Fort McMurray Festival of Trees Brings Alberta a Radiant November Celebration

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Fort McMurray will welcome the holiday season with colour, music, family fun and community giving. Festival of Trees returns from 13 to 15 November 2026 at the Suncor Community Leisure Centre in MacDonald Island Park. The three-day event is led by the Northern Lights Health Foundation. It brings people together for a bright start to winter while supporting healthcare in the Wood Buffalo region.
This is not only a festive outing. It is a fundraiser with a clear purpose. Money raised through tickets, auctions, sponsorships and on-site purchases goes back into local healthcare priorities. Visitors can enjoy a cheerful holiday programme while helping hospitals and health services close to home. This gives every decorated tree, family activity and auction bid a deeper meaning.
Festival of Trees is one of the most important annual seasonal events in Fort McMurray. It turns a November weekend into a shared celebration. It also gives residents and visitors a reason to gather before the long northern winter truly begins.

Winter Wonderland fills the venue with colour

Winter Wonderland sits at the heart of the festival. Guests can walk among decorated trees and see creative designs made by local supporters. Each tree adds light and colour to the indoor setting. The displays create a warm holiday mood, even when the November weather is cold outside.
Tree viewing will begin on Friday, 13 November, from 2pm to 5pm. It will continue on Saturday, 14 November, from 9am to 3pm. Visitors can also see the displays on Sunday, 15 November, from 10am to 12pm.
The silent auction will run alongside the tree viewing. It gives guests the chance to support the Foundation by bidding on donated items. A live tree auction will add a major moment to the wider festival programme. Beautifully decorated trees and special items will go under the hammer. The auction creates excitement, but it also helps turn holiday generosity into real support for local care.
Winter Wonderland entry is by donation. There is no stated minimum donation. This makes the event open to people with different budgets. Families can choose how much they can give while still taking part in the celebration.

Music and dance put local talent on stage

Festival of Trees will also give local performers a stage. Community Concerts will bring music and dance to the programme on Saturday and Sunday. Local dance companies, singers and other performers will share their talent with the audience.
The concerts will run from 9am to 3pm on Saturday, 14 November. They will return from 10am to noon on Sunday, 15 November. These performances offer a simple but powerful idea. The festival is not only about watching. It is about local people taking part.
This community focus makes the event feel different from a normal shopping trip or a private gala. Families can see friends, neighbours and young performers on stage. Visitors can also learn more about the creative energy of Fort McMurray.
The music and dance programme gives the weekend a lively beat. It brings warmth to the large venue and helps make the festival feel personal. It is a chance for the Wood Buffalo community to celebrate its own talent.

Santa’s Village creates a family adventure

Children will find a full world of holiday fun at Santa’s Village and the Teddy Bear Hospital. Both attractions will take place in CNOOC Field House 1 at MacDonald Island Park. They will open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. Last entry will be at 4pm.
Santa’s Village will offer a passport system for children. The passport gives access to activity stations. These include workshop crafts, a fish pond, reindeer stables, a Peppermint Post Office and Elf School. The small details help create an imaginative journey for young visitors.
The Teddy Bear Hospital adds a gentle and playful touch. Children can bring their own teddy bear to take part. Those who forget a bear can buy one at the door. This activity makes the festival easy to remember. It lets children become part of the story instead of only looking at displays.
Photos with Santa will also be available. They need a separate add-on ticket. Santa will take short cookie breaks during the day, adding a light-hearted detail for families planning their visit.
On Sunday morning, families can also enjoy Christmas Family Fun with Santa. The session will run from 10am to noon. Storytime with Santa is planned for 11am. Santa and Mrs Claus will meet children and share holiday moments with families.

Friday night begins with festive energy

The festival begins with a lively Friday evening event. The Ugly Christmas Sweater Party will run from 8pm until 1am on 13 November. Guests are encouraged to wear colourful, funny or boldly decorated festive jumpers.
The party will include live music, holiday drinks, games and prizes. Awards will recognise the most creative and most eye-catching sweaters. It gives adults a playful way to start the weekend while contributing to the healthcare fundraiser.
The formal Festival of Trees Gala and Live Auction will offer another major evening experience. Guests can expect light appetisers, live music and a festive setting. The highlight will be the live auction of decorated trees and special donated items. It brings supporters, local businesses and community leaders together around one shared cause.

Why Festival of Trees matters to Fort McMurray

Festival of Trees shows how a seasonal event can do more than entertain. It creates family memories. It supports local talent. It gives local businesses and supporters a way to contribute. Most importantly, it directs support towards healthcare in Wood Buffalo.
The venue is fully accessible, helping more people take part in the weekend. Its varied programme also means visitors can choose an experience that suits them. Families can focus on Santa’s Village. Music fans can attend the community concerts. Adults can join the Friday party or formal gala. Supporters can bid at the auctions.
Fort McMurray Festival of Trees offers a bright and meaningful reason to visit MacDonald Island Park this November. It brings sparkle, song, laughter and giving into one powerful weekend.