Barton's 11th annual Festival of Trees & Lights returns to South Shore

A holiday tradition on the South Shore for the past ten years returns to help children and adults of all ages ring in the holiday season. The Festival of Trees and Lights moves to a new home this year at Harrah's Lake Tahoe starting on Friday, December 6 and going through Sunday, December 8.

The seasonal celebration features events and entertainment including the Senior Stroll, Family Night, the Gala, and Teddy Bear Brunch.

Produced by the Barton Foundation to benefit community health, proceeds from this year's Festival support Barton’s Community Health Endowment and the Family Birthing Center at Barton Memorial Hospital.

The holiday tradition unfolds as Barton Foundation’s team of staff and volunteers transform the Harrah’s Convention Center into a holiday paradise. Attendees can expect dazzling lights and holiday décor, designer trees and wreaths by local artists, a children’s crafting area, photos with Santa, a Teddy Bear Hospital, a gift shop stocked by Mrs. Claus, costumed storybook characters, raffle prizes, and an entertainment lineup featuring live music, choir and dance performances.

In addition to public viewing of the holiday displays and photos with Santa on Friday, December 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and Sunday, December 8 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., special events throughout the Festival of Trees and Lights offer further revelry and merriment. Special events do sell out and it is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance.

- Friday, Dec. 6: Community members and visitors ages 55 and over can attend a Senior Stroll, enjoying the holiday displays, entertainment and light refreshments at no cost, from 2 – 4 p.m.

- Friday, Dec. 6: Family Night offers a viewing from 5 – 9 p.m. at the family-friendly price of $25 for up to six people (children ages 2 and under are free).

- Saturday, Dec. 7: The Gala lights up Saturday night at the Festival. This black tie-optional soiree features a cocktail reception, five-course meal, dancing, and a highly sought-after silent auction. New this year, a separate ticket is available for purchase to attend just the cocktail reception at the Gala from 5 – 7:00 p.m.

- Sunday, Dec. 8: Children and their families can attend the Teddy Bear Brunch from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., where they can enjoy a buffet brunch, be entertained by the “Science Wizard,” write a letter to Santa (who will be sure to write back), and make a visit to the Teddy Bear Hospital - a fun and interactive place to learn about health and hospitals through the care of a teddy bear.

“We are delighted to support the health of our community and help keep care for mothers and babies close to home,” said Chris Kiser, Barton Foundation Executive Director. “I’m looking forward to getting into the holiday spirit at this year’s Festival while reinforcing important medical services for local families.”

For more information, volunteer opportunities, and to purchase tickets, visit bartonhealth.org/festival or call 530.543.5909. The entrance fee for public viewing is $5, tickets to the Teddy Bear Brunch are $35 and include a photo with Santa, and tickets to the Gala are $250 or $75 for the cocktail reception.