Illustration of a generic other scene (Seattle Festival of Trees Gala)
Other Christmas Activities

Seattle Festival of Trees Gala

Visitors can wander through the hotel lobby as it transforms into a festive forest of uniquely decorated Christmas trees. Each one-of-a-kind tree is designed by volunteers and dedicated to a Seattle Children's patient, accompanied by an inspiring storyboard with the family's photo. Guests can admire the themed decorations while learning about patient stories and the guild's fundraising efforts.

What to Expect

Designer holiday trees honoring Seattle Children's patients in the hotel lobby.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Seattle

Timed Entry

Yes

Organizer

Seattle Festival of Trees Guild

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Holiday décor lovers and seattle children's supporters

Vibe

Festive and heartfelt

Energy Level

Low

Budget

Free

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

None

Location

Fairmont Olympic Hotel
411 University St, Seattle, WA 98101
Seattle, WA
98101

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: Complimentary.

Tips & Advice

  • Visit between November 16 and December 1 to view the public tree display at Fairmont Olympic Hotel; the viewing period is limited.
  • Browse early if you hope to buy a particular design, since each tree is one-of-a-kind and sales end November 29 at 7 p.m.
  • Budget $4,500 if purchasing a tree; delivery and decorator setup in greater Seattle are scheduled for December 2.
  • Look for the patient storyboard accompanying each tree to connect its design with the Seattle Children's family it honors.
  • Ask about donating a purchased tree back to the Festival after the holidays, allowing decorations to be reused for future fundraising.

Special Events & Promotions

  • The 49th Annual Festival of Trees Gala is on November 21 and is sold out; email to join the waitlist.
  • Tree sales close November 29, and purchased trees are delivered and set up on December 2.
  • Every tree this year is all-new and one-of-a-kind for this season only.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What will I see at the display?

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel lobby fills with all-new, volunteer-designed Christmas trees. Each tree is dedicated to a Seattle Children's patient and has a storyboard with the family's story and photo.

Can I buy one of the trees?

Yes. Choose one and buy it online by credit or debit card. It's delivered and set up by decorators on December 2 anywhere in the greater Seattle area, then picked up after the holidays if you ask.

Where does the money go?

Proceeds support Uncompensated Care and the Autism Center at Seattle Children's.

Can I still get into the Gala?

The 49th Annual Gala is sold out. Email the Gala team to join the waitlist and hear first if a spot opens.

What happens to a tree after the holidays?

You can donate it back to the Seattle Festival of Trees. The designers reuse the decorations to raise more money for Seattle Children's.

Tags

holiday marketfamily friendlycharity eventseasonal activitiescommunity celebrationfestive decorationsholiday shoppingfundraising eventChristmas gifts

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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.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team