Become a Designer

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. 

Trees can be decorated with any style or theme you choose, so let your imagination run wild! Designers will be responsible for providing all decorating and display materials for their tree(s). Kennedy Krieger Institute will provide all artificial trees and tree stands (these trees and stands must be used; no substitutions allowed). All items included will be considered part of the donation to Kennedy Krieger Institute.

• 7-Foot Tree Information and Guidelines 2025
• 4-Foot Tree Information and Guidelines 2025
• 2-Foot Tree Information and Guidelines 2025

You, as a designer, are responsible for supplying your own artificial wreath and all decorating/display materials. All items included will be considered part of the donation to Kennedy Krieger Institute. Registration fees cover a portion of the administrative cost.

Wreath Information and Guidelines

You, as a designer, are responsible for supplying your own gingerbread and all decorating/display materials. All items included will be considered part of the donation to Kennedy Krieger Institute. Registration fees cover a portion of the administrative cost.

Gingerbread House Information and Guidelines

• Registration Opens – Tuesday, September 2, at 9 a.m.
• Registration Closes – Thursday, October 2, at 11:59 p.m.
• Designer Survey Opens – Monday, October 13, at 9 a.m.
  (surveys will be sent to the email provided during registration)
• Designer Survey Closes – Monday, October 27, at 11:59 p.m.
• Designer Days - Designers will choose a date and time to drop off pre-decorated items and/or to decorate their trees on-site at the Maryland State Fairgrounds Cow Palace.
  • Saturday, November 22, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, November 23, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Monday, November 24, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Tree Buy-Back Phone Calls – Tuesday, November 25, 12–6 p.m.
  (designers will have 24 hours to call or email back and purchase their item; otherwise, it will be on sale to the public)
• Designer Preview Party – Friday, November 28, 9–10 a.m.
• Festival of Trees 2025 – Friday, November 28 – Sunday, November 30

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.