Festival of Trees
Visitors can wander through outdoor garden lightscapes, warm up with hot cocoa upon arrival, and roast marshmallows for s'mores around firepits. The event features dozens of creatively themed trees decorated and donated by local families and organizations, with raffle tickets available onsite to win a tree. Guests can also explore the Snow Village to watch HO and O scale model trains wind through miniature holiday scenes like Boston at Christmas, Fenway Park, and the North Pole.
What to Expect
Dozens of decorated holiday trees, model train displays, and garden lightscapes.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Organizer
Massachusetts Horticultural Society
Food & Drink
Hot cocoa upon arrival and marshmallows for roasting s’mores by the firepits are included with your ticket.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, train fans, and holiday light display visitors
Vibe
Magical and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Parking: Once you enter Elm Bank Reservation, follow the signs to the dedicated Garden Parking lot. Parking is free for Garden visitors.
- Accessibility: The buildings, grounds, and gardens of Elm Bank are accessible with paved and crushed-stone paths.
- Pets: No dogs are allowed in the Garden at Elm Bank.
Tips & Advice
- Sign up for the Festival of Trees newsletter, because tickets go on sale in October and MHS members hear about ticket sales first.
- Buy a timed ticket before you go, because the Garden at Elm Bank requires timed tickets during its special events and festivals.
- Dress warmly for the outdoor garden lightscapes, then finish your visit by the firepits, where marshmallows for s'mores are included with your ticket.
- Leave time to visit the themed tree room and buy raffle tickets onsite if you'd like a chance to win your favorite tree.
- Leave dogs, bikes and scooters at home, because none of them are allowed in the Garden at Elm Bank.
Special Events & Promotions
- Tickets go on sale in October, and MHS members hear first.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What food and drink are included?
Your ticket includes hot cocoa when you arrive and marshmallows to roast for s'mores by the firepits at the end of your visit.
What is there to see in the Snow Village train room?
HO and O scale model trains run through miniature holiday scenes, including Boston at Christmas, Fenway Park and the North Pole. You'll also see skaters on ice rinks and hidden Santas, all lit by hundreds of small lights.
Can I win one of the decorated trees?
Yes. You can buy raffle tickets onsite for a chance to win your favorite of the themed trees donated by local families and organizations.
How can I donate a tree or volunteer?
Applications to donate a tree for 2026 are open to families, organizations, businesses and individuals, and questions go to pjenkins@masshort.org. Volunteers can sign up through the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. Festival of Trees is the society's biggest fundraiser of the year.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Dogs, bikes, scooters and sports equipment aren't allowed in the Garden at Elm Bank.
More Christmas Events Near Wellesley
More Christmas Events near Wellesley
Always check the official website for the most current information.
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