“Festival of Trees” events– where to find them on the seacoast!

Since Thanksgiving was yesterday, I’m assuming I’ve got the green light to talk Christmas. Trees, specifically.

Even though it’s not even December yet, the Seacoast simply can’t wait to trim a tree. Hence, there are a ton of local events where you can take in enough holiday lights to sear your own corneas. I say that in the most festive of ways.

“Tree Festivals” are loads of fun and super economical. And most of them don’t require you to brave the cold! Take a peek at what’s happening on the Seacoast.

Sea Festival of Trees at the Blue Ocean Music Hall in Salisbury
Open: Saturday, Nov. 19-Sunday, Dec. 4 (click link for hours of operation).
Admission: $5, children under 2 are free.
If you like to stay warm indoors while appreciating the spirit of the season, this place is perfect and has it all! Get ready for a forest of sparkling holiday trees and wreaths-fancily decorated with unique and fun themes, visits with Santa, Frosty and The Grinch. Also enjoy indoor free “ice” skating on their Seaside Ice Rink (it’s made from some kind of rubber plastic, totally amazing!), music and dance performances, a coastal arts and crafts show, a giant gingerbread house display and a festival café.

Exeter Festival of Trees
Open: Thursday, Dec. 1; 11am-8pm.
Admission: Free.
Visit the town hall and view the 50+ decorated trees on display. Coinciding with the town’s Ring in the Season weekend-long extravaganza, there are a ton of fun and festive events happening simultaneously. Time your visit right and see Santa arrive in Exeter at 5pm and will remain at the Bandstand to visit with the kids.

Festival of Fostering of Trees at Foster’s Clambake in York, ME
Open: Thursday, Dec. 1-Sunday, Dec. 4, 10am-8pm.
Admission: Free (see info about donations below)
Stroll through their indoor magical enchanted forest of over 200 beautifully decorated Christmas trees for your viewing pleasure, there’s truly something for everyone! Proceeds help youth involved in Maine’s Foster Care System! Admission: Free, but check their Facebook page prior to attending as they usually accept voluntary donations for the York Food Pantry and Toys for Tots.

Dover Festival of Trees
Open: Friday, Dec. 2, 4-8pm.
Admission: Free!
Featuring 30 trees indoors at Rivermill at Dover Landing (new location this year!) elaborately decorated by local businesses and organizations, the event also features live choir performances, children’s activities, holiday carols, refreshments and more holiday fun.

FYI: Portsmouth Garden Club’s Festival of Trees at the Urban Forestry Center happens every other year with the next event in 2017. Check back next year for this fantastic holiday display.

Hoping you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and looking forward to a festive December.