Festival of Trees, presented by Suncor, is the largest annual signature fundraising event for the Northern Lights Health Foundation. Now in its 36th year, this 3-day event kicks off the holiday season in the Wood Buffalo region, bringing together the community to celebrate the season, while raising essential dollars.
The 2025 Festival of Trees will be held at the Suncor Community Leisure Centre at MacDonald Island Park.
Funds are raised at Festival of Trees through many opportunties and experiences, including (but not limited to):
Absolutely. Held at the Suncor Community Leisure Centre at MacDonald Island Park, Festival of Trees is a fully accessible event!
The funds raised at Festival of Trees are reinvested back into the Wood Buffalo Community. To learn more about the Northern Lights Health Foundation and it’s goals, click HERE.
Getting involved with Festival of Trees is easy! Some great ways to support the event include:
If you want more information about how you can support the Northern Lights Health Foundation’s Festival of Trees, contact us HERE
All the photobooths at Festival of Trees were provided by Cmplizty. You can view the event albums HERE
Access to these events is by donation, which you will make at the CNOOC Field House #2 entrance prior to going into the Winter Wonderland. There is no minimum donation amount.
The hours for Winter Wonderland are noted below. To view the full Schedule of Events for Festival of Trees, click HERE
Friday, November 14, 2025
Tree Viewing & Silent Auction: 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Tree Viewing & Silent Auction: 9:00am to 3:00pm
Community Concerts – Celebration of the Season in Music and Dance: 9:00am to 3:00pm
Sunday, November 16, 2025
Tree Viewing & Silent Auction: 10:00am to 12:00pm
Community Concerts – Celebration of the Season in Music and Dance: 10:00am to 12:00pm
Christmas Family Fun with Santa: 10:00am to 12:00pm (Storytime with Santa is at 11:00am)
During Family Fun with Santa, families have the opportunity to meet and enjoy quality time with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Storytime with Santa takes place at 11:00am with Santa reads some of his holiday favourite books together with everyone.
Community Concerts is where Fort McMurray gets to take the Festival of Trees stage to showcase their talent. The Community Concerts will include performances from our local dance companies, singers and more!
The 2025 Festival of Trees will be held at the Suncor Community Leisure Centre at MacDonald Island Park. Santa’s Village and the Teddy Bear Hospital will all take place in the CNOOC Field House #1.
To enter Santa’s Village, participating children will need a “passport”.
Passports are purchased at the doors, prior to entering Santa’s Village and include access to all craft/activity stations. Alternatively, you can skip the line and pre-purchase your pass online via eventbrite.
Yes, we encourage all guests to bring their own bears with them to participate in the Teddy Bear Hospital.
Don’t worry! If you forget your bear, we will have them available for purchase at the door.
No, photos with Santa are not included with the Passport purchase. A separate add-on ticket can be purchased at the door for photos with Santa.
Passports to Santa’s Village include the following fun activities for kids:
The hours for Santa’s Village & Teddy Bear Hospital are as follows:
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Santa’s Village & Teddy Bear Hospital: 10:00am to 5:00pm (Last entry is at 4:00pm)
Photos with Santa: 10:00am to 5:00pm (Note: Santa will take periodic cookie breaks throughout the day)
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Santa’s Village & Teddy Bear Hospital: 10:00am to 5:00pm (Last entry is at 4:00pm)
Photos with Santa: 12:30pm to 5:00pm (Note: Santa will take periodic cookie breaks throughout the day)
Tickets are now on sale for the Festival of Trees Gala & Live Auction. Find them on Eventbrite by clicking HERE.
Festival of Trees Gala & Live Auction guests are encouraged to dress in formal evening attire. This traditionally means a tuxedo or suit with a tie, a floor-length gown, elegant cocktail dress, or sophisticated evening ensemble. We recommend classic, polished looks that make you feel confident and comfortable
The evening will feature a lively and festive atmosphere, complete with delicious light appetizers, live music, and fully stocked bars. Guests will also enjoy the excitement of our signature live auction, where beautifully decorated Christmas trees and other unique items will be up for bid. It’s a wonderful night of celebration, entertainment, and community spirit!
When you arrive at the Festival of Trees Gala, volunteers will be available to assist you with registering for your paddle in the live auction.
Tickets are now on sale for the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. Find them on Eventbrite by clicking HERE.
The Ugly Sweater Christmas Party is on Friday, November 14th, 2025 from 8:00pm to 1:00am.
Guests are encouraged to embrace the festive fun by wearing their most outrageous, colourful, or “ugly” holiday sweaters! The more creative, quirky, or over-the-top, the better. Think bold patterns, holiday characters, tinsel, and even lights. If you don’t own a traditional “ugly” sweater, feel free to get crafty and decorate one yourself, or simply wear something festive that shows off your holiday spirit. Comfort and fun are the main goals—so let your imagination shine!
A night full of festive fun (and questionable fashion choices)! You’ll enjoy live music, holiday cocktails at the bar, and games that bring out your competitive spirit. And of course, the highlight of the night—prizes for the ugliest, most creative, and over-the-top sweaters. Whether you come decked out in tinsel, jingling with bells, or lit up like a Christmas tree, expect plenty of laughs, cheer, and surprises along the way!
New this year – challenge the games to win some amazing prizes!
Get ready to dance those snow boots off with an amazing line up! DJ JD Carter, Joe Rebel, and Neon Smoke are bringing the party! (Yep, the same Neon Smoke who’s opened for Gord Bamford!) Expect a dance floor that won’t quit all night long!
Tickets are now on sale for the Daddy Daughter Sugar Plum Fairy Ball. Find them on Eventbrite by clicking HERE.
Each ticket includes 1 parent and 1 child. You can purchase additional child tickets for separately if the parent will be accompanying multiple children.
Absolutely. We welcome and celebrate all family types. The term “Daddy Daughter” honours the traditional theme, but any loving adult figure is encouraged to attend with their child — including moms, grandparents, uncles, guardians, or family friends. Our goal is to create a fun and inclusive experience for everyone.
There’s no strict dress code, but most attendees choose to dress up for the occasion! Think semi-formal to formal attire — dresses, dress shirts, slacks, or even suits and ties. Some families like to coordinate outfits or add a touch of sparkle for fun. Most importantly, wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable for dancing and making memories.
The Daddy Daughter Sugar Plum Fairy Ball is a fundraising event that is all about fun, connection, and celebration!
Tickets are now on sale for the Super Mom Hero Son Ball. Find them on Eventbrite by clicking HERE.
Each ticket includes 1 parent and 1 child. You can purchase additional child tickets for separately if the parent will be accompanying multiple children.
Absolutely. We welcome and celebrate all family types. The term “Super Mom Hero Son” honours the traditional theme, but any loving adult figure is encouraged to attend with their child — including dads, grandparents, uncles, guardians, or family friends. Our goal is to create a fun and inclusive experience for everyone.
There’s no strict dress code, but most attendees choose to dress up for the occasion! Think semi-formal to formal attire — dresses, dress shirts, slacks, or even suits and ties. Some families like to coordinate outfits or run with the hero theme and dress as their favourite hero characters. Most importantly, wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable for dancing and making memories.
The Super Mom Hero Son Ball is a fundraising event that is all about fun, connection, and celebration!