LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It’s never too early to get into the Christmas spirit and the people at Norton Children’s Hospital agree.

And one way to celebrate the holiday season is to attend the Festival of Trees and Lights at Louisville Slugger Field.

“All of our trees are priced for an auction so guests can come in and bid on the trees, wreaths and greenery and then they can actually take them home and really kick off their holiday season,” said Lena Iwu, development coordinator for Norton Children’s Hospital and Norton Healthcare Foundation.

Tickets are $10 for children and seniors or $12 for adults. Tickets include unlimited train rides, photos with Santa and an option to add on elf town. 

Other activities free for children include decorating your own cookie, crafts, train rides and model trains, and a Hanukkah activity.

All the proceeds will benefit the mental and behavioral health service line at the hospital.

“I think during COVID a lot of people realized that mental and behavioral health is even more important than ever and we have children that need that support,” Iwu said.

The 33rd annual event features over 300 items up for sale. Individuals in the community, professional designers and various Norton employee resource groups decorate trees, wreaths and greenery.

“Really having this event and having the community come out and show support, number one it raises awareness about our service lines but then also supports financially the mission of our organization,” Iwu said.

The Festival of Trees and Lights has raised more than $10 million over its 33 years in existence. The event is all weekend long, Saturday, Nov. 12 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 13 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.