You’ve got through Sunday, December 20 to check out the Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s Festival of Trees, an annual holiday event that has been kept going this year due to the tireless efforts of masked-up volunteers and loyal supporters. They’ve moved heaven and earth to ensure that there are plenty of decorated trees to see (about 70); the always-popular snow village model train exhibit; and more. Outside there are decorations in The Gardens at Elm Bank, and visitors can keep warm and cozy melting s’mores at the fire pit.
Mass Hort, Festival of TreesTry your luck at the raffle and maybe you’ll win one of the trees, decorations on it, presents under it, and all. The raffle takes place on the last day of the Festival, and you will be contacted if you’re a winner.
When I stopped by to enjoy the display, volunteer Elaine Lawrence told me, “The Festival is a little smaller this year, but we are keeping everything very safe for everyone.” That means, in part, that timed-entry tickets must be purchased in advance.
In strict observance of all COVID protocols, visitors will be escorted through the Festival in small groups. You can get all the latest info on their website. Both the Festival of Trees display in the Hunnewell building and the Snow Village are accessible.
Here’s a look at a few of the decked-out trees:
“Take Me for a Ride,” by Tom and Christine Boisvert of Natick
“Legends of the Lost Treasure Camp,” by LINX Camps
“Traveling Bears,” by Beth Gray-Nix of Natick
Bill Meagher of Needham, creator of the Snow Village, makes sure all the moving parts are working. The enchanted exhibit of holiday villages and trains are is full of intricate figures on display. Look for model trains as they wind through Dicken’s Village; Fenway Park; Beacon Hill; Downton Abbey; an amusement park with a Ferris Wheel and Spin Ride; Santa climbing the North Pole; and more. Meagher donated the entire village to Mass Hort several years back.Natick was well-represented at the event, with residents and business contributing their time and talents to the Festival by donating decorated trees:
Berkshire Hathaway; Catherine Clifford, Elizabeth Carol and Kate Grzesink; Friends of the Bacon Free Library; Monica Carlsson Foley; Natick Garden Club; Occasional Magic; and Tom and Christine Bolsvert.
Plan your visit:
DATES TO VIEW TREES: Fri., Nov. 27 – Sun., Dec. 20
LOCATION: Massachusetts Horticultural Society, 900 Washington St., Wellesley, MA 02482
HOURS: Wed. – Sun.; 10am – 8pm, with the last entry at 6:20pm; closed Mon. and Tue.
PURCHASE TICKETS
Timed-entry tickets must be purchased in advance.
In strict observance of all COVID protocols, visitors will be escorted through the Festival in small groups.
This year there is also be a virtual Festival in addition to the physical display.
