The Georgia Festival of Trees, founded by Angie Ulibarri, is preparing for its fifth annual event at the Gas South Convention Center from November 22 to 30, 2025. The festival has grown into a significant holiday gathering in the region, drawing families to bid on decorated trees and participate in seasonal activities. Proceeds from the event support Street Grace, a nonprofit organization focused on combating human trafficking.
Ulibarri started the festival after learning about the extent of human trafficking locally. “When I learned about the prevalence of human trafficking in our area, I was shocked,” Ulibarri says. “I had to find a way to make a big difference and decided to do so through this community-wide event.”
This year’s festival will feature over 200 decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, centerpieces, and nativities available for auction. Attendees can shop with boutique vendors, decorate cookies, and join in a LEGO-themed Christmas Brick Challenge. Entertainment includes performances by auditioned acts such as Irish dance groups and electric violinists.
Children will have access to play areas and crafts, along with opportunities for photos with Santa and his reindeer. A notable attraction is the return of The Pink Pig ride—an Atlanta tradition since 1953—now updated as an open-air experience with new characters Penny and Porter.
The opening night celebration has moved to Saturday evening under the name Christmas in Paradise. It will include music by A1A, described as “the original Jimmy Buffett tribute band,” along with food, games, auctions, and a cash bar.
Since its start in 2021 with 40 volunteers and 7,500 attendees, the festival has expanded rapidly. Organizers expect around 30,000 visitors this year supported by more than 1,000 volunteers. Ulibarri acknowledges her team’s commitment: “I have never seen people work as hard as our team does, and I never could have done it without them,” she says.
Ulibarri’s involvement extends beyond organizing the event; as part of both the Chairman’s Club and Ambassadors Council at the local Chamber of Commerce, she works to connect other business leaders with resources that support growth.
The Georgia Festival of Trees aims to blend holiday festivities with charitable impact while fostering community engagement around an important cause.
