A Winter Wonderland Comes to LifeThe 41st Festival of Trees & Trains
- Posted By: Sasha Bush
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
A Winter Wonderland Comes to Life
The 41st Festival of Trees & Trains
Rebecca Hemlock
The Ashland Beacon
The Paramount Arts Center once again opens its doors to a season of glow, whimsy, and communal generosity as it hosts the beloved Festival of Trees & Trains. This holiday showcase has transformed the city’s historic theater into a living postcard of twinkling lights, towering evergreens, and toy-train magic—an experience that enchants guests of all ages.
This year marks the 41st edition of the festival, a ten-day celebration that blends festive spectacle with a deeper mission: raising funds for the Paramount’s educational programs and ensuring that the arts remain accessible to everyone who walks through its doors.
From the moment visitors step onto Winchester Avenue and pull into the Paramount Arts Center, they’re greeted by the unmistakable warmth of holiday cheer. Strings of lights cascade across the building’s façade and spill into the lobby, where laughter, conversation, and the soft hum of holiday melodies fill the air. Inside, the Festival of Trees & Trains becomes more than an exhibit—it becomes a shared tradition, inviting families to pause and rediscover the joy of the season together.
This year’s theme, Winter on Winchester, adds a meaningful new layer to the celebration. Celeste Kouns, Tourism Director of Visit AKY, explained how this idea came to life: “So, the theme this year is Winter on Winchester. So, when the ladies from the Festival of Trees came in to talk, we decided to do something a little different this year. I designed an ornament that will be available for purchase, we'll design one each year in the hopes that it will be a treasured keepsake for everyone.”
Kouns continued, “This year’s ornament theme is Winter on Winchester. It's something that people can collect and they can have in their homes for years to come that will remind them of their tradition of visiting the Festival of Trees and the year that they went.”
The fun doesn’t stop there. As part of the season’s festivities, Kouns shared an exciting addition for families and young visitors: “Plus we have Paxton the Penguin in our front window, and other businesses in Ashland do as well. They're going to do a scavenger hunt that they're going to give the kids to go around through the businesses down Winchester and see who all has a Paxton, which I think is really cool. It's a good way to draw people into businesses and to keep kids engaged even when they walk out. It's going to be a super awesome year.”
The event, organized by the Friends of the Paramount, anchors its mission in generosity. Every ornament, painted train track, and volunteered hour supports the center’s education department and its outreach programs.
Of course, the centerpiece of the festival is the trees themselves. Local groups, families, and businesses decorate each tree with striking creativity, transforming the theater into a gallery of color, texture, and storytelling. No two trees are alike, and that variety is part of the event’s charm. Wandering from tree to tree, families are offered a moment to reflect on the traditions that bind the community together.
The train displays remain a favorite among children and parents alike. Winding through miniature landscapes, these intricate models bring a nostalgic sparkle that invites visitors to pause and admire the artistry and imagination behind each scene.
Tickets remain purposefully affordable—$8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $5 for children 12 and under—reflecting the festival’s commitment to accessibility. It’s an experience designed to welcome families from all walks of life and ensure that holiday joy is something everyone can share.
Adding to the charm are the Candy Cane Café, the Holiday Gift Shoppe featuring local artisans, children’s events, and the exquisite model train showcase. Each element contributes to a full, festive experience perfect for a family outing or an evening with friends.
Education stands boldly at the heart of the Festival of Trees & Trains. The funds raised through ticket sales, donations, and the online auction directly support the Paramount Arts Center’s education department. The goal is simple yet powerful: to ensure that local youth have access to creative learning opportunities, theater programming, and the chance to explore their imaginations in a live arts environment.
This year also includes a meaningful addition: the Sensory Hour. Recognizing that the sensory richness of the festival may be overwhelming for some, organizers have set aside a quieter, softer period for visitors who need a gentler experience. This thoughtful gesture reflects the Paramount’s growing commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
The 2025 festival schedule offers a full mix of performances, activities, and viewing opportunities. General viewing hours allow visitors to stroll at their leisure through the decorated halls, while the Candy Cane Café offers hot chocolate and treats. The Holiday Gift Shoppe highlights local craftsmanship and one-of-a-kind gift options, and children’s events provide hands-on fun and creative learning moments.
School tours remain a highlight, offering students the chance to enjoy the festival while learning about stagecraft, set design, and the inner workings of a live arts venue. Meanwhile, the online auction invites community members near and far to participate, bidding on brilliantly decorated trees and other donated items.
As the holiday season approaches, organizers remind the community that there are many ways to get involved. Attend with your family, volunteer to help decorate or guide tours, donate items, or consider a sponsorship to support arts education. Even browsing or bidding through the online auction helps keep this longstanding tradition alive.
The Paramount Arts Center is more than a historic theater—it becomes a holiday home during the Festival of Trees & Trains. During these ten magical days, Ashland is reminded of the joy of giving, the beauty of shared experiences, and the power of art to unite people across generations.
So as winter settles over the region and Winchester Avenue begins to sparkle, the Festival of Trees & Trains invites everyone—longtime visitors and newcomers alike—to step inside and become part of something special. Mark your calendars, bundle up, and immerse yourself in one of Ashland’s most cherished traditions at the Paramount Arts Center.
Festival of Trees & Trains – 2025 Schedule
Thursday, November 20
Appreciation Party – 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Receive 2 free admission tickets per item donated.
Additional tickets may be purchased for $5.00 each.
Friday, November 21 – SCOUT DAY
Festival Open: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.Scout Day: 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. – Mikey Ashmore
5:00 p.m. – Mikey Ashmore
6:00 p.m. – TriState STEM Orchestra
7:00 p.m. – Russell Orchestra
Saturday, November 22 – COCOA with SANTA
Cocoa with Santa: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.Festival Open: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m. – Studio 301
4:00 p.m. – The Bluegrass Voices
6:00 p.m. – EKHO (Eastern Kentucky Harmonic Order)
Sunday, November 23
Festival Open: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. – Ashland Youth Ballet
2:00 p.m. – International Folklanders
3:00 p.m. – Blazer Jazz Band
Monday, November 24
Festival Open: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 25
Festival Open: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 26
Festival Open: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 27 – Thanksgiving
Festival Open: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, November 28
Sensory Hour: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Festival Open: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m. – House of Grace
6:00 p.m. – Crooked Oaks
7:00 p.m. – Christi Brummit
Saturday, November 29 – COCOA with SANTA
Cocoa with Santa: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.Festival Open: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Pick up award ribbons
4:00 p.m. – Bobby Blanton
5:00 p.m. – Lane & Mike Moore
6:00 p.m. – Trina Miller
7:00 p.m. – Mikey Ashmore
Sunday, November 30
Festival Open: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Pick up award ribbons
1:00 p.m. – Ashland Youth Ballet
2:00 p.m. – Phil Osborne
3:00 p.m. – Lincoln Co. Cloggers
4:00 p.m. – Steve Free
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Purchased Item Pickup (Backstage)
Monday, December 1
Purchased Item Pickup (Backstage): 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.