photo by: John Young

In this file photo from Nov. 29, 2015, Lawrence resident Nilou Vakil puts the finishing touches on a tree for the annual Festival of Trees at Liberty Hall.

The Lawrence community once again will kick off its holiday season with the annual Festival of Trees at Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St., in downtown Lawrence.

The event is the primary fundraiser for The Children’s Shelter, a nonprofit agency that provides temporary residential care, foster placement and other services for at-risk children.

Now in its 32nd year, the Festival of Trees typically raises about $80,000, which makes up a substantial portion of the organization’s budget.

Each year, individuals, local businesses and community organizations decorate trees and wreaths and then donate them for the annual charity auction. The general public is also invited to come and look around to help get into the holiday spirit.

This year’s event will feature approximately 50 trees and 20 wreaths. The event runs from Monday, Nov. 26, through Sunday, Dec. 2.

The display is open to the public from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

Organizers suggest donations of $5 for adults and children over age 12.

Kris Roy, executive director of the Children’s Shelter, said highlights of this year’s event will include “milk and cookies with Santa” from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday and from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

Roy also said this is the first year that the auction will be held on a Friday, which he hopes will allow more people to attend. The day’s events begin with a patron preview party from 6 to 7 p.m. Admission to that is $60.

That will be followed by the auction itself at 6 p.m. Admission to the auction is $40.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect changes in Monday’s viewing hours because of a snowstorm Sunday, Nov. 25. Viewing will only be open from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday.