photo by: Kim Callahan/Journal-World

A mouse-themed tree at the 39th annual Lawrence Festival of the Trees on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2025.

All kinds of creatively decorated trees are on display now at Maceli’s Banquet Hall and Catering for The Festival of Trees, now in its 39th year.

The festival is the primary fundraising event for the O’Connell Children’s Shelter, and its main attractions are the themed trees designed by individuals, teams or businesses. They went on public display on Nov. 28 and will stay up until Sunday, Dec. 7, the day after they’re auctioned off. For those who want to view the trees at Maceli’s, 1031 New Hampshire St., the suggested donation at the door is $5 per adult and child older than 6. The viewing hours are different each day; a list is available online.

There will be a variety of other holiday-themed activities at Maceli’s throughout the week, including:

• Tuesday, Dec. 2 – Cookies with Santa from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The suggested donation at the door is $5 per adult and child older than 3 or $20 for a family of four or more.

* Wednesday, Dec. 3 – Holiday Trivia; doors at 7 p.m., and the game begins at 7:30 p.m. A team of up to 4 people is $100, and each additional team member beyond that is $25. The event also features an ugly holiday sweater contest and prizes for the first-place and last-place teams. Beer, wine, cocktails, holiday beverages and Christmas cookies will be available to purchase, and the kitchen will be offering burgers and fries from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on Maceli’s website.

photo by: Kim Callahan/Journal-World

A tree based on Wicked at the 39th annual Lawrence Festival of the Trees on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2025.

* Friday, Dec. 5 – Live music from Sad Cowboy Recording and Matt Mulnix from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Suggested donation at the door of $10 per person. Beer, wine, cocktails, holiday beverages and Christmas cookies will be available to purchase.

* Saturday, Dec. 6 – Breakfast with Santa from 9 to 11 a.m. The adult meal costs $17 and includes scrambled eggs, bacon, roasted potatoes, a pancake, orange juice and coffee. The kids meal costs $13.75 and will have scrambled eggs, bacon, a pancake and a choice of orange juice, apple juice or milk. Tickets can be purchased on Maceli’s website.

• Saturday, Dec. 6 — Caroling from the Marvelous Mistletones during viewing hours from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• Saturday, Dec. 6 — Auction party; doors at 5:30 p.m., live auction starting at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.

photo by: Kim Callahan/Journal-World

A mouse-themed tree at the 39th annual Lawrence Festival of the Trees on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2025.