Festival of Trees returns Nov. 23 to Rialto Theatre

JOLIET — The ComEd Festival of Trees at the Rialto Square Theatre will soon be here to kick off the holiday season in style.

It will feature seven days of events that has something for everyone. The festival opens Monday, Nov. 23, with celebrations through Sunday, Nov. 29, at the Rialto Square Theatre, 102 North Chicago St., Joliet.

There will be more than 50 holiday trees and wreaths on display — all lavishly designed by the area’s top decorators and craftsmen.

Displays will be sold fully decorated via silent auction and are available for delivery in time for the holidays.

The Festival includes entertainment options for the whole family with holiday movies, area choirs and choruses, organ concerts and special events throughout the week-long festivities.

The opening night gala will be held from 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 23, in which gala guests will enjoy cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres from 10 of the area’s best caterers and restaurants and enjoy music by the Exelon United Way Band. Tickets are $25 per person.

A downtown lunch hour will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 24, for hungry guests to grab a bite to eat in the warmth of the Festival of Trees. Tickets are $15 day of event or $10 in advance.

On Wednesday, Nov. 25, from 5 to 9 p.m., the Festival of Trees will celebrate Black Wednesday with a special Twisted Christmas event. The Rialto will feature a night of mischief and music in the Rialto Rotunda bar.

Friday, Nov. 27 is the ever popular Teddy Bear Tea. Young and old alike will enjoy this special brunch featuring delicious food and fun complete with a special appearance by St. Nick and a keepsake Rialto bear for each child. Reservations are needed and fill up quickly so get your tickets before all spaces are gone. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under.

Two special events will take place on Saturday, Nov. 28. Celebration of Voices, sponsored by Midwest Generation, will be heard between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Then the first ever, Rialto Idol singing contest will take place between 6 and 9:30 p.m.