Nestled in the heart of Franklin County, Pennsylvania, the 2025 Franklin County Festival of Trees offers a true winter wonderland experience. From Chambersburg to the surrounding areas, visitors are welcomed by a magical blend of holiday cheer, creativity, and festive spirit. This much-loved event, running through December 6, is filled with sparkling Christmas trees, beautifully decorated wreaths, and the joyous sounds of the season. If you’re looking for a place to kick off the holiday season, look no further than Franklin County, where the Festival of Trees brings together the best of local creativity, community, and goodwill.
The festival, held at the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center in Chambersburg, provides an enchanting backdrop of snow-covered trees, holiday music, and festive decorations. Whether you’re an art lover, a holiday enthusiast, or someone in search of a heartwarming cause, this festival promises an unforgettable experience. Each year, it attracts people from near and far, drawn not only by the stunning decorations but also by the silent auction, where visitors can place bids on uniquely designed trees and wreaths, with all proceeds benefiting the Cumberland Valley Breast Care Alliance (CVBCA).
As you stroll through the Visitors Center, you’ll find a variety of themed trees, ranging from upside-down creations to cactus trees and classic Christmas designs. With 40% of the decorators being new this year, there’s always something fresh and exciting to discover. The Grinch and his fellow Whos from Whoville make regular appearances, adding to the family-friendly charm of the event. This year, trees like the Certified Tourism Ambassador tree and wreaths such as the Capitol Theatre wreath are already leading the silent auction bids.
The 2025 Franklin County Festival of Trees: A Winter Wonderland
Franklin County, Pennsylvania, transforms into a festive haven for holiday lovers with its annual Festival of Trees. The event, which ends Saturday, December 6, is one of the best ways to embrace the spirit of Christmas while supporting a local cause. Held at the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center in Chambersburg, the festival boasts a spectacular array of beautifully decorated trees, each with its own unique theme. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, it’s an event that fills the air with cheer, music, and holiday joy.
- Date and Time: The event runs until Saturday, December 6. It’s open during these hours:
- Thursday, December 4: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Friday, December 5: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday, December 6: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Silent auction winners will be announced on Saturday afternoon from 1:15 PM – 3:15 PM.
- Location: The event takes place at the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center, located in the southwest corner of Memorial Square, Chambersburg, PA. This central location makes it an easy stop for anyone visiting the area during the holiday season.
A Wide Variety of Christmas Trees and Wreaths
The Festival of Trees is known for its creatively decorated trees. From traditional Christmas trees adorned with sparkling ornaments to more unconventional designs like upside-down trees and cactus trees, there is something for every taste. The variety of themed trees brings out the best in local creativity, with decorations celebrating everything from candy themes to patriotic themes, and even musical motifs. This diversity ensures that the festival attracts visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
One of the standout features of the festival is the silent auction, where attendees can place bids on their favourite trees and wreaths. The proceeds from these auctions benefit the Cumberland Valley Breast Care Alliance, supporting breast cancer care and awareness in the community. The event offers several ways to participate:
- In-Person Bidding: Visit the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center during open hours to place your bid on a tree or wreath.
- Email Bidding: For those unable to attend in person, bids can be sent via email
- by 8:00 PM on Friday, December 5.
- Phone Bidding: Bids can also be placed by calling 866-646-8060 or 717-552-2977 until 10:00 AM on Saturday, December 6.
Local Decorators and Community Involvement
One of the most special aspects of the Festival of Trees is the involvement of local decorators. Approximately 40% of the decorators this year are new to the festival, bringing fresh ideas and designs to the event. Local community members, churches, and organisations are always involved, contributing their time, talent, and creativity. For example, the King Street Church Pottery Studio Ministry has once again decorated a tree using hand-crafted pottery ornaments made and donated by their pottery class. This tree was a standout last year, earning the highest bid in the silent auction.
New this year is the Certified Tourism Ambassador tree, an elegant, dark chocolate-themed tree with a woodsy theme that has already received strong attention from bidders. The festival showcases a rich variety of design ideas, including wreaths like the Capitol Theatre wreath, which is currently leading the wreath bidding.
How to Bid and Take Part in the Fun
If you’re interested in placing a bid on one of the trees or wreaths, there are several ways to do so:
- In-Person: You can place bids directly at the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center during the event’s operating hours.
- By Email: Email your bids
- by 8:00 PM on Friday, December 5.
- By Phone: Call 866-646-8060 or 717-552-2977 to place phone bids, which must be submitted by 10:00 AM on Saturday, December 6.
The silent auction will end on Saturday, December 6, with winners being announced later that day between 1:15 PM – 3:15 PM. Make sure to track the current highest bids online or in person to ensure you don’t miss out on winning your favourite tree or wreath.
Explore Franklin County: More Than Just the Festival
While the Festival of Trees is one of Franklin County’s most anticipated holiday events, the county has much more to offer. Known for its charming small towns and rich historical significance, Franklin County is home to attractions like the Appalachian Trail, Cumberland Valley, and Shippensburg University. Chambersburg, the county seat, is a hub for arts, architecture, natural beauty, and recreation. Other towns like Greencastle, Mercersburg, and Waynesboro offer additional opportunities for exploration, making Franklin County an ideal destination for a holiday getaway.
A Perfect Destination for Holiday Fun
If you are looking for a family-friendly, festive event this holiday season, the Franklin County Festival of Trees is the place to be. The event offers something for everyone, from beautifully decorated trees to unique wreaths, and the silent auction adds an extra layer of excitement. Best of all, you are helping to support a worthy cause — the Cumberland Valley Breast Care Alliance. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Christmas in Franklin County.
Conclusion:
The Franklin County Festival of Trees is the epitome of holiday cheer and community spirit. With its stunning trees, festive atmosphere, and meaningful cause, it is an event that brings people together and celebrates the best of Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Whether you’re coming for the decorations, the silent auction, or just to experience the magic of the season, Franklin County offers a holiday destination you’ll remember long after the last bid is placed. Plan your visit today and experience the warm hospitality and holiday cheer that make Franklin County a must-see holiday destination.
The post Franklin County 2025 Festival of Trees in Chambersburg: A Holiday Spectacle with 40% New Decorators and Creative Designs for a Great Cause appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
