A North Country Festival of Trees
Co-hosted by the Samaritan Medical Center Foundation and the Watertown Family YMCA, this annual event displays decorated holiday trees centered around the theme 'A Christmas Carol: Dickens of a Christmas.' Visitors can view decorated entries, participate in voting for the People's Choice awards, and bid on trees through an auction. Contributions help support financial assistance for youth YMCA memberships and the hospital's new Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.
What to Expect
Holiday tree showcase and auction benefiting local YMCA programs and healthcare.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Watertown Family YMCA and Samaritan Medical Center Foundation
Food & Drink
The December 4 gala includes food.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Holiday enthusiasts and community-minded visitors
Vibe
Festive and community-minded
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Tips & Advice
- Reserve Gala tickets before registration closes on Wednesday, November 25 if you want to bid at the live tree auction.
- Register to bid ahead of time so you're ready for the online auction while the trees are on display.
- If you win a tree, confirm pickup or delivery plans no later than the morning of Monday, December 7.
- Plan to pick up your tree yourself unless it's a 7-foot tree going somewhere inside Watertown city limits, since only those are delivered.
- Make any refund requests at least one week before the event, because later requests won't be considered.
Special Events & Promotions
- New theme this year: A Christmas Carol: "Dickens of a Christmas."
- Festival of Trees Gala on Friday, December 4, with food, music and the live tree auction (separate ticket; registration closes November 25).
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's this year's theme?
The 2026 theme is A Christmas Carol: "Dickens of a Christmas."
Can I buy one of the trees?
Yes. Trees are sold through an online auction and a live auction at the Gala, and you can register to bid. You pick up purchased trees at the Dulles State Office Building on December 6 or 7. Delivery is free for 7-foot trees inside Watertown city limits on December 8.
Can visitors vote for their favorite tree?
Yes. There's a People's Choice vote among the decorated trees.
How can I get involved?
You can decorate a tree, sponsor, volunteer, donate a tree or simply donate. There's also a Youth Trees part of the festival.
Where does the money go?
It pays for Watertown Family YMCA child memberships and programs for kids who need help with the cost. Part of it also goes to Samaritan's new Cardiac Catheterization Lab, expected to be finished in 2027.
More Christmas Events Near Watertown
More Christmas Events near Watertown
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.