What is The Baby Fold's Festival of Trees?
The Festival of Trees is The Baby Fold’s signature holiday fundraiser, featuring beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, and holiday décor available for auction, along with special attractions, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Proceeds directly support the children and families served by The Baby Fold.

Where and when is the event held?
The Baby Fold's Festival of Trees is located at The Interstate Center, at 1106 Interstate Dr, Bloomington, IL 61705. This year's Festival will be held on November 20-22, 2025.

The event is open at these times:
Thursday, Nov. 20 - The Mistletoe Ball Gala: The Festival is not open to the general public at this time. Adults may purchase exclusive VIP event tickets to enjoy this elegant first look at Festival from 5pm-10pm. 
Friday, Nov. 21 - Festival is open from 9am - 8pm.
Saturday Nov. 22 - Festival is open from 9am-8pm. 

A full list of events per day can be found here.

Is this an indoor or outdoor event, or a drive-through?
The Baby Fold's Festival of Trees takes place entirely indoors. Coat check and free parking are available, along with a drop-off area and handicap parking.

What are the ticket prices and where can I buy them?
Ticket prices vary based on age and admission type. 

General Adult Admission: $13
General Child Admission (ages 3-12): $7

Avanti's Night Adult Admission: $20
Avanti's Night Child Admission (ages 3-12): $17

Taste of the Holidays Admission (all ages): $30

Family Dance Party Adult Admission: $30
Family Dance Party Child Admission (ages 3-12): $25

Children under 3 years old get into all events for free.
A full list of events can be found here.

Ticket sales will be online starting October 1st, and can also be purchased at the event.

Is there a virtual component to the event?
Yes, the Festival of Trees features an online silent auction where you can bid on select items remotely. The auction site will be available in October.

Is the event family-friendly?
Yes! Festival of Trees offers activities for all ages, including Santa visits, a children’s area, live entertainment, and festive displays.

Are the trees artificial or live?
All trees and items are artificial. There are no live elements to any Festival of Trees auction items, allowing them to be displayed year after year.

What are the ticket prices and where can I buy them?
Ticket prices vary based on age and admission type. 

General Adult Admission: $13
General Child Admission (ages 3-12): $7

Avanti's Night Adult Admission: $20
Avanti's Night Child Admission (ages 3-12): $17

Taste of the Holidays Admission (all ages): $30

Family Dance Party Adult Admission: $30
Family Dance Party Child Admission (ages 3-12): $25

Children under 3 years old get into all events for free.
A full list of events can be found here.

Ticket sales will be online starting October 1st, and can also be purchased at the event.

Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?
Advance purchase is recommended but not required. Buying online can help you avoid lines at the entrance.

What forms of payment are accepted?
We accept cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment options.

Is there an ATM available?
Yes, an ATM is available on site inside of the event.

Are group discounts available?
No, group discounts are not available.

Is there a senior discount?
No. Tickets to the Festival of Trees are not discounted, however seniors can enjoy coupons at the Cookie and Coffee shops. Tickets may be purchased online beginning October 1 and onsite during regular Festival of Trees hours.

Are tickets refundable?
Tickets are non-refundable, but they are transferable. If you are unable to attend, you may give your ticket to someone else.

How can I become a sponsor?
Learn more about sponsoring here. We welcome corporate and individual sponsors, and sponsorship opportunities come with exclusive benefits. 

What sponsorship levels are available?
We offer multiple sponsorship levels, ranging from $500 to $20,000. Each level includes different promotional benefits. Click here for more information.

How do I donate an auction item or decorated tree?
We appreciate donations of trees, wreaths, and general auction items. Interested auction item donors can read information about accepted items, the process, and important dates here. 

How do proceeds benefit The Baby Fold?
Every dollar raised at Festival of Trees supports The Baby Fold’s mission, providing essential services for children and families in our community.

How does the auction work?
Festival of Trees features a silent auction where you can bid on decorated trees, wreaths, and other holiday items conveniently from your mobile phone or computer.  

How do I bid on a tree or other auction item?
Bidding is done through our online auction platform, with our first previews launching in October. Simply create an account, browse available items, and place your bid.

Can I bid if I am not attending in person?
Yes! Our online auction allows remote bidding.
Please note that you or a friend will still need to pick up any won items in person during our designated pickup time at The Interstate Center on Sunday, November 23, from 10am-2pm.

When does bidding close?
Bidding closes at 8pm on Saturday, November 22. Winning bidders will be notified via email or text.

How do I collect my auction winnings?
Winners can pick up their items during the designated auction item pickup on Sunday, November 23, from 10am-2pm at The Interstate Center (1106 Interstate Drive in Bloomington).
Delivery is available ONLY for 7' trees. Winners of both 7' trees and other items must still pick up their smaller items in person.

Do you ship auction items?
No. The Baby Fold is unable to offer shipping for auction item winners. 7' Tree delivery is available for ONLY 7 foot trees within a 50 mile radius of the Interstate Center. All other items must be picked up in person at The Interstate Center on Sunday, November 23, from 10am-2pm. Winners of both 7' trees and other items must still pick up their smaller items in person.

What if I can't pick up my items during the designated time slot?
If you are unable to pick up your items during the designated pick up time (Sun. Nov. 23, 2025 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at The Interstate Center), we ask that you send someone in your place. Items that are not picked up during the designated pick up time will become property of The Baby Fold. We are unable to arrange alternative pick up dates, times, and locations; and are unable to deliver Festival of Trees items to employees.

How can I volunteer at Festival of Trees?
We welcome volunteers to help with event setup, ticket sales, auction assistance, and more! Sign-up slots will be available in late September or early October.

Is there an age limit to volunteer?
Volunteers for The Baby Fold's Festival of Trees must be 21 and older. 

What roles are available for volunteers?
Opportunities include greeting guests, assisting with auction items, helping in the children’s area, and supporting event logistics.

Do volunteers need prior experience?
No prior experience is required—just a willingness to help and a festive spirit!

What special activities are available for children?
Kids can enjoy complementary Santa visits, holiday crafts, temporary tattoos, and face painting at the Festival of Trees. A list of all attractions can be found here.
Additional tickets can be purchased for the child-centered Family Dance Party, happening on Saturday from 6 - 8pm. Please make sure that children are always supervised by an adult. 

What entertainment or performances will take place?
Festival of Trees features live music, dance performances, and holiday-themed entertainment. Check our event page for details.

What food is served at Avanti's Family Night?
This ticketed event includes delicious Avanti's mostaccioli pasta mixed with marinara sauce; a garden salad; bread; and a beverage (soft drink or water). Tickets for Avanti's Family Nights can be purchased online beginning October 1 or on-site during regular Festival of Trees hours. 

What are the Honor/Memorial and Adoption Trees and how can I participate?
The Honor/Memorial tree is a tribute to loved ones during this holiday season.The Adoption Tree celebrates the beauty of adoption. With a $100 donation, an ornament with your loved one’s name will be placed on the tree of your choice. You can donate online or purchase an ornament at the event. 

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the venue is fully accessible with wheelchair-friendly ramps and pathways.

Do you provide wheelchairs and strollers?
No, we are unable to provide wheelchairs and strollers for guests at this time. Although the venue is fully accessible, please plan ahead and bring any wheelchairs, strollers, or other items you may need with you. 

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are welcome. Pets, however, are not permitted.

Is there designated parking for people with disabilities?
Yes, accessible parking spaces are available near the entrance.

Where is the event located, and how do I get there?
The Baby Fold's Festival of Trees is located at The Interstate Center, at 1106 Interstate Dr, Bloomington, IL 61705. You can turn off of Market Street near the Walmart to get to the open parking lot.

Is parking available?
Yes, free parking is available on-site next to the entrance off of Market Street, and is seen in the highlighted area below:

Is there a drop-off area for guests?
Yes, a designated drop-off area is available near the entrance for easy access.