Indoor Winter Wonderland: Festival of Trees Back Friday at EEC

A holiday tradition in Central Jersey — the 36th annual Festival of Trees — opens this Friday at the Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge, with a creative and beautiful winter event to include a display of trees decorated by dozens of area groups, businesses and nearby residents.

The exhibit will be open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sunday, Dec. 29, except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The Snowflake Café will provide the opportunity to enjoy a hot beverage and fresh baked goods.

The Environmental Education Center, at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, New Jersey each year hosts the Central Jersey holiday tradition to provide a great way for families to enjoy the festivities of the holiday season.

The Festival of Trees presents dozens of tree scenes with designs by volunteers who select their theme and decorate in their own style, with their personal artistic ability, according to information from the park commission.

Live holiday music on weekends

Live holiday music will be presented on weekends by both professional and amateur performers. A schedule of performers is available by calling the Environmental Education Center at 908-766-2489,  or on the website at www.somersetcountyparks.org. 

There is a suggested donation of $5 per person for admission. Groups of 12 or more who schedule in advance will receive a 20 percent discount. Disadvantaged or disabled groups will be admitted for free.

Proceeds from the annual event help support educational and community service programs at the EEC, a countywide facility with many environmental and educational programs scheduled throughout the year.

For information or group reservations, contact the Environmental Education Center at 908-766-2489 or NJ Relay at 711 for individuals with a hearing or speech impairment.

Information on this event and other Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found online.