Donate a Tree

Donate a Tree and Become the Star of the Show

Join our magical event by donating a tree to our enchanting forest. Each unique tree tells a special story and forms the heart of our Festival. And, with over 200 participants, your tree will be displayed for two weeks, delighting thousands of New England visitors.

Promote your business, organization, or showcase your families creativity while supporting the Festival of Trees’ mission. To date, over $2 million has been invested in historic preservation across Merrimack Valley, Southern New Hampshire, and Maine. Be part of the history and spread holiday cheer!

Completed tree submission forms, including the Tree Name, must be submitted by Saturday, November 1, 2026.

Register My Tree

Please read  this list of guidelines carefully to help prepare your tree display and ease of set up:

 

  • All trees are artificial and considered donations to the Methuen Festival of Trees. All trees will be raffled at the end of the two weeks, and all items placed with the tree are considered part of the raffle for that tree.
  • Trees must have lights, a tree topper, and a tree skirt or under-tree display. Please keep in mind that, depending on location, your tree may be viewed from all sides.
  • The total height of the tree, including the base and topper, cannot exceed 9 feet due to ceiling height restrictions in the atrium.
  • No food or candy may be included as decoration on or under the tree display. This includes packaged or wrapped items.
  • Loose glitter, confetti, loose artificial snowflakes, hot glue guns, or spraying of any product is not allowed in the atrium during set-up.
  • Do not place gift cards or lottery tickets on your trees. Please make copies of the gift cards and scratch tickets to use on your tree, and turn the original items into a festival board member at tree set-up. The items will be placed in an envelope, stored for safety until pick-up day, and then given to the tree winner.
  • Larger items of value, such as products, toys, or liquor bottles, must be secured to the tree with wire or tie wraps.
  • Gift baskets must be wrapped in cellophane to keep the contents neat and secured with the tree.
  • Helpful items to bring for set-up include: a stepstool or ladder (if required for your tree size), scissors, tape, tie wraps, wire, ornament hooks, and extra lights. The Festival will supply an extension cord.
  • All packaging and trash must be taken with you once you have finished decorating.

Set up times will be scheduled between Wednesday, November 11 through Saturday, November 14, 2026.

When the Festival’s Tree Committee confirms the receipt of your registration form you will receive a link to schedule your set up time.

  • When you arrive to set up your tree, please go to the registration desk in the center of the atrium and check in with a Festival of Trees member.
  • At check-in, you will be asked to verify the spelling and formatting of your tree name and donor name.  This is a key step before the final printing of the tree display name signs.  You will be assigned an ID tag number to attach to the base of your tree.
  • When your tree is complete, return to registration and let a Festival team member know. A team member will accompany you to verify your tree’s location, ensure the ID tag is secured, confirm the tree is complete, and check that the temporary name sign is visible.
  • Once your tree is finished and checked, the Festival team member will give you your invitation to Donor Appreciation Night. The invitation includes tickets for four tree donors for the Wednesday, November 18 event, along with the admission pass valid for five free admissions between November 21 and December 5.
  • During set-up, there are many trip hazards and breakable items throughout the atrium. For safety, if children are helping with set-up, they must remain with you at all times within your work area.
  • No food or drink allowed in the atrium during set up.
  • Businesses are open around the atrium during set-up hours. To be courteous, please keep walkways clear for passage.
  • The Festival reserves the right to move your tree to enhance the overall display.

Once the tree display is complete, the trees are judged in the following ten categories:

  • Most Beautiful
  • Most Traditional
  • Most Creative/Unique
  • Best Use of Lighting
  • Best Top of Tree Display
  • Best Under Tree or Tree Skirt Display
  • Best Use of Theme
  • Best Children’s Theme
  • Best Tree Done by Children
  • Best Mini Tree or Mini Tree Display

 

The judges will choose a first, second, and third place winner in each category. In addition, the judges will choose ‘The Best of the Festival.’

A new team of judges is announced each year. The judges are not affiliated with any organization entering a tree in the Festival of Trees. Their judging is conducted anonymously and without knowledge of the person, group, or organization presenting the trees. The winners are announced during the Donor Appreciation event. Each winner receives a hand-blown crystal tree by Simon Pearce.

The Best of the Festival – The winner of this special award will be invited to present a tree as part of the following year’s Festival which will be featured at Charles Center Court.

20A SPECIAL EVENING IN HONOR OF OUR DONORS

To celebrate the creativity and generosity of our donors, we’ve planned a special evening just for them.

Wednesday, November 18, 2026 starting at 6:30 PM

Tree Donors and Festival Sponsors are invited to experience the Festival of Trees as our way of showing our appreciation for their contribution to the festival. This includes hors d’ouerves, a cash bar, and two for one raffle tickets.

The evening will culminate with the announcement of the award winners in all eleven categories and The Best of Festival winner.