Designer registration for Festival of Trees 2026 is now closed. Thank you for your interest. If you would like to receive updates from us for designer registration in the future, please fill out our interest form. Thank you!
Are you a creative individual, group or organization with a passion for spreading holiday cheer? We invite you to showcase your talents by designing a tree, wreath or gingerbread for Kennedy Krieger Institute’s beloved Festival of Trees!
Items can be decorated with any style or theme you choose, so let your imagination run wild! Your creation will be considered a donation to the event and will be available for purchase by the public. All proceeds directly support the nearly 30,000 children and families served by Kennedy Krieger Institute each year.
All trees, wreaths, and gingerbread designer spots are on a first come, first served basis. Please register early as space is limited and certain items will sell out!
The following registration fees are required for anyone choosing to decorate a tree, wreath or gingerbread house and must be paid at the time of registration. Please note the registration fee offsets a portion of the cost of the trees and administrative costs to the Institute. Registration fees are non-refundable.
| Item | Registration Fee |
| 7-Foot Tree (limit 2 per designer) | $65.00 |
| 4-Foot Tree (limit 2 per designer) | $45.00 |
| 2-Foot Tree | $10.00 |
| Wreath | $10.00 |
| Gingerbread House | $10.00 |
- Registration Opens – Tuesday, September 8, at 9 a.m.
- Registration Closes – Wednesday, October 14, at 11:59 p.m.
- Designer Survey Opens – Wednesday, October 14, at 9 a.m.
(surveys will be sent to the email provided during registration) - Designer Survey Closes – Wednesday, October 28, at 11:59 p.m.
- Designer Days – You will select a 4-hour shift on one of the dates below to decorate your item on-site or to drop off a pre-decorated item.
- Saturday, November 21, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Sunday, November 22, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Monday, November 23, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Tree Buy-Back Phone Calls – Tuesday, November 24, 12–5 p.m. (Designers will have 24 hours to call or email back and purchase their tree; otherwise, it will be on sale for the public).
- Designer Preview Party – Friday, November 27, 9–10 a.m.
- Festival of Trees 2026 – Friday, November 27 – Sunday, November 29
All trees, wreaths and gingerbread designs are considered for various designer awards.
These awards include:
- Best in Show
- A Traditional Christmas
- Holiday Flair
- Most Unique
- Honorable Mention
*Please remember that judging is subjective and cannot be changed once the winners are determined. Ribbons will be mailed to the winners after the event; please do not take your ribbon with you.
Inspiration
Looking for more inspiration? Click here to view photos from last year’s Festival of Trees!