Christmas Tree Festival 2026

The Festival began in 1992 as a simple but heartfelt initiative known as the Christmas Tree Fantasy. Trees were decorated and displayed in the hospital atrium, creating a warm and festive environment for patients, families, and staff during the holiday season.

In 1998, the event officially became the Christmas Tree Festival, expanding into a larger fundraiser organized by the Lethbridge Regional Hospital Foundation. The hospital atrium was transformed into a “Christmas Wonderland,” marking the beginning of a beloved community tradition.

As the Festival grew in popularity, it quickly outgrew the hospital space. By the early 2000s, the event expanded to new venues like the Galt Museum, allowing for more creativity and additional activities such as children’s programming, shopping experiences, and an enhanced gala auction.

During this time, the Festival evolved into a multi-week experience, with trees on display for extended periods and fundraising anchored by a live gala auction.

Between 2004 and 2007, the Festival continued to evolve, balancing its dual identity as both a fundraiser and a community event. Trees were displayed for several weeks, while the auction and key fundraising activities took place early in the event.

By 2008, the Festival was streamlined to a shorter format, and in 2010, a major shift occurred:

• The event moved to Lethbridge College (DA Electric Barn)
• It became a 4-day festival
• New family-friendly programming was introduced, including visits with Santa, entertainment, and themed public events

The Festival has faced challenges over the years, including unexpected cancellations due to public health events:

• 2009 – Cancelled due to H1N1
• 2020 & 2021 – Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Even during these disruptions, the spirit of the Festival endured. In 2020, the Foundation kept the tradition alive by sharing highlights of past trees online, allowing the community to reconnect with the event in a new way.

In recent years, the Festival has continued to evolve:

• 2014 – Moved to the ENMAX Centre
• 2016 – Stringam LLP joined as presenting sponsor
• 2022 – Returned after the pandemic as a four-day immersive experience
• 2025 – Relocated to the Lethbridge Trade & Convention Centre, with expanded programming

Today, the Festival is a four-day community celebration, culminating in a signature Gala & Auction. It blends festive displays, public programming, and high-impact fundraising, all in support of local health care.

At its heart, the Christmas Tree Festival has always been about more than trees. It reflects the community, powered by volunteers, sponsors, decorators, and donors who come together each year to create something magical while supporting care close to home.

Over the decades, it has grown from a small hospital display into one of southern Alberta’s most recognizable and meaningful fundraising events, while never losing the warmth and spirit that started it all.