Festival of Trees brings holiday cheer to Cedar Rapids

Extravaganza of trees, crafts, vendors and holiday cheer returns this weekend

Nov. 13, 2024 6:18 pm

The Gazette’s annual Festival of Trees will return Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in the former Younkers space at Lindale Mall in Cedar Rapids. It will feature live performers, craft-based activities, holiday vendors, visits with Santa, and dozens of trees.

New this year, on Friday, a “Sensory Day” will be offered from 1-6 p.m. It will provide a different experience for people with sensory sensitivities and other social, learning, or cognitive disabilities. Additional space, adjusted lighting and sound levels, and additional exit options will be available.

Tickets to Festival of Trees are $5 for adults 18 and older, and free for 17 and younger with a non-perishable food donation.

Staci Riddell of REM Iowa decorates a Harry Potter themed Christmas tree ahead of the annual Festival of Trees event at the former Younkers at Lindale Mall in northeast Cedar Rapids on Wednesday. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Dozens of Christmas trees sit on display ahead of the annual Festival of Trees event at the former Younkers at Lindale Mall in northeast Cedar Rapids on Wednesday. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

A peppermint themed Christmas tree sits on display ahead of the annual Festival of Trees event at the former Younkers at Lindale Mall in northeast Cedar Rapids on Wednesday. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Stephanie Anderson of Pulse Financial Services steps back to see where she needs to hang more ornaments while decorating her company Christmas tree ahead of the annual Festival of Trees event at the former Younkers at Lindale Mall in northeast Cedar Rapids on Wednesday. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Dana Howell of Inside Out Counseling and Consulting strings colorful lights on their “Inside Out” themed Christmas tree ahead of the annual Festival of Trees event at the former Younkers at Lindale Mall in northeast Cedar Rapids on Wednesday. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Kendra Aarhus of Waxing the City laughs as she decorates her “Christmas candy lane” themed tree ahead of the annual Festival of Trees event at the former Younkers at Lindale Mall in northeast Cedar Rapids on Wednesday. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Stephanie Anderson of Pulse Financial Services hangs ornaments from her company Christmas tree ahead of the annual Festival of Trees event at the former Younkers at Lindale Mall in northeast Cedar Rapids on Wednesday. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

A gingerbread themed Christmas tree sits on display ahead of the annual Festival of Trees event at the former Younkers at Lindale Mall in northeast Cedar Rapids on Wednesday. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Peggy Degnan of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance strings lights on their “Tree-rific” Christmas tree ahead of the annual Festival of Trees event at the former Younkers at Lindale Mall in northeast Cedar Rapids on Wednesday. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Community business members decorate their themed Christmas trees ahead of the annual Festival of Trees event at the former Younkers at Lindale Mall in northeast Cedar Rapids on Wednesday. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Ellie Pereboom of Inside Out Counseling and Consulting helps decorate an “Inside Out” themed Christmas tree ahead of the annual Festival of Trees event at the former Younkers at Lindale Mall in northeast Cedar Rapids on Wednesday. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Dana Howell, right, and Katey Garoutte, left, of Inside Out Counseling and Consulting decorate their “Inside Out” Christmas tree ahead of the annual Festival of Trees event at the former Younkers at Lindale Mall in northeast Cedar Rapids on Wednesday. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)