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Festival of Trees

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0ur Holiday Tradition
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0ur Holiday Tradition
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0ur Holiday Tradition
Festival of Trees Logo

Festival of Trees 2026

Supporting the Community

The Lawrence Festival of Trees is O'Connell Children's Shelter's signature holiday fundraiser. Local businesses, clubs, families, and artists donate themed trees, wreaths, and gingerbread creations for public viewing and a live auction. Every dollar raised supports children and families served by OCS.

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Overview

November 27 - December 6

Maceli's Banquet Hall & Catering

1031 New Hampshire Street, Lawrence, KS 66044

Benefiting O'Connell Children's Shelter

Every dollar raised supports children and families served by OCS.

Viewing Hours

General Public Viewing Hours throughout Festival Week

coming soon

Special Events Schedule

November 28: Cocktails & Carols

November 30 & December 1: Cookies with Santa

December 5: Breakfast with Santa

TBD: Auction Party

Important Dates & Deadlines

These dates are important for those wanting to decorate a tree:

September 8: Pledge Forms Due

September 15: Notice of Acceptance

October 20: Final Profile Due

November 23 & 24: Set Up Days

November 27-December 6: Viewing Hours

TBD: Auction

December 7: Tree Delivery

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Ways to Participate

and Make a Difference

A volunteer carefully hangs a wooden ornament on a Christmas tree during the O'Connell Children’s Shelter Festival of Trees event in Lawrence, Kansas.

Decorate a Tree or Decor Item

Join the tradition by decorating and donating a themed tree, wreath, or décor item. Your entry will be displayed and auctioned to benefit OCS.

Learn More >

The exterior entrance of Maceli's Catering & Events in Lawrence, Kansas, the host venue for the O'Connell Children’s Shelter annual Festival of Trees fundraiser.

Attend the Auction Party

Bid on trees at the Gala Auction Party at Maceli's. Tickets available in advance or at the door (if not sold out).

Tickets Coming Soon

Three women sitting at a registration table with paperwork at a Festival of Trees event, with decorated trees and attendees in the background.

Volunteer

Help check people in during viewing hours, assist at the Auction Party, or wrap trees for delivery. We'd love your help!

Volunteer >

Support the Festival Become a Sponsor

Sponsoring the Lawrence Festival of Trees is a meaningful way for businesses and organizations to invest in the Lawrence community while gaining valuable visibility throughout the event. Sponsorship opportunities range from $500 to $10,000, with benefits including logo placement on invitations, signage, social media, and advertising, as well as tickets to the Auction Party. To learn more or get in touch, contact Maren Ludwig at marenl@oconnellcs.org.

View Sponsorship Levels >

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Events & Info

For More Joy & Cheer

Santa Claus sitting on a stage holding a young boy with a stuffed animal during a holiday event, with decorated trees and a festive backdrop.

Cookies with Santa

Nov 30 & Dec 1  •  Times TBD

Visit Santa, enjoy some cookies, and get your picture taken.

Pricing TBD

Santa Claus sitting on stage at the Festival of Trees, laughing with three women; one woman leans in to give Santa a kiss on the cheek.

Breakfast with Santa

December 5  •  Time TBD

Join us for breakfast with Santa!

Pricing TBD

A volunteer carefully hangs a wooden ornament on a Christmas tree during the O'Connell Children’s Shelter Festival of Trees event in Lawrence, Kansas.

Cocktails & Carols

November 30  •  Time TBD

Holiday cocktails while viewing the trees, with carols by the Marvelous Mistletones.

Pricing TBD

Close-up of decorated Christmas tree branches with ornaments including a rocking horse, gold baubles, and stars.

Holiday Trivia & Ugly Sweater Contest

Date TBD  •  Time TBD

Test your holiday knowledge. Winning & worst teams earn prizes. Ugly sweater contest too!

Pricing TBD

Several decorated Christmas trees with lights and ornaments on display indoors near large windows at a Festival of Trees event.

Auction Party

Date TBD •  Time TBD

Our main event! Bid on decorated trees at the Gala Auction at Maceli's.

Pricing TBD

Red knitted mitten holiday ornament at the O'Connell Children's Shelter Festival of Trees event.

Mitten Tree

Throughout the Festival

Pack a mitten with a family's wish list. Shop for your adopted family and return gifts by the due date.

Free to participate

Thank You to Our 2025 Sponsors

Past Festival of Trees

Memories & Lasting Impact

Decorated Christmas tree with black-and-white checkered ribbon, lights, and ornaments, with an informational placard and other decorated trees behind it.
Winter village display with lit miniature houses and tall illuminated trees arranged on artificial snow with purple lighting.
Dress form decorated as a Christmas tree with lights and a dark ribbon dress, displayed between decorated trees with an information card below
Multi-level wooden log tree display with miniature holiday scenes, figurines, and ornaments, with a QR code info sheet at a Festival of Trees event.
A festive indoor display at the O’Connell Children’s Shelter Festival of Trees, featuring decorated Christmas trees with gingerbread man ornaments and holiday lights.
Santa Claus sitting on stage at the Festival of Trees, laughing with three women; one woman leans in to give Santa a kiss on the cheek.
Handcrafted wooden tree decorated with lights and small winter village scenes on each branch, displayed indoors at a holiday Festival of Trees.
Two women wearing festive Christmas tree costumes standing in front of holiday decorations at the O'Connell Children’s Shelter Festival of Trees.
Several decorated Christmas trees with lights and ornaments on display indoors near large windows at a Festival of Trees event.
Santa Claus posing with a young girl and an adult seated at a decorated table during a holiday event, with Christmas trees and lights in the background.
Santa Claus sitting on a stage holding a young boy with a stuffed animal during a holiday event, with decorated trees and a festive backdrop.