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Christmas cheer is coming to the North Dakota State Fair Center as Dakota Hope Clinic's Festival of Trees returns Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20-21.
The event offers decorated Christmas trees, holiday shopping, family activities and live entertainment while supporting local individuals and families.
General festival hours are noon-9 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, with a separately ticketed dinner and live auction on Saturday evening. Children and youth younger than 18 attend free. The Dashing Through the Snow 5K and 1-Mile Family Fun Run require separate tickets or registration.
Throughout the weekend, guests can browse the Holiday Shoppe, bid on silent auction items, enter to win decorated trees at Raffle Row and enjoy professional family photos and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Younger guests can explore the North Pole Play Zone, while Saturday's activities include horse-drawn wagon rides and Follow the Star, an interactive Nativity experience with a petting zoo.
Friday's entertainment includes Tea in the Trees, featuring refreshments and local musical performances, followed by the returning Fun Pianos! Dueling Pianos Show from 7-9 p.m. The family-friendly show combines music, comedy and audience participation, with no additional show ticket required beyond festival admission.
On Saturday, participants can celebrate the season in their favorite festive outfits at the Dashing Through the Snow 5K and 1-Mile Family Fun Run. Concert in the Trees will also feature local musical talent during the day.
Doors for Saturday's dinner catered by LBJ Texas BBQ and the live auction open at 5 p.m. There will be live entertainment and bidding led by auctioneer Ben Stiegelmeier. Auction offerings include decorated Christmas trees, trips and other items.
Festival of Trees supports Dakota Hope Clinic's work providing free and confidential pregnancy services, education and practical support to individuals and families in the region.
Community members also can help make the festival possible by volunteering or donating silent auction items. Visit the Festival of Trees website to sign up.