The Canyon County Festival of Trees is back for its 2026 edition, bringing four days of holiday cheer to the Ford Idaho Sports Center in Caldwell. From November 27 through November 30, families can enjoy beautifully decorated trees, Santa appearances, bingo, and a new pet‑photo session, all while supporting a vital community cause.
Schedule of Events
Friday, November 27
Festival viewing: 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Cookies with Santa: 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., $20 per person.
Saturday, November 28
Breakfast with Santa: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m., $30 per person.
Festival viewing: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Festival Bingo: 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., $50 per person. This year the organizer will host the bingo for the first time.
Sunday, November 29
Festival viewing: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pet Photos with Santa (new for 2026): 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., $30 per pet. Julie, co‑chair of the festival, notes that four‑legged family members are welcome.
Monday, November 30
Gala and Tree Auction: doors open at 5:30 p.m.; festivities run until 8:30 p.m.
Supporting Meals on Wheels
The heart of the festival is its charitable purpose. All proceeds go to the Canyon County Meals on Wheels program, which delivers meals to seniors throughout the county. Julie K., co‑chair and longtime director of Caldwell Meals on Wheels, shared that the program delivered more than 35,000 meals last year and expects to approach 38,000 meals in 2026.
Meals on Wheels serves not only Caldwell but also the neighboring communities of Middleton, Greenleaf, Nampa, Melba and Parma. By attending the festival, purchasing a bingo ticket, or bidding on a tree, residents directly help keep seniors fed and safe during the winter months.
Community Partners and Volunteers
The event relies on a network of volunteers, tree donors and local sponsors. Presenting sponsors include Treasure Valley Subaru, Albertsons, West Valley Medical Center and Saint Alphonsus, along with many other businesses and individuals who have pledged support.
Tickets for the special events and additional information are available at 2CFestivalOfTrees.org. The organizers encourage families to attend, enjoy the holiday atmosphere, and remember that every dollar raised helps feed a neighbor in need.
Why It Matters
In a time when many families are tightening budgets, the Festival of Trees offers a low‑cost way to celebrate the season while giving back. The combination of festive activities and a clear charitable mission embodies the spirit of community service that defines Canyon County.
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick look at the decorated trees, sharing a cookie with Santa, or taking your pet for a photo, the Festival of Trees invites everyone to be part of a tradition that brightens the holidays and supports the most vulnerable members of our community.
Original reporting: 580 KIDO Talk Radio (Boise) — read the source article.
