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.
Nov 16 – Dec 1, 2026 All ages Complimentary.
See more other Christmas activities near Seattle
Plan Your Visit
Neighborhood
Downtown Seattle
Location
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.
Links & Contact
Run by Seattle Festival of Trees Guild
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.
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.
Browse Christmas in Seattle
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.