The glittering display, including 50 wreaths, is accompanied by a gingerbread village of almost 100 original gingerbread creations, cooked up by culinary students from the Barry Tech Institute in Westbury. All trees and gingerbread houses – besides being appealing to look at – are for sale. Proceeds benefit the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County and the Cradle of Aviation Museum.
The festive trees provide a glittering showcase for the many activities that bring holiday cheer to all ages, with varied entertainment, a holiday marketplace, and, of course, that visit with Santa.
The festival’s location, at the Cradle of Aviation, is an added attraction. While there, take the opportunity to explore the many exhibits that celebrate Long Island’s contributions to aviation from the first flights by frail biplanes on the Hempstead Plains, to man walking on the Moon.
“We are so pleased to bring the Festival of Trees to our Long Island neighbors,” said, UCPN Executive Director Bob McGuire. “There is something for all ages to enjoy, it is a great way to start the holiday season viewing the decorated trees, enjoying great entertainment, having an opportunity to tour the Cradle of Aviation Museum and ride the carousel, while supporting United Cerebral Palsy of Nassau and the Cradle of Aviation.  You can certainly spend the day with us visiting Santa, the gingerbread village and getting holiday shopping done.  We are so grateful to all the people who help make this event successful; the effort and enthusiasm of all the individuals and community groups and schools that help us as volunteers is what makes the festival so terrific.”