Our story & purpose

More Than a Holiday Tradition

A family Christmas event in Hayesville that funds scholarships and approved community programs.

What the festival is

A Christmas festival built to support local students.

Each November, The Beal Center in Hayesville, North Carolina, fills with decorated Christmas trees, Santa visits, family activities, and an enter-to-win tree raffle. Every admission, raffle ticket, sponsorship, and donation helps fund opportunities for local students.

Behind every twinkling light is a purpose that lasts well beyond the holidays. Festival proceeds support the WNC Festival of Trees Scholarship Fund, helping provide scholarships and strengthen approved community programs in Hayesville and surrounding Western North Carolina and North Georgia communities.

Since 2022, our community has helped raise $94,000 for local scholarships and community programs.

There is a place for everyone in this story. Come experience the festival, sponsor or decorate a tree, lend a hand as a volunteer, or give directly to the scholarship fund. However you choose to take part, you are helping local students dream bigger and build brighter futures.

A message from our founder

Every student deserves the chance to dream bigger.

At the heart of the WNC Festival of Trees is a simple belief: when a community comes together, we can create opportunities that change lives. All proceeds from the festival support the WNC Festival of Trees Scholarship Fund, providing scholarships and donations for deserving local students and community programs.

These scholarships help with tuition, books, living expenses, and the costs of entering the workforce. By easing some of the financial pressure that can come with higher education or the start of a new career, we help our young people take their next step with confidence.

In 2023, we expanded the festival to welcome neighboring Western North Carolina and North Georgia communities. For every three business-level sponsorships secured outside Hayesville, we committed to providing one $500 scholarship to a school in that community. Our goal is to reach and support as many local students as possible.

Together, we can build a future where every student has the resources and encouragement to pursue their dreams. Thank you for believing in this mission and for helping us make a lasting difference.

With gratitude,Amanda WagonerFounder, WNC Festival of Trees

Every ticketcreates an opportunity
Every treebrings our community together
Every giftsupports scholarships and student programs

Choose how to help

Attend, sponsor a tree, volunteer, or give to the scholarship fund.

View 2026 Festival Hours and Admission Compare 2026 Tree Sponsorships Join the Festival Volunteers Support Local Scholarships