The annual event creates a forest of decorated Christmas trees with glimmering wreaths to create a unique festive attraction. The festival grounds also offer a family-friendly skating rink. There will be free public viewings and a free family night and skate throughout the four-day festival. Local people can volunteer to decorate their own tree, demonstrating their artistic vision. The event will conclude with a charity gala and auction.
Promotional material explains the motivation for the festival:
“This family-friendly festival brings the community together to celebrate the warmth and spirit of Christmas, while shining a light on the importance of supporting critical life-saving healthcare in our community.”
The festival will be raising money for the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, which supports medical care in the Lethbridge Region by purchasing equipment and funding programming for the Chinook Regional Hospital. Last year’s edition of the event raised $170,000 through the silent auction, gala tickets, sponsorships, and other fundraising methods. Charitable events like this, often promoted through flyer printing and social media, can be a major contributor to the budgets of hospitals and other institutions.
The 2024 CRHF Festival of Trees will take place from November 17 to 20 at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena.