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The Lawrence family’s favorite series of holiday events will soon return, but in a new location and with new nightlife events added to the lineup.
O’Connell Children’s Shelter’s flagship annual fundraiser, the 2023 Festival of Trees, will feature unique tree decorations, tacky sweaters, and Santa Claus himself in full force.
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This nonprofit organization serves Douglas County youth in need of residential care, life stability services, and truancy prevention.
All of this year’s events will be held at Macel’s Banquet Hall, located at 1031 New Hampshire Street.
The main event will be a number of donated trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses with unique themes and designs created by businesses, families and local organizations. The tree will be displayed and auctioned over the weekend. Last year’s event featured trees decorated with various themed designs, including KU’s basketball and flamingo themes.
The tree will be on display from Friday, November 24th until Sunday, December 3rd. Organizers suggest a $5 donation per adult and child 6 and older. Viewing times are as follows, and this year’s festival has a senior-only viewing time.
The week will also include other festive events, including holiday trivia, an ugly sweater contest, and multiple appearances by Santa Claus.
Children of all ages can eat cookies with Santa on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 27 and 28 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Organizers suggest a $5 donation for adults and children 3 and older, and $20 for a family of four. or more people.
You can also have breakfast with Santa on Sunday, Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $17 per adult and $13.75 per child, with $5 of every meal donated to O’Connell Children’s Shelter. Tickets will be sold on the day if possible, but organizers warn they may sell out. Tickets can be purchased through this link.
There will also be a Christmas Parade breakfast set on Saturday December 2nd from 9am to 11am. Tickets can be purchased through this link.
New events aimed at adults are appearing one after another. For example, “Cocktails and Carols” is scheduled for his Saturday, Nov. 25 at 8 p.m., and will feature a musical performance by the Marvella Smithtones. A $10 donation per person is suggested at the door.
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New this year is the Holiday Trivia and Ugly Sweater Contest hosted by Scotty Mac. Teams of 4 people can join for $100, and additional participants can join for $25 each. According to event organizers, “prizes will be awarded to the winning and bottom-placed teams.” It is set for Wednesday, Nov. 29 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are available at this link.
Also new this year is MsAmanda Love’s Holiday Holi “Slay” Spectacular. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 1 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Beer, wine, cocktails, holiday drinks and Christmas cookies will be available for purchase. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased through this link.
Festival of Trees viewing times at Maseriz are as follows:
• Friday, November 24th from 10am to 8pm
• Saturday, November 25th from noon to 8pm
• Sunday, November 26th from 10am to 6pm
• Monday, November 27th 1:30pm – 8:00pm
• Tuesday, November 28th from 10am to 8pm
• Senior viewing hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Public hours will be Wednesday, November 29th from 2:00pm to 6:30pm.
• November 30th (Thursday) 10am – 4:30pm
• Friday, December 1st from noon to 8pm
• Saturday, December 2nd from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Sunday, December 3rd from 10am to 2pm
These trees will be auctioned off at an auction party on Saturday, December 2nd. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the program begins at Macel’s at 7 p.m. Tickets are $65 per person for general admission and $125 per person for VIP tickets. Find answers to frequently asked questions about parties and auctions here.
Visit the event website for event details and suggested donations. For more information about O’Connell Children’s Shelter, visit their website at oconnellchildrensshelter.org.
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