EAST LONGMEADOW — After a successful debut last year, the Norcross Tree and Wreath Festival returns for its second season, offering a festive celebration that blends creativity, community spirit and support for one of East Longmeadow’s historic landmarks.
Organized by The Norcross Center, the event fills the property’s Carriage House with donated holiday trees, wreaths, and décor items — all raffled to raise funds for the preservation of the historic Norcross House.
The festival was born from a simple but meaningful idea. “The idea for the Tree & Wreath Festival grew out of a desire to create a festive, family-friendly event that would both celebrate the holidays and support the preservation of the historic Norcross House,” said committee chair and board member Maria Themistos. Inspired by similar festivals in other communities, organizers felt “East Longmeadow deserved a tradition of its own — one that brings people together while helping maintain a town landmark.”
Its inaugural year surpassed every expectation. “The community’s response exceeded our expectations,” Themistos said. “People loved walking through the Carriage House, seeing the creativity on display and taking part in the raffles. The enthusiasm, turnout, and positive feedback confirmed that this was something special and worth growing.”
That sense of momentum is shaping this year’s expanded event.
“This year, our hope is to expand the number of donated items,” Themistos explained. Donations come from a wide circle of contributors — retailers, small businesses, community groups, and individuals who plan their designs weeks ahead or decorate on-site. Several beloved participants, including Shaker Bowl, Added Attractions, Maybury and St. Luke’s Greek Orthodox Church are returning.
Themistos said the planning process starts surprisingly early.
“Our board members start up the planning during the spring,” Themistos said. “While it’s hard to think of the holidays when the tulips are just starting to bloom, it helps us have time to plan, develop new systems, etc.”
New this year is a private, invitation-only Wine and Cheese Reception for sponsors and volunteers. “We wanted to thank all of our donating sponsors and volunteers by celebrating our accomplishments and giving past and present donors a way to come together and learn more about them and their work,” Themistos said.
Behind the scenes, Themistos said, the festival is “truly a community operation.” Volunteers manage everything from coordinating donations to promoting the event, selling raffle tickets, greeting guests and helping the festival grow. Local businesses assist by donating items, sponsoring decorations, offering supplies and spreading the word.
One memory from last year helped solidify the event’s importance. “Watching families walk through the Carriage House and hearing people say they had no idea how beautiful and creative the donated designs would be” was a defining moment, Themistos recalled. “When we saw guests taking pictures, choosing their favorites and encouraging each other to buy ‘just one more’ raffle ticket, it became clear the event must be carried on.”
As the festival enters its second year, organizers hope it will continue to strengthen community ties. “We hope the festival continues to bring joy, connection and holiday spirit,” Themistos said. “Our goal is for the festival to evolve and continue supporting the Norcross House for many years to come.”
And there may still be room for more participation. “If your business or organization would like to be part of this festive community event, we’d love to have you join us,” noted Themistos.
More information and donor sign-up forms are available at norcrosscenter.org.
