ENFIELD — The holiday season in Enfield will shine a little brighter this year as the annual Tree-mendous Holiday Event returns Dec. 5 to 6 — this time with a new home, expanded activities, and the same mission of supporting local families.
Hosted by the Woman’s Club of Enfield in partnership with the Enfield Food Shelf, the beloved event will take place at the Enfield Elks Lodge following the closure of its longtime venue at Enfield Square Mall.
The partnership between the Woman’s Club and the Food Shelf began nearly a decade ago with a simple idea.
“Back in 2016, Kathleen Souvigney from the Enfield Food Shelf approached the Woman’s Club of Enfield with the idea of hosting a holiday event that would bring the community together,” said Sharon D’Ambrosio, co-chair of the Tree-mendous Event Committee. “We immediately saw how both organizations — and the town — could benefit. Our club’s mission has always centered on community service, and partnering with the Food Shelf allowed us to support their essential programs while raising funds for our own local initiatives. From the start, we knew that if the event was successful, the entire community would benefit.”
This year marks a fresh chapter as Tree-mendous settles into the Enfield Elks Lodge for a two-day celebration designed to appeal to both adults and families.
“This new venue allows us to create a fresh atmosphere and hold a two-day celebration designed for both adults and families,” Woman’s Club Recording Secretary JoAnn Calnen shared. On Friday, Dec. 5, guests can enjoy the debut of “Mix, Mingle & Bid,” an evening featuring live music by Dave & AJ from Shovelhead, appetizers, a cash bar hosted by the Elks Lodge, a silent auction and a tea cup raffle showcasing beautifully decorated trees loaded with gifts.
The festivities continue on Saturday, Dec. 6, with a full day of free family activities, including photos with Santa, cookie decorating with Cathie Doner of C’Sweets, and a visit from Boomer, the Springfield Thunderbirds mascot. Raffle drawings for all decorated trees will take place Saturday evening, with prize pickup scheduled for Sunday.
“It’s the same tradition — just with a new home and some added sparkle!” Calnen said.
Proceeds from Tree-mendous directly support the Enfield Food Shelf and the Woman’s Club of Enfield. The Food Shelf uses its portion to sustain essential services including weekly, biweekly and monthly food distributions; home deliveries; emergency food access; children’s nutrition programs; senior outreach; satellite pantries; and support for unhoused individuals and at-risk families. The Woman’s Club funds scholarships and community projects, awarding more than $13,000 to Enfield students last year and supporting programs such as the Vets OASIS Center, The Network, cold-weather bag initiatives and the Enfield Warming Center.
Organizers emphasized that Saturday’s free activities are a meaningful piece of the event’s mission.
“There aren’t many free holiday activities in Enfield where families can gather and celebrate together,” said D’Ambrosio. “Tree-mendous gives families a chance to experience the holiday spirit, and the joy of giving back to the community.”
While the deadline for donating trees and wreaths has passed, monetary donations are still welcome through the Woman’s Club website at gfwcenfieldct.org via the “Treemendous Raffle” button.
Ultimately, organizers hope visitors leave with more than raffle prizes and festive photos.
“We hope visitors leave feeling festive and inspired—knowing that their participation helps strengthen our community,” they said. As D’Ambrosio added, “Once you’ve attended the Tree-mendous Holiday Event, you’ll understand why so many people return year after year. It’s festive, magical, meaningful, and filled with community spirit — and every time someone attends, we’re able to give back even more to Enfield.”
