2009 Victoria Festival of Trees

November 19, 2009 - January 3, 2010
The Fairmont Empress - 721 Government St.

Every year, the Festival of Trees transforms The Fairmont Empress into a lush forest of beautifully decorated trees to raise funds for BC Children's Hospital. As sponsors of this event, local businesses, organizations and individuals decorate the trees in a sometimes wacky, often irreverent, and always beautiful fashion. The trees are displayed throughout The Fairmont Empress over the holiday season, beginning November 19, 2009, with the kick-off decorating gala through to January 3, 2010.

The Festival of Trees is open to the public who are encouraged to cast a ballot for their favourite tree. Thousands of Festival visitors cast a vote each year; with each vote they are entered into a draw for the People's Choice Award Citizen Prize. Last year the event received over 8,000 votes.

Now in its 18th year, the Festival has grown to feature up to 75 trees. It has become a treasured family tradition, community favourite and one of the most anticipated festivals in Victoria.

Watch the Festival of Trees video for a first hand experience of the magic.