The Seattle Festival of Trees allows you to decorate your home in a charitable way.

What: This month, Seattle’s 33rd annual Festival of Trees Celebration will raise money for patients of Seattle Children’s Hospital. This year, the time-honored event will feature 20 designer Christmas trees on display. 

Prior to the festival, Seattleites have the opportunity to purchase any tree in the 2011 collection for $4,000; all unsold trees will be auctioned at the festival, starting at a base amount of $2,500. As an incentive to act early, any price tag that exceeds the base amount will be matched by The Goodman Foundation, and all proceeds will be donated to Seattle Children’s. To enter in a $10 raffle to win one of the trees, Poinsettia Tradition (pictured below), please contact festival organizers.

As guests view this year’s trees and read the inspiring stories of Seattle Children’s patients, they can sip on cocktails, nibble homemade cookies and enjoy music by the St. Jude Parish Sanctuary Choir. Attendees are also invited to the silent auction, which will take place until 5 p.m. in the foyer to the Spanish Ballroom; biddable items include wreaths, small trees, table decorations and ornaments. Kids can listen to Christmas stories and take photos with Santa.

As the festival wraps up, dinner will be served in The Georgian Room from 5 to 9 p.m.; for reservations, please call (206) 621-7889. From the day of the festival until Friday, Dec. 23, all guests are invited to enjoy The Festival of Trees Menu, a delicious three-course meal for $59 (add a fourth course for $10 more) served at the Fairmont Olympic. Children’s plates are $39 each, and 10 percent of the bill will be donated to Seattle Children’s.

Who: Members of the Dr. Forrest L. Flashman Guild have presented the Festival of Trees since 1978. Each tree is dedicated to a courageous Seattle Children’s patient. 

Where: The Fairmont Olympic Hotel 

When: Seattle Festival of Trees will take place from 3 to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 20. All of the decorated trees will be unveiled at the festival, and remain on display at the hotel until Wednesday, Nov. 30.

How much: The festival is free to the public.

Why: Seattle Festival of Trees raises funds for uncompensated care, supports research toward new treatments and cures for diseases and enables Seattle Children’s Hospital to provide high-quality, family-oriented care. This is a great organization to donate to, and fantastic way to get into the holiday spirit!