The Vancouver Island Conference Centre will be all aglow with the 18th annual Festival of Trees.
A fundraiser for Vancouver Island University student scholarships, awards and bursaries, the event features everything from beautifully decorated Christmas trees and family fun to live entertainment and a black tie gala.
The festival gets underway with the RBC Royal Bank Cocktail Reception Thursday (Nov. 22) from 4-6 p.m., allowing a first look at this year’s trees. Mix and mingle with other professionals during the first official light-up of the trees. Tickets are $50 and light appetizers and a beverage are included.
Island Savings Family Days are Nov. 24-25 and features crafts, entertainment, photos with Santa and more. It is a day of fun for the whole family. Admission is free and open to everyone, but a donation to the Festival of Trees is suggested.
The trees will also be open to the public for viewing Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Coastal Community Credit Union Black Tie Gala on Nov. 30 is the festival’s finale event. It’s the social event that kicks off the holiday season. Get dressed in your holiday best for a night of dinner, entertainment and dancing. Tickets are $195.
Votes for the TD Bank Community Tree Decorating challenge are accepted at the cocktail reception, family days and the open house day. The winner will be announced at the gala.
For more information or to purchase tickets please contact Sarah Lane at sarah@selconferenceservices.com or 250-591-7999 or visit www.viu.ca/festival.