Festival of Trees & Traditions -Kwanzaa

Celebrate the season and support the Wadsworth during this favorite holiday fundraiser. Each year, community members, artists, and volunteers from local organizations donate trees and holiday décor, turning the galleries into a festive winter wonderland. Profits from the sale of donated holiday items help fund the museum’s special exhibitions and educational programs. Bring home the holiday cheer or donate your purchase to a local charity.

Festival of Trees & Traditions is presented by the Friends of the Wadsworth Atheneum. All proceeds from this event fund the museum’s exhibitions, collections, and programming.

Support

Showcase your creativity at the Festival of Trees & Traditions. Contribute a holiday tree, menorah, centerpiece, or similar item that reflects your own traditions to help support the museum. All donated items will be displayed and offered for sale during Festival of Trees & Traditions, with unsold pieces donated to local charities!

Submissions are due by October 31, 2025. Donors will receive an in-kind tax acknowledgment, four complimentary event tickets (not valid for the Holiday Social Preview Party on December 3), and name recognition on item signage. For more information including design guidelines and delivery dates please visit: 2025 Festival of Trees & Traditions – Call for Artists & Entry Form

For questions about becoming a sponsor, volunteering or performing at the Festival of Trees & Traditions, please contact Mary Elizabeth Marvin, Development, Manager of Events and Special Programs at maryelizabeth.marvin@thewadsworth.org.

Event Hours

FESTIVAL OF TREES & TRADITIONS
December 4–14, 2025
Thursday & Friday noon–5pm | Saturday & Sunday 10am–5pm
Thursday, December 11 — open late until 7pm
Note a $5 fundraising surcharge will be applied during the Festival

HOLIDAY SOCIAL | PREVIEW PARTY
Wednesday, December 3 | 6–9pm
Tickets $45; $35 members. Must be 18+ to attend.
Featured film: The Shop Around the Corner | 8pm; ticket required
Kick off the holiday season and see the museum’s dazzling seasonal decorations that sparkle even brighter after dark. Sip, savor, and purchase a tree, wreath, menorah, or other holiday item.

Admission

Members: $5
Hartford Residents: $5
Adults: $27
Seniors: $23
Students: $15
Youth (age 13-17): $15
Children (age 12 & under): $5

Please note: The prices above reflect a $5 fundraising surcharge that is added to all museum admissions during Festival of Trees & Traditions.

Groups of 10 or more will receive a discount by reservation only. To schedule a group visit, call (860) 838-4046 or email tours@thewadsworth.org.