Last Updated on November 6, 2026 2:35 pm
Local organizations, designers, and friend groups are gathering to deck the halls for this year’s annual Festival of Trees fundraiser, beginning the week of November 16th.
Festival of Trees has become a tradition in kicking off the holiday season in the High Country. With more than 100 decorated trees and wreaths on display across Watauga, Ashe, and Avery counties and available for purchase via online auction, the event raises money to support Western Youth Network (WYN)’s vital programming for children and youth across the region.
Since its inception in 2015, Festival of Trees has evolved from its origins, spanning just one weekend at Chetola Resort, to a multi-week event all throughout the High Country, raising a total of over $750k for WYN over the past eleven years.
This year’s auction opens to the public on November 18th at 12pm. The Festival committee encourages folks to sign up early for the auction so they will get important updates via text throughout the event. To register, visit wynfestivaloftrees.com or text the keyword wynfot to 44834 to sign up.
The week following Thanksgiving, everyone is invited to participate in one or all of the festive events accompanying this annual auction. The week kicks off on November 30th with a free film showing of “Elf” at the Appalachian Theatre in downtown Boone at 7pm. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring your family and friends out to kick off the holiday season! (Reservations suggested at apptheatre.org.)
On Tuesday, December 1st, community members are invited to participate in a wreath-making workshop, learning to design a wreath that will then be included in the event’s auction. Tickets are required for the workshop with limited slots available. Get yours at wynfestivaloftrees.com.
Drop-in for a free hot chocolate bar at the Watauga Recreation Center in Boone from 4 to 6pm on Thursday, December 3rd while you view a wide array of decorated wreaths available for purchase or bidding. No membership to the Watauga Recreation Center or RSVP is required, so come and enjoy the festivities in the lobby and community room of the Watauga Recreation Center.
And finally, Festival of Trees goes out with a bang with a 24-hour fundraising campaign called $20k-in-One-Day on Thursday, December 3rd before the auction’s official closing on Friday, December 5th at 12pm.
WYN’s Executive Director, Jennifer Warren said, “Festival of Trees is the perfect event because it gives the High Country yet another opportunity to build community by coming together to share in holiday festivities while also supporting children and families. Each year we are touched to see how deeply our community cares and how generously individuals, businesses, civic clubs and other groups give to support our agency.”
Appalachian Evergreens, a local tree farm, is returning as the presenting sponsor for this year’s event. “Being a sponsor for Festival of Trees is one of our favorite contributions that we make annually. It brings the whole High Country together, and knowing it supports WYN’s work with local kids makes it more meaningful! Helping continue Dr. Bill Horn’s vision to support kids in Watauga County is something we are very proud to do!” said owners Chris and Melanie Wilcox.
Charlie, their son who helps run the multi-generational tree farm, said “the Festival of Trees event is a true display of Christmas Spirit. The people at WYN work relentlessly to improve the lives of the children in our community. This event shines a well-earned spotlight on their efforts, and encourages the community to step up and get involved in a fun & festive way. In such a busy and overwhelming season of life, it’s refreshing to witness everyone involved go above and beyond with a smile. The community’s affinity for this cause is literally on display during the event, but the proceeds help keep the spirit alive year round.”
Funds raised at this year’s event will support WYN’s mentoring program, which ensures that young people in Watauga, Avery, and Ashe counties have the positive adult support they need to thrive.
There are many ways to join local businesses and individuals in support of WYN and Festival of Trees including sponsorships, donations and tree and wreath designing. To access more information about the participating supporters, online auction, full event calendar, tickets or reservations, please visit wynfestivaloftrees.com.
