When Angie Ulibarri envisioned the Georgia Festival of Trees, she wasn’t just thinking about twinkling lights and holiday games. She wanted to channel community joy into a mission — giving thousands of people a way to celebrate the season while fueling the fight against human trafficking.
Now in its fifth year, the event has become one of the region’s largest holiday celebrations. Families come to bid on lavishly decorated trees, enjoy live entertainment and make memories with loved ones, while proceeds benefit Street Grace, a nonprofit organization working on the front lines of this critical issue. “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.”
The Festival Experience
From Nov. 22-30, 2025, the Gas South Convention Center will be transformed into a holiday wonderland. The event, which is open daily except Thanksgiving Eve and Thanksgiving Day, showcases more than 200 intricately decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, centerpieces and nativities available for auction. Attendees can also browse boutique vendors for gifts, decorate sugar cookies and take part in the Christmas Brick Challenge featuring LEGO creations.
Entertainment is central to the experience. Performers — chosen by audition — range from Irish dance groups to electric violinists, offering something for everyone. Children can enjoy the expansive play area as well as crafts and games, and photo opportunities abound, including the chance to pose with Santa and his reindeer.
One of this year’s highlights is the return of The Pink Pig.* A cherished Atlanta holiday tradition since 1953, the ride has been reimagined as a rail-less, open-air attraction blending nostalgia with a modern twist featuring two new pigs, Penny and Porter.
The festival’s opening night celebration has also been revamped. To make attendance easier, the party moves to Saturday night and promises an all-out holiday kickoff. The event, called Christmas in Paradise, features A1A, the original Jimmy Buffett tribute band, along with food, games, auctions and a cash bar.
Built by the Community
The Georgia Festival of Trees started with 40 volunteers who welcomed 7,500 attendees at the inaugural event in 2021. Since then, it has grown rapidly. Ulibarri anticipates welcoming 30,000 people this year, supported by more than 1,000 volunteers. “I have never seen people work as hard as our team does, and I never could have done it without them,” she says.
As a member of the Chairman’s Club, Ulibarri has connected with community leaders eager to support the festival’s success. Now as a member of the Ambassadors Council, she extends that spirit of connection by guiding fellow business builders to the Chamber resources that can help them grow.
Celebrate and Support
The Georgia Festival of Trees offers a rare combination of holiday magic for families and measurable impact for a critical cause. What began as one leader’s determination to make a difference has grown into a community tradition that gives every attendee the chance to be part of something bigger. Learn more at gafestivaloftrees.org.
*The Pink Pig is a trademark of Macy’s.
