AKRON — One hundred fifty-four decorated trees now fill the John S. Knight Center in downtown Akron, as Akron Children’s 45th annual Holiday Tree Festival runs November 14 through 22, according to Akron Children’s.
The free event, a beloved tradition for many Northeast Ohio families, raises money for the hospital through the sale of the trees, wreaths and holiday décor, Akron Children’s said. Presented by the volunteers of Akron Children’s, the festival is held at the John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill Street in downtown Akron.
This year’s festival features 154 decorated trees, 84 wreaths and 179 holiday gifts for purchase, along with seasonal entertainment and holiday cheer across nine days, according to Akron Children’s. The festival ribbon cutting was Saturday, November 14 at 10 a.m.
Hours run 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays, November 15 and 22, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, November 16-20, with Saturday hours of 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., according to the festival schedule. The popular Breakfasts with Santa are scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Saturdays, November 14 and 21.
Among this year’s trees is a family creation with a story of its own: a space-themed tree named “Reach for the Stars,” inspired by a 10-year-old’s love of space, combining traditional decorations with stars, planets and astronauts, according to Akron Children’s. Another tree, “Play It Again Rammy,” was decorated by a Garfield Community Learning Center teacher using recycled materials, Akron Public Schools reported.
Every tree, wreath and gift sold sends its proceeds to Akron Children’s, supporting the hospital’s work for children and families across Northeast Ohio — which is what has made the festival a fixture of the region’s holiday season for 45 years.
What happens next: the festival continues daily through Sunday, November 22 at the John S. Knight Center, with free admission throughout. For more information, Akron Children’s directs visitors to akronchildrens.org/treefestival.
Families planning a visit this week can walk in free on any festival day — there are no closed days during the run — and the decorated trees, wreaths and gifts on display are available for purchase throughout, with Breakfast with Santa requiring registration for its two Saturday mornings, according to Akron Children’s and the festival schedule.
Photo: WeaponizingArchitecture, CC BY-SA