ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (November 10, 2023) — Embarking on its 38th year, Festival of Trees is BACK again this year, with a spectacular display of over 100,000 twinkling lights that will be sure to illuminate your holiday this year! Celebrating 38 years of festival merriment, this beloved holiday tradition returns to the RiverCenter, November 18-26 with all the familiar events and attractions many have come to know and love.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of over 100 beautifully decorated trees, designer displays, and a host of fun-filled attractions. The excitement peaks with the FREE holiday parade in downtown Davenport on Saturday, November 18, 10AM. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere with attractions like the Gingerbread Village, CenterStage entertainment, Festival Express Train, Tinsel Treasures Gift Shop, Reindeer Games children’s activities, and a heartwarming visit to Santa. Capture the joy with a family photo inside our new Inflatable Snow Globe!
This year marks the 31st Anniversary of the Holiday Parade, taking place in downtown Davenport, on Saturday, November 19th at 10:00 am. Broadcast live by KWQC-TV6, this FREE event features giant helium character balloons! The parade will also feature pageant queens, dance groups, floats, marching bands, and of course your chance to see Santa! The procession will begin at 3rd Street & Pershing Ave. going west to Scott Street, then turning left to make its way back east on 2nd Street, finishing at 2nd Street and Iowa Ave. Co-title sponsors of the holiday parade are: Arconic, and KWQC-TV6.
With over 30,000 attendees annually and an additional 45,000 viewers for the Holiday Parade, Festival of Trees stands as one of the largest attractions in the Quad Cities, marking the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season. This fun-filled event for all ages continues to feature the familiar attractions and special events that have become cherished traditions. Purchase tickets online to attend one of the many fun special events:
November 17 • Premiere Party: A Night in Vegas (featuring The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra)
November 18 • FREE Holiday Parade
November 21 • Teddy Bear Tea
November 21 • SugarPlum Ball
November 22 • Celebrity Lunch
November 25 • Silent Disco
We’re kicking-off Festival of Trees with a special musical treat featuring The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, inviting you to dance the night away. Step into the glittering atmosphere of a Night in Vegas as you become one of the first to purchase or bid on stunning designer displays. Immerse yourself in the festivities with entertaining casino games, delightful photo ops, and a cash bar offering signature cocktails and scrumptious hors d’oeuvres. Don't miss the chance to take a gamble on some fantastic raffles, including a $500 gift card to Necker’s Jewelers and a dream trip for two to Vegas, complete with airfare and hotel, generously provided by Bally’s Quad Cities and the Quad Cities International Airport. It's a night of surprises, fabulous entertainment, and the thrilling opportunity to win big!
Get ready to dance the night away at Premiere Night with The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, exclusively presented by Quad City Arts' Visiting Artist Series. This dynamic orchestra doesn't just play music; they craft an unforgettable fusion of nostalgia and high-energy beats tailored for a modern audience. Quad City Arts and the orchestra share a mission — to immerse you in a cultural journey, actively engage with the community, and foster a sense of togetherness and shared cultural experiences. Throughout the week, The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra will be performing in all school assemblies, and workshops, demonstrating their skill, educating audiences about their careers as artists, and inspiring the next generation of artists. Premiere night will be their culminating event where they will deliver a full performance. Experience the excitement and joy of live music in a way that'll have you on your feet and celebrating all night long!
More than a premier holiday event, Festival of Trees provides funding for the arts in our community. All dollars raised help Quad City Arts provide local arts and cultural programming to over 400,000 residents and students. Your participation doesn't just create a holiday tradition; it fuels a cultural movement, enriching lives and fostering creativity in the heart of our community. Help us cultivate a creative community!
Ticket Purchase and Information:
For more information or to purchase tickets visit: qcfestivaloftrees.com/events or call 309.793.1213. Admission gates are cashless and tickets available at qcfestivaloftrees.com.
- Fast Pass Lane for prepaid or comp admission.
- General admission: $10 Adults, $5 Children (ages two to nine).
- Santa’s hours differ from regular general admission and will be available at: qcfestivaloftrees.com/schedule
General Admission Days and Hours:
November 16 : Santa’s Stars 9AM–12PM (Private Event | Registration Required)
November 16: Silver Bell Social 1–4PM (Private Event | Registration Required)
OPENING DAY | November 18: 9AM–7PM
November 19: 10AM–7PM (Military Day)
November 20: 9AM–7PM
November 21: 9AM–7PM
November 22: 9AM–7PM
CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY | November 23
November 24: 9AM–7PM
November 25: 9AM–7PM (Family Day)
CLOSING DAY | November 26: 10AM–4PM
Volunteers Needed!
Join over 2,000 volunteers to make Festival of Trees a success. Sign up at qcfestivaloftrees.com/volunteer and receive FREE admission.
Let's create unforgettable holiday memories for our community together! Be a part of it and sign up for a three-hour shift and receive a FREE TICKET to the Festival of Trees at the RiverCenter.
Quad City Arts is a non-profit arts organization committed to enriching the quality of life in the Quad Cities Region through the arts. All Quad City Arts programs are funded in part by our Quad City Arts Partners (donors like you), Festival of Trees, and operating grants from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. Quad City Arts is a proud partner of the Quad Cities Cultural Trust.
