During the holiday season, the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens transforms into an enchanted winter wonderland with the annual Festival of Trees. For the ninth annual holiday spectacular, the theme “The Joy of Holiday Traditions: Celebrating Family Heritage” will highlight a traditional holiday aesthetic, and the reason for the season—spending time with family—with more than 25 trees setup throughout the gardens.
Each year, trees sponsored by area patrons and businesses are designed by an array of local interior designers, artists, architects and florists. Every aspect of the tree is meticulously planned and executed—no branch is left unturned in the pursuit of the perfect marriage between aesthetic, theme and originality.
Where as in years past, Festival of Trees’ theme was dedicated to literature, movies, and even the states of the union, this year, the trees will truly take on holiday grandeur as the design crews focus on holiday tradition for the theme. Douglas and Fraser firs will morph into conical bastions of holiday cheer, decked out in ornaments, tinsel, and more, for a tree that will surely leave some with serious holiday decor envy. Match with a dazzling lightshow by Kevin A. Clark, and performances by local musicians, dancers, and actors dressed as holiday characters, the family-friendly Festival of Trees has become one of the most anticipated events of the holiday season.
The gardens will come to life on Friday, December 4 when the Gala Evening in the Gardens flips the switch to the twinkling lights of Festival of the Trees. The event is a truly magical evening filled with music, dance, and theatrical performances, this year including Palm Beach Atlantic University Stringendo School of Strings and Ebony Chorale. As guests stroll through the enchanted gardens—cocktail in hand, taking in the trees—they are greeted with fantastic sights and a spectacular light and music show that utilizes two of Ann Norton’s monumental sculptures.
Returning this year, the Children’s Gala will welcome younger visitors to the gardens on December 13 from 5-7 p.m. Children will have their own garden adventure, with kid-friendly activities, special performances and live music, and a special light show, including a special performance by the Florida Dance Conservatory.
Throughout Festival of Trees, Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens will host Community Days from December 5-12, and 14-16, from 6:30-8 p.m., giving visitors a chance to explore the gardens and experience the tropical winter wonderland.
As one of the gardens’ major fundraising events, proceeds from the Festival of Trees supports not only the gardens, but also its community enrichment program, which includes art exhibitions, literacy days, Earth days and student visits.
- Gala reception tickets cost $250 for nonmembers, $40 for children.
- Tickets for the Children’s Gala cost $40 for adult and child.
- Community Evening tickets cost $20 per adult and $7 for children.
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