Festival of Trees
Visitors explore a winter wonderland featuring hundreds of designer-decorated trees, wreaths, and gingerbread houses available for display and purchase. The event offers live stage shows including dance performances, singers, and magicians, alongside holiday merchant shopping and food trucks. Children can explore the indoor carnival area featuring games, rides, a Maryland-themed LEGO display, and visits with Santa.
What to Expect
Holiday celebration with designer trees benefiting Kennedy Krieger Institute.
Event Details
Duration
Three-day holiday celebration.
Ages
All ages
Organizer
Kennedy Krieger Institute
Food & Drink
Nick’s Grandstand Grill, outdoor food trucks and vendors selling snacks such as fudge, popcorn and slushies are available.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive, busy and family-friendly
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Adults: $20; Seniors 65 and older: $15; Children 5-12: $10; Children 4 and under: Free. – Get tickets
- Hours: Fri 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Parking: Parking is free for Festival of Trees, with limited handicap accessible parking. Attendees are advised not to turn left into the fairgrounds from York Road and are encouraged to use the Light Rail or No. 9 bus line.
- Accessibility: Limited accessible parking is available and the carousel accommodates wheelchairs, but wheelchair rentals are not provided.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed inside the Cow Palace; service animals specifically trained to aid a person with a disability are welcome.
Tips & Advice
- Buy admission online in advance so you skip the ticket line and just show your tickets on your phone or a printout at the entrance.
- Bring a shopping bag, since wreaths and 2-foot trees are cash and carry and staff can't hold them for you during your visit.
- Don't try to turn left into the fairgrounds from York Road. Approach the York Road gate from the north or the Timonium Road gate from the east.
- Plan to spend at least two hours, and agree on a meeting spot in case your group gets separated in the Cow Palace.
- Get the unlimited-ride wristband if your kids want to do everything, because it covers the carousel, train, boat and motorcycle rides plus the fun house.
Special Events & Promotions
- Advance discounted tickets for 2026 are on sale online now.
- An unlimited-ride wristband covers the carousel, train, motorcycle and boat rides and the fun house.
- For an extra fee, most 7-foot and 4-foot trees can be delivered within 30 miles of the fairgrounds.
- Tinsel on Tap is a separate event on Saturday evening, after the festival closes for the day.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for kids?
The North Pole is an indoor carnival for children. It has Santa, a train ride, a carousel, boat and motorcycle rides, a fun house, carnival games, a remote-control racetrack and a huge Maryland-themed LEGO city. Kids can also color, decorate cookies and write letters to Santa.
What can we do without paying for extras?
You can see more than 500 decorated trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses and watch the all-day entertainment. Kids can use the coloring station, mail letters to the North Pole and visit Santa. There are also meet-and-greets with princesses, sports mascots and other guests, plus several photo stations.
Will there be food?
Yes. Nick's Grandstand Grill is open all day, food trucks park outside, and vendors around the event sell fudge, popcorn and slushies.
How do I buy a tree, wreath or gingerbread house?
Buy it at the Sales Booth to the left of the main entrance with cash, card or check. Wreaths and 2-foot trees are cash and carry, so you take them with you right away. Most 7-foot and 4-foot trees can be delivered for an extra fee. There are no refunds.
Can we come and go during the day?
Yes. General admission has no timed entry and is good any time during the weekend. If you need to step out, ask a volunteer at the Entrance/Exit to stamp your hand so you can get back in.
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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.