SANDPOINT — Christmas is in the air — at least in terms of next month's Festival of Trees.

The beloved holiday tradition is back and bigger than ever, said Katie Begalke, executive director of Community Resource EnVision Center. The nonprofit has put on the annual fundraisers for the past several years after taking it over from Kinderhaven when the group foster home closed in May 2022.

Presented in partnership with The Hive, this year's event brings nine days of magic, music and community spirit from Nov. 28 to Dec. 6, Begalke said.

“What makes the Festival of Trees so special is the people of this community,” Begalke said. “From those in need to those meeting needs, and everyone in between, this event taps into the heart of Sandpoint."

Begalke said the event offers four distinct ways to get involved — all at different price points — as it showcases everyone from families, students and educators to businesses, nonprofits and performers.

"It’s a true win-win that boosts our local economy, supports nonprofits, and celebrates the spirit of giving — not just during the holidays, but throughout the year,” Begalke said.

The fun begins with the Festival passport and Charity & Cheer Window Walk, which runs from Nov. 28 to Dec. 26 in downtown Sandpoint. It is a chance, Begalke said, to enjoy 12 festive trees decorated by local nonprofits, each displayed in partnership with a downtown business. For $20, participants receive a "Festival Passport" — their guide to the 12 raffle trees, with all of the proceeds benefitting the nonprofits. Each passport purchase includes a chance to win the Idaho Club Tree on display at The Hive; and individuals who complete their passport will be entered into a drawing for a downtown gift package.

Participating nonprofits are Food for Our Children, Love in Action Idaho, NAMI Far North, Creations, Bonner Homeless Transitions, Kaniksu Land Trust, UCAN, 7B Care Clinic, Panhandle Special Needs Inc., Community Cancer Services, Panhandle Alliance for Education and The Angels Over Sandpoint.

Participating businesses are Baxters, Larson’s, The Blue Lizard, Cedar Street Bridge, Eve’s Leaves, Outdoor Experience, Out West Trading Co., Trudy’s Hallmark, Burl Wood Dreams, The Peppered Mercantile, Barrel 33, Mick Duff's Beer Hall and 113 Main.

Next up to kick the holiday fun up a notch is the Festival of Trees' Friends & Family Day, an all-day event at The Hive, 207 N. First Ave. The free event captures holiday magic with live performances, kids' crafts, a gingerbread contest, Christmas tree display, cookies and cocoa — and, of course — photos with Santa.

The all-day event will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is, Festival of Trees officials said a chance to dive into the holiday fun, get a sneak peek at some of the decorated trees and vote on their favorite gingerbread creations by area fourth graders. 

The following day, Nov. 30, the Bonners Ferry Community Orchestra performs at 3 p.m. at The Hive. The festive evening of music marks the first performance by the orchestra in Sandpoint. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students.

Wrapping up the fun is the Festival of Trees grand finale — the Starlit Soirée gala on Dec. 6 at The Hive. Begalke said the event will feature dinner, entertainment, the Galaxy of Giving presentation and the auction of 10 exclusive designer trees.

Begalke said the event is made possible by the generosity of its title sponsor, Numerica Credit Union, and by supporting sponsors Idaho Forest Group, Selle Valley Construction, Big Nick’s Tree Management, Sandpoint Furniture Carpet One, HMH Engineering and StanCraft.

A local 501(c)(3) nonprofit since 2011, the resource center works to bridge the gap for those in need by helping them find resources, connect with vital nonprofits, and access skilled community members. The center partners with a diverse range of organizations, spanning human services, arts, social clubs and environmental initiatives.

For more information, tickets, and passport purchases, visit crecidaho.com/festival-of-trees or at bit.ly/4omDa4Z.

    A family gets their picture taken with Santa Claus at the 2024 Festival of Trees Friends and Family Day event held by the Community Resource EnVision Center.
  

    Lola Ruel gazes with wonder at a few of the gingerbread house entries created by the area's fourth graders at the 2024 Festival of Trees Family and Friends Day.