We Need a Little Christmas

Erin Phillips

The annual AAN Festival of the Trees will light up the Bayfront Convention Center – hoping to make this year's celebration bigger and better than ever.

BEGINNING FRIDAY, NOV. 28

Last year, Emily Vommaro, director of Children's Miracle Network at AHN Saint Vincent, was setting up for the 40th annual Festival of Trees in a real-life snow globe, but due to the now-famous 2024 Snowmageddon, the event could only stay open six hours.

The 41st edition will continue their tradition of close to 100 decorated trees sponsored by corporations, nonprofits, schools, and even the elves at the Erie Reader.

Festival of Trees benefits the Children's Miracle Network and AHN Saint Vincent Talent Attraction Program. "It's a great program we have at the hospital where community members can apply to get into the medical field and eventually work at AHN Saint Vincent," said Vommaro.

In addition to other highlights such as visits with Santa, live reindeer, live entertainment, vendors, the Kringle Academy, and Mrs. Claus' Kitchen, "the community will vote on their favorite tree –  they'll be given a ticket at the door and then the tree with the most votes will be announced on social media and the news the following week," she added.

While Vommaro expects more than 10,000 to attend this tree-mendous family-friendly affair, there's another option Saturday evening: the Festival After Dark, which is open to adults only and benefits the Nursing Education Program of AHN Saint Vincent. This event will feature music by the Cleveland Keys, hors d'oeuvres, tastings of local brews and spirits, vendors, dancing in the gallery of the trees, and more. Vommaro says, "I really can compare it to a Hallmark movie – it is so much fun and it is magical."

All of that holiday magic couldn't be possible without volunteers or sponsors, so those interested in fulfilling either need can reach out to svdevelopment@ahn.org

Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. // Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier / / $10 adults, $8 for children (children under 2 are free) // For more info: supportahn.org/festival

Festival After Dark: Saturday, Nov. 29 from 7 to 11 p.m. // Bayfront Convention Center, I Sassafras Pier // $80 (purchase tickets before Nov. 14) // For more info: supportahn.org/festival