Blank Children's Hospital is proud to announce the 40th Annual Festival of Trees & Lights will be at the Iowa Events Center – Veterans Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center. The annual event is the largest fundraiser for Blank Children's Hospital and is a central Iowa tradition to kick off the holiday season.

The 40th Annual Festival of Trees & Lights will feature beautifully decorated trees, special performances from local music and dance groups, visits with Santa, a scavenger hunt, fun crafts and activities, and the chance to be inspired by impactful stories of children cared for at Blank Children's. In addition, visitors can shop the Holiday Gift Shop for gifts and more.

Tickets are $5 per person, 2 and younger are free.

Schedule :

November 21, 2023

Festival of Trees and Lights Gala

Join us for a special evening amongst the trees benefiting Blank Children’s Hospital.

6:00 p.m.: Cocktails, Social Hour & Silent Auction

7:30 p.m.: Dinner, Program & Live Auction

Please note bar service is cashless, so please plan accordingly.

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November 22, 2023

Sensory Day at Festival of Trees and Lights

If you would like to attend, cost is $5 per individual ages 3 and older - 2 and younger are free. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door.

About :

Sensory Day is a special day is designed for sensory sensitive individuals of all ages. The event is open to the public for individuals and their immediate families who would benefit from this specially modified Festival day.

Festival of Trees & Lights is a fundraiser for Blank Children's Hospital, supporting programs and services for patients and families. For questions about the event, please email [email protected], or call 515-241-6838.

If this is your first time to Festival, here’s what you can expect:

75 beautifully decorated 7 ft. trees displayed across the Ballroom.

Children’s area with crafts and activities. Punch cards are available for purchase to participate in the activities.

Festival Express Train for children 70 pounds and less.

Sock Skating Rink for children to “skate” in their socks.

Food area that offers snacks, chips, drinks (water and soda), popcorn, and fresh baked cookies.

People’s Choice voting for your favorite tree.

Scavenger Hunt among the trees and participants earn a prize.

Festival Gift Shop with a wide variety of holiday gifts, toys and décor.

Modifications made specifically for Sensory Day include:

Festival Express Train will operate, however, the train bell will be disabled to reduce noise.

No entertainment performing on the large stage in the Ballroom to help reduce noise.

Lights will be dimmed and flashing lights (on trees) will be minimized as much as possible.

Attendance will be greatly reduced.

Calming room will be available if needed by attendees.

Sock Skating Rink will be limited to very small groups, or individually if needed, to meet the unique needs of attendees.

Santa will be available for children and families in a secluded area – out of sight for attendees.

Music Therapist will provide special area for musical activities based on attendees’ interests.

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November 23, 2023 - November 26, 2023

Festival of Trees & Lights provides support to two critical services at Blank Children's Hospital: Child Life and the Center for Advocacy & Outreach. Child Life meets each patient where they are, making them feel safe and comfortable. Specialty trained team members help patients understand what's going on with age-appropriate language to help them through their hospital visit.

The work of the Center for Advocacy & Outreach keeps children out of the hospital through educational programs and services that promote safety and injury prevention. Both Child Life and the Center for Advocacy & Outreach programs are made possible by support from the community, including this event.

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Decorate

Decorators help bring Festival to life! Your unique and festive designs provide the magic for the holiday season. Decorating options are closed for this year with the exception of the Tree Farm. Please call the Foundation Office at 515-241-6403 with any questions.

Festival Tree Farm Decorator - Decorate a 4 1/2 ft. pre-lit artificial tree provided by Festival. You provide the decorations, tree skirt and at least $250 worth of items or gift cards in addition to the decorated tree.

The tree will be displayed on the Festival website and the community will be invited to bid on your tree in an online silent auction. This is a great way to showcase a business, organization, or yourself. The highest bidder at 12 p.m. on Sunday, November 26 will "win" the tree. Review the Tree Farm information card for specific details.

Date : November 24, 2023 - November 26, 2023

Location :

Veterans Memorial Auditorium

833 5th Avenue Des

Moines, IA 50301

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