The holiday season is arriving at the Orlando Museum of Art with the return of the Council of 101’s Festival of Trees, an annual tradition celebrating its 40th year in 2026. Running Nov. 14–22, the festival will transform the museum into a holiday destination filled with designer-decorated Christmas trees, gingerbread displays, seasonal shopping, live entertainment and special activities for all ages.
Presented by AdventHealth, this year’s celebration is themed “Forty Seasons of Joy” and will feature more than 50 decorated trees, festive wreaths, holiday tablescapes and gingerbread creations. Visitors can also explore Santa Claus Lane, browse the Holiday Boutique, enjoy seasonal food and attend a variety of special events and workshops throughout the nine-day celebration.
The festival will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with additional evening events scheduled throughout the week.
Festival of Trees Celebrates 40 Years in Orlando
Organized by the Council of 101, the Festival of Trees has been a Central Florida holiday tradition for nearly four decades. The event brings together local designers, artists, businesses and community members to create elaborate holiday displays while raising funds to support the Orlando Museum of Art.
In addition to the decorated trees, visitors can explore holiday vignettes, wreaths, gingerbread houses and entertaining tablescapes. The festival will also feature a Holiday Boutique, Toyland shopping area, silent auction, raffle opportunities and live entertainment scheduled daily.
Beyond its seasonal displays and activities, the Festival of Trees serves as one of the Council of 101’s major annual fundraising initiatives benefiting the Orlando Museum of Art.
Founded in 1965, the Council of 101 is a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting visual arts and cultural programming throughout Central Florida. Its fundraising efforts, which include Festival of Trees and Art in Bloom, have contributed more than $15 million to the museum through support for exhibitions, artwork, facility improvements, and operating expenses.
Santa Claus will be available for photos and meet-and-greets on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Festival Café will also be open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering seasonal food and treats.
Tickets and Admission Information
General admission to the 40th annual Festival of Trees is $23 for adults and $15 for children ages 3–12. Seniors ages 60 and older, active-duty military members, and first responders can receive $15 admission with valid identification.
Festival of Trees 2026
- Dates: Nov. 14–22
- Location: Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando
- Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Festival Café: Daily, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Adult admission: $23
- Children (ages 3–12): $15
- Discounted admission: $15 for eligible seniors, active-duty military, and first responders with valid ID
Get tickets HERE.
Special Holiday Events and Workshops
Throughout the nine-day festival, the Council of 101 will host a variety of special events, offering opportunities for families, friends, and holiday enthusiasts to celebrate the season.
Opening Night TreeView Party
Friday, November 13 | 7–10 p.m.
Get an early look at the Festival of Trees before it opens to the public. Guests can enjoy the designer-decorated Christmas trees, seasonal entertainment, creative food offerings, and a festive evening celebrating the start of the holiday season.
Breakfast With Santa
Saturday, November 14, Sunday, November 15 and Saturday, November 21 | 8:30–10 a.m.
Families can enjoy a morning with Santa featuring a hot breakfast, face painting, crafts, balloon artists, and photo opportunities with Santa Claus.
From the White House to Your House: Holiday Workshop
Saturday, November 14 | 3–5 p.m.
Winter Park interior designer Lindsay Matteoni, owner and creative director of MSTR Interior Design Studio, will share insights into decorating the White House for Christmas. The workshop will explore holiday design and the creative process behind transforming the historic residence for the season.
Ugly Sweater Party
Saturday, November 14 | 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Guests are encouraged to wear their most outrageous holiday sweaters for an evening of live music, festive cocktails, and a costume contest celebrating the tackiest holiday looks.
Shimmer & Spice: Holiday Workshop
Sunday, November 15 | 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Makeup artist Leslie Christin, owner of local Cara Studios, will lead a holiday beauty demonstration covering techniques for radiant skin, red lips, and festive eye makeup. The workshop will offer tips for creating a polished look throughout the busy holiday season.
The Festive Platter: Holiday Appetizer Demonstration and Tasting
Sunday, November 15 | 3:30–5:30 p.m.
This cooking demonstration will focus on holiday entertaining, with an expert chef sharing appetizer preparation tips, professional plating techniques, time-saving shortcuts, and flavor pairings. Guests will also have the opportunity to sample the featured dishes.
Salute to Seniors
Wednesday, November 18 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Seniors age 60 and older can enjoy a day of holiday entertainment and activities with discounted festival admission. Lunch and refreshments will be available for purchase at the Holiday Café.
Festival After 5
Thursday, November 19 | 5:30–9:30 p.m.
The festival will stay open late for an after-hours holiday experience featuring decorated trees, festive displays, and Holiday Cookie Stops. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase.
Reindeer Romp Children’s Holiday Party
Friday, November 20 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Families can enjoy an evening of holiday activities, including storytime with Mrs. Claus, holiday balloons, face painting, a festive music sing-along, and reindeer stilt walkers. Admission includes access to the Festival of Trees and Santa Claus Lane, where children can meet Santa and take photos. Dinner will be available for purchase at the Holiday Café.
Baubles & Branches: Holiday Workshop
Saturday, November 21 | 3–5 p.m.
Participants can learn how to create decorative holiday bows during this workshop led by a local designer. The session will cover different bow-making techniques and styles for decorating Christmas trees and wreaths.
Sip & Sleigh Cocktail Party
Saturday, November 21 | 7–9 p.m.
The festival’s finale will feature an evening of jazzy holiday music, seasonal cocktails, and opportunities to enjoy the decorated trees and holiday tablescapes. Guests are encouraged to dress in their holiday best for the festive celebration. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Heroes Day
Sunday, November 22 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
The festival will recognize those who serve their communities with discounted $15 admission for active-duty and retired military personnel, first responders, and teachers with valid identification. Special entertainment will be offered throughout the day, with lunch and refreshments available for purchase at the Holiday Café.
There are plenty of options this holiday season at the Orlando Museum of Art. For updates and additional information, visit HERE.
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