Prince George, B.C. – It has become one of the standards of the Christmas season in Prince George and it opens to the public this weekend.

The Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation’s 20th annual Festival of Trees kicks off today at the Civic Centre and runs through Sunday, December 1st.  The festival is a fundraiser put on by the Foundation to raise money for healthcare enhancements at University Hospital of Northern BC.  This year’s event features about 30 beautifully-decorated trees, gorgeous wreaths, a Gingerbread Village featuring seasonal items, a Gift Shoppe full of items for sale including Christmas tree decorations and gifts.   There will be live entertainment over the course of the festival along with a big selection of craft projects for kids in the Children’s Workshop.

Each day of the Festival of Trees features unique events and activities, such as the Jingle Bell dance which goes tonight from 8pm to 1am.  The cost is $30 per person and includes a late-night snack buffet.  Sunday has a Family Brunch from 10 to noon and a Buffet Brunch running from 10:15 to 11:15.  Sunday is also Family Day from noon until 7pm.  Kids are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the Food Bank and in return will be given a stuffed toy from Santa.  The Gala Fundraising Auction Evening, a black tie affair, will be held next Friday night.  It is the big fundraiser of the festival with many special items and 8 decorated trees on the bidding floor.

Further information on the Festival of Trees is available at www.spiritofthenorth.ca or you can call 250-565-2515.  And here are the dates and times of the event at the Civic Centre:

Open to the public November 23 – December 1

Saturday, November 23 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Sunday, November 24 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Monday, November 25 9:00 am – 9:00 pm

Tuesday, November 26 9:00 am – 9:00 pm

Wednesday, November 27 9:00 am – 9:00 pm

Thursday, November 28 9:00 am – 9:00 pm

Friday, November 29 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Saturday, December 30 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Sunday, December 1 11:00 am to 4:30 pm