Experience “A Holiday Classic”
This Season in Downtown Atlanta
Guests of the 28th Annual Festival of Trees Will Escape To A Wonderland
Of Holiday Traditions from Years Gone By
The 2004 Festival of Trees, being held December 4 – 12, invites both children and adults to step back in time as the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta transforms into an enchanted, tree-lined streetscape.
“Like thousands of families, the Festival of Trees has been a holiday tradition in my family for years,” said Mary Ulich, 2004 Festival of Trees chair. “I developed ‘A Holiday Classic’ as this year’s theme because the holiday season seems to bring a sense of nostalgia and memories from the past. This year’s Festival is sure to be a timeless celebration with wonderful images from yesteryear brought to life for new generations to enjoy.”
Just like a scene from “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the 150,000-square-foot streetscape will be alive with holiday décor exhibits; live performances; rides, crafts and attractions for kids; hundreds of trees and wreaths decorated by top designers and artists; and of course, the opportunity to tell Santa what’s on this year’s wish list.
Something for All Ages
Hundreds of community volunteers spend an entire year planning this extravagant event. A great deal of time and effort go into catering to the interests of visitors of every age.
The excitement is endless for children. Young Festival-goers can hop on a variety of rides including a roller coaster, giant slide, train and antique carousel. If it’s adventure they crave, the climbing wall is a great way to test their strength and courage. The Storytime Theater and children’s Bookstore are great places to get lost in some tales and possibly meet up with a famous author. After that, they can take a seat on Santa’s lap while they whisper their Christmas wish list in his ear. There are plenty of gifts to buy for parents and siblings at the Secret Shop. Or if they prefer, they can make their own gifts at one of the craft stations in Santa’s Workshop. Children can also decorate cookies, have their faces painted, play in the giant sandbox and actually fish for prizes in a fishing shack.
Adults will enjoy the hundreds of Christmas trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses, 
international vignettes, ornaments and other unique holiday treasures created by top designers and artists. These and other items can be purchased at gift shops throughout the Festival. Artistically-designed dollhouses will be on display, as well as available for purchase. Adults and children will also enjoy many delicious treats at the Festival’s Bake Shop. The new shop to explore this year is an old-fashioned candy shop, filled with sweet treats for your stocking or your stomach!
In addition to the children’s activities and holiday tree and wreath displays, there will be a 35,000-pound sand sculpture, a miniature interactive train, gingerbread decorating competitions, and a variety of entertainment from school choirs to professional bands and dance groups.
New in 2004
Debuting this year, a special Norman Rockwell’s Home for the Holidays exhibition will be on display as a perfect compliment to the Festival’s theme, “A Holiday Classic.” This exhibition has been organized by the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, and showcases Rockwell artwork on original tear sheets from The Saturday Evening Post covers.
To coincide with the nine fun-filled days of the Festival of Trees, visitors will find on this year’s Festival floor “The Walt Disney World® Magical Gathering of Trees”, nine one-of-a-kind Disney-themed trees. Designers from Walt Disney World® Holiday Services designed trees to represent “Magical Gatherings,” “The Disney Princesses,” “Belle’s Enchanted Tree,” “A Villain Wonderland,” “Stitch’s Very Own Tree,” “Pop Century,” “Mission: SPACE,” “Alice in Wonderland,” and “Playhouse Disney.” In addition, a representative from the Walt Disney World® Holiday Services will be on hand, December 4th through December 6th and December 9th through December 12th, to demonstrate holiday wreath making techniques.
For a Good Cause
Now in its 28th year, the Festival of Trees has raised more than $15 million for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. As a not-for-profit organization, Children's relies on community support to provide high quality care to more than 215,000 sick and injured children a year. Proceeds from the 2004 Festival of Trees will benefit Sibley Heart Center of Children’s, a center that cares for children who are born with or develop heart defects. Child-sized equipment and limitless hugs allow specially trained doctors and nurses to treat more than 28,000 children each year. A leader in pediatric cardiac care, Sibley Heart Center was ranked one of Child magazine’s top five pediatric cardiac programs in the country.
Tickets and Other Information
Tickets to the Festival of Trees are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors 65 and over, $5 for children ages 2-12, and free for children under 2. To purchase advance tickets or to learn more about the Festival, call 404-325-NOEL or visit www.choa.org/festival .
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