hearthside cooking with DAR and SAR volunteers.
How can our group enter a tree or wreath?
Fill out the online entry form, or download it and mail it to the museum. Bring a stand for your tree, an 8x10 sign with the tree's title and your group name, and your own extension cords. Use only small indoor or LED lights. Spray snow, strung popcorn, open food and advertising are not allowed.
Where do we park?
The museum's parking entrance is off Metcalf Street.
More Christmas Events Near Lima
More Christmas Events near Lima
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.