Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/5/24

Atlanta Nonprofit To Host Annual Festival At Gas South Convention Center With Forest Of Holiday Trees For Auction, New Pink Pig, Live Entertainment And More

Georgia Festival of Trees will kick off another holiday season with its signature multi-day festival at a new home inside Gas South Convention Center in Duluth, Georgia from Saturday, Nov. 23-Sunday, Dec. 1. The event will feature a dazzling display of Christmas trees, wreaths, centerpieces and nativities for auction, Penelope (Penny) the Pink Pig*, live music and entertainment, Christmas Brick Challenge, Gingerbread Competition, kids’ activities and games, boutique gift shops and more. 

Known as the state’s largest holiday event, Georgia Festival of Trees continues to support local organizations working to end the commercial sexual exploitation of women and children in Georgia by partnering with Street Grace and Atlanta Redemption Ink. 

“When we started Georgia Festival of Trees four years ago, we weren’t sure how it would be received and it’s remarkable to see how it’s grown and evolved into a special holiday tradition for families,” said Angie Ulibarri, Georgia Festival of Trees executive director. “Through this growth, our team continues to closely listen to feedback from our guests, which is why we’re thrilled to share exciting new updates for this year including a new location, the After Dark Comedy Showcase presented by The Westin Atlanta Gwinnett and our very own Pink Pig, Penny. Even with all the new additions, the heartbeat of the festival remains the same – holiday magic with a heart to end human trafficking.”

Each tree, wreath, centerpiece and nativity at the festival is designed, decorated and donated by individuals and organizations around the Southeast, providing a beautiful array of holiday decor. Trees and other decor are auctioned off both in-person and online during the festival. The auction serves as the primary driver to support Street Grace and Atlanta Redemption Ink.

“It’s an honor to once again partner with the Georgia Festival of Trees,” said Bob Rodgers, Street Grace president and CEO. “Our hope is that through this holiday event, people across the community will better understand the human trafficking epidemic in our own backyard and how to join the fight against it.”

Georgia Festival of Trees will debut Penny the Pink Pig*, a new pig-themed train for children and adults, inspired by the beloved Atlanta tradition originally created in 1953 by Rich’s. This new version will transport guests on a magical ride through the Georgia Festival of Trees and will be open each day from Nov. 23 to Dec. 1, except Nov. 27-28 when the festival will be closed for Thanksgiving. Rides on the Pink Pig will cost $5 per person.

“We’re thrilled to be a beneficiary of the Georgia Festival of Trees for the second consecutive year, especially in the year  they debut the new Pink Pig!” said Jessica Lamb, founder of Atlanta Redemption Ink. “While activities, like the Pink Pig, are fun, Georgia Festival of Trees has a deeper meaning behind each of these – to support the fight against human trafficking. Our organization aims to bring hope and joy to survivors, and it’s an honor to share this heartbeat with the Georgia Festival of Trees.”

The festival offers live music and entertainment on the main stage, as well as Santa with his reindeer and life-size sleigh and Reindeer Games for the kids, which include the Elf Training Academy, the Lil’ Elves Driving Academy, LEGO® bricks, Elf Phone Booth, North Pole Post Office and more. Guests can enjoy sugar cookie decorating at Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, Santa’s Workshop, a Gingerbread Competition, Christmas Brick Challenge and boutique shopping. 

Attendees are also encouraged to take part in daily themes at the festival including Senior Day presented by WellCare – a health insurance company providing managed care services.  Guests who are 62 and older will receive free entry, and Physical and Developmental Disabilities Day presented by CareSource – a nationally recognized, nonprofit managed health care organization – with sensory friendly hours from 9 a.m.-11a.m.

Georgia Festival of Trees is sponsored by Amerimed, WellCare, Ambetter Health, CareSource, Classic Tents and Events, Frontgate Furniture Outlet and more. Tickets to the Georgia Festival of Trees start at $13.95 for seniors ages 62 and up, and adult tickets are $18.95. Children’s tickets for ages 3-12 are $18.95 and include access to all activities in the Reindeer Games area. The Pink Pig, cookie decorating, Santa’s Workshop (a shopping experience for children), photos with Santa and the After Dark Comedy Showcase on Nov. 30 are an additional cost. 

For a schedule of events, to purchase tickets, become a sponsor or a volunteer, donate an auction item, or learn more about the Georgia Festival of Trees and its charity partners, visit gafestivaloftrees.org. 

*The Pink Pig is a trademark of Macy’s.