AKRON, Ohio — Akron Children’s Hospital will once again bring holiday cheer to the John S. Knight Center in downtown Akron during the 41st annual Holiday Tree Festival. The festival has been virtual the past two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but this year returns to an in-person holiday event.

What You Need To Know

  • Akron Children’s Hospital is hosting the 41st annual Holiday Tree Festival

  • The event was virtual the past two years

  • Admission is free for the festival

  • The event features 135 decorated trees, more than 70 decorated wreaths and an array of holiday decorations and live entertainment

Admission is free for the festival, which this year features 135 decorated trees, more than 70 decorated wreaths and an array of holiday decorations, as well as live entertainment, Akron Children’s said in a release.

Over the years, the tree festival has raised nearly $6.7 million, which goes toward medical research, education and patient-care programs at Akron Children’s, the hospital said. All the trees and wreaths are decorated by volunteers.

“For 41 years, the Holiday Tree Festival has been a holiday tradition for families in Akron and the surrounding communities,” said Mary Leuca, who has chaired the festival for a decade. “We are so excited to be back in-person this year, and hope people will continue that tradition this year and come enjoy this beautiful display as we welcome the 2022 holiday season.”

All the trees and wreaths are decorated by volunteers. (Spectrum News 1/Jennifer Conn)

The tree festival was launched in 1982 as a way for families of all economic backgrounds to celebrate the season, the hospital said. About 70,000 people come through the doors of the tree festival each year.

The 2022 festival runs Nov. 12-19:

  • Saturday, Nov. 12 — 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, Nov. 13 — 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Monday, Nov. 14 — 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 15 — 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 16 — 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 17 — 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 18 — 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 19 — 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Additional special events include:

Preview Gala 

Friday, Nov. 11. at 5:30 p.m.

In addition to regular festival hours, the public is invited to attend the Preview Gala, which offers a sneak peek at the decorated hall before the festival open to the public.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Saturday, Nov. 12 at 10 a.m.

The festival officially opens to the public with a ribbon cutting ceremony. People of all ages are welcome to see the trees and enjoy the family friendly activities.

For more information, visit the Children’s Holiday Tree Festival website or call Akron Children’s Volunteer Services at 330-543-8424.