Is one of your favorite holiday events to drive around looking at lights? To go to tree lighting ceremonies? Well, the Schenectady Historical Society has a bunch of trees in one place and you don’t even have to stand outside for it!
I’ve wanted to see the Festival of the Trees at the Schenectady Historical Society every year but could never find the time during the holidays to make it over there. I’m so happy that I did this year because I’ve been missing out.
The Festival of the Trees is a fundraiser partnership between SCHS and the YWCA of Northeastern NY. Admission is only $6 for adults 12+. Local businesses each decorate a tree to compete for the winning tree (no prizes, just bragging rights). Each tree has a particular theme and each of them are beautiful in their own right.
Start at the Schenectady Historical Society (ring the bell at the door to be let in) and that’s where you’ll be given a ticket to both locations. Walkthrough the beautiful museum before you walk down the street to the YWCA to finish the festival using the same ticket.
The experience takes as long as you’d want it to but I can’t imagine it lasting longer than an hour at the very most. It’s a fun, festive event for a great cause. Enjoy!
