Festival of Trees Celebrates 40th Anniversary at Orlando Museum of Art

Four Decades of Holiday Magic: Festival of Trees Celebrates 40th Anniversary with ‘Forty Seasons of Joy’

For 40 years, the Festival of Trees has given Central Florida its very first glimpse of the holiday season. This November, the beloved tradition makes its grand return to the Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) for a landmark milestone filled with designer trees, sparkling displays, and brand-new ways for the community to celebrate together.

Presented by the Council of 101 with AdventHealth as the Platinum Presenting Sponsor, the 40th annual event will run from Nov. 14–22, 2026. Styled around the theme “Forty Seasons of Joy,” this year’s festival transforms the museum’s galleries into an immersive holiday wonderland featuring more than 50 designer-decorated trees, intricate wreaths, hand-crafted gingerbread creations, elegant holiday vignettes, pop-up shopping, Santa Claus Lane, and the cozy Festival Holiday Café.

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A Ruby Anniversary Built on Legacy & Generosity

Taking inspiration from the traditional 40th-anniversary gemstone, this year’s visual tone and festivities pay homage to four decades of community partnership and creative expression.

“Inspired by the timeless beauty of a ruby, this year’s Festival of Trees celebrates four decades of generosity, creativity, and community spirit while also honoring the 102-year legacy of the Orlando Museum of Art,” said Elizabeth Benoist, President of the Council of 101. “As we commemorate these remarkable milestones, we are filled with gratitude for the generosity, dedication, and support that have made them possible. This year’s ruby theme serves as a fitting symbol of the passion, dedication, and generosity that continue to make Festival of Trees shine year after year.”

Every designer tree, wreath, and gingerbread display on the floor will be available for direct purchase. Attendees can also bid on items in the festival’s silent auction or enter drawings to take home select tabletop displays.

All proceeds directly support the Orlando Museum of Art and its ongoing educational and lifelong-learning programs. Since its inception in 1965, the Council of 101 has raised and contributed more than $15 million to sustain the museum’s mission and community outreach.

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Special Events & Festival Programming

The anniversary celebration officially kicks off on Friday, Nov. 13, with the exclusive Opening Night “TreeView” Party. Guests attending the preview night will enjoy an advance look at the 2026 displays, seasonal live entertainment, curated bites, complimentary bubbly, and the ceremonial first lighting of the trees.

Throughout its nine-day run, the festival will host a robust schedule of special events tailored for families, seniors, military members, and evening revelers:

• Family & Youth Favorites: Breakfast with Santa and the energetic Reindeer Romp.
• Community Honor Days: Dedicated Heroes Day (honoring first responders, military, and educators) and Seniors Day.
• Evening Socials & Finale Events: Popular after-hours programming including Festival After 5, a casual Ugly Sweater Holiday Party, and the festive Sip & Sleigh closing celebration.
• Creative Workshops: Hands-on holiday crafting and design sessions scheduled throughout the week.

Plan Your Visit

Tickets are on sale now. Advance purchase is strongly encouraged to guarantee entry during peak weekend hours.

Admission Pricing

• Adults: $23
• Children (Ages 3–12): $15
• Seniors (65+): $15
• Military, First Responders & Educators (with valid ID): $15

Tickets can be purchased online in advance at councilof101.org, via Eventbrite, or at the door throughout the event. For full event schedules, workshop registrations, and special-event tickets, visit councilof101.org.