2016 Festival of Trees Fundraiser Kicks Off Outer Banks Christmas Season

Posted By Matt Artz on November 30, 2016

The 28th Annual Festival of Trees benefit to raise funds for Hotline, the local crisis center, returns to the Outer Banks Brewing Station to officially kick off the Christmas season this weekend in Kill Devil Hills.

Events begin on Thursday, Dec. 1, including the Holiday Bazaar, where you can get all your seasonal shopping done while giving back to those who are healing and rebuilding their lives. All proceeds from our Holiday Bazaar go to support Hotline’s Safe House.

The bazaar will feature an amazing assortment of gently used, new, and re-gifted holiday items, decorations, and wardrobe items, all at thrift shop prices, and it will be continuously re-stocked all weekend, so every visit yields new finds.

The Holiday Bazaar is open on Thursday (Dec. 1) from 12 to 9pm, Friday (Dec. 2) from 12 to 9pm, and Saturday (Dec. 3) with everything at half-price from 10am to 3pm.

There will also be a free movie night, featuring a screening of The Polar Express, on Thursday night, Dec. 1, starting at 6pm in the tent located in the backyard of the Brewing Station. Participants are welcome to wear their pajamas to this event, and a photo opportunity with the Polar Express train, as well as goodie bags will be available to all children in attendance.

The Jingle Jam, featuring reggae band Nature’s Child, takes over the main stage inside the Festival tent on Friday night, Dec. 2, from 6:30 to 10pm, with all proceeds from this concert event to support Hotline’s anti-bullying program.

The cost for the Jingle Jam is $20 in advance and $25 at the door, and tickets include food and a champagne flask to fill with unlimited champagne.

Santa’s Workshop comes alive on Saturday (Dec. 3), when the big man in red will be waiting to take requests from all the children this holiday season, providing a great opportunity to get some sweet pictures with Santa Claus.

In addition to a visit with Santa, there will be Christmas crafts, games, light refreshments, music, and plenty of time to enjoy the display of beautiful trees and holiday gift items inside the Festival tent.

Admission to the Santa’s Workshop event is free and open to all ages.

The culminating event of the 2016 Festival of Trees is the Holiday Gala Social and Benefit Auction on Saturday night (Dec. 3) at 6:30pm.

General admission is $35 and includes Caribbean cuisine, gourmet food and hors d’ oeuvres, a cash bar, and complimentary coffee, or a VIP ticket is $100 and also includes free wine, champagne, and Caribbean appetizers.

Live music will be provided by Graham Outten and Steve Houser.

The Benefit Auction begins at 8pm, with guest auctioneer Bill Rea.