Somerset County Opens 47th Festival of Trees With Holiday Displays and Toy Drive

The Somerset County Park Commission launched its 47th Festival of Trees at the Environmental Education Center, running through Dec. 28. Over 50 trees stand decorated by local clubs, businesses, groups, and individuals throughout the building's rooms.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily starting Dec. 5. The festival continues through Sunday, Dec. 28, though doors close Dec. 24 and 25.

Musicians will perform all month. Some are professionals. Others come from the community. The center also collects toys for Toys for Tots, gathering gifts for kids who need them.

You'll find the Environmental Education Center at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge. Walk through and see what local participants created — each tree shows how someone sees the season.

This marks 47 years the commission has put on the festival. Community members and groups design every tree themselves.

Toys can be dropped off while the festival runs. These donations reach kids who might go without presents.

Music happens throughout December at different times. Professional acts and local performers both take the stage during open hours.

Questions? Call 908-722-1200.

Come back more than once if you can. Different performances happen on different days, so each visit brings something new.

The commission didn't say if there's an admission fee. Everyone's welcome during posted hours, except those two closed days around Christmas.