Cody Festival of Trees 2026 Logistics Guide: Dates, Tickets, and Event Schedules in Wyoming

Visiting Cody, Wyoming for the holiday season? Here is the complete logistics breakdown for the Cody Festival of Trees 2026, running from November 27 to December 5.

The 2026 Festival of Trees Framework

The Cody Festival of Trees is a non-profit initiative designed to convert holiday celebrations into financial support for local charities. The 2026 edition is hosted entirely at Cody Regional Health on Sheridan Avenue. This year, the primary beneficiaries of the fundraising efforts are the First Stop Help Center and Wyoming Dream Hunts, though donors contributing items to the auction may designate specific local non-profits to receive their proceeds.

Historically, the organization has provided financial assistance to 44 different local non-profit groups over its first four years of operation. For travelers, this means the event is a centralized hub for community engagement and charitable giving within the Big Horn Basin.

Event Schedule and Pricing Details

The festival consists of a series of tiered events, ranging from free community gatherings to ticketed gala dinners.

Event	Date	Time	Ticket Price	Status
Memorial Tree Lighting	Nov 27	6:00 PM - 8:00 PM	Free	Open
Santa Brunch & Photos	Nov 29	11:00 AM - 1:00 PM	Adults: $10 / Kids: Free	Open
Mrs. Claus Storytime	Nov 30	6:30 PM	Free	Open
Festival Fashion Show	Dec 1	6:30 PM	Single: $35 / Table (8): $245	Open
Music Showcase	Dec 2	3:30 PM	Free	Open
Ugly Sweater Bingo	Dec 3	6:00 PM - 8:00 PM	Free Entry / $2 per card	Open
Feast of the Festival	Dec 4	6:00 PM (Doors)	Single: $50 / Table (8): $350	Open
Tea in the Trees	Dec 5	10:00 AM - 12:00 PM	Single: $25 / Table (8): $175	Open

Traveler Logistics Guide

Venue Access and Parking All activities are centralized at Cody Regional Health on Sheridan Avenue. Since several events occur simultaneously or in quick succession, arrive at least 30 minutes early for ticketed dinners to secure parking and navigate the facility.

Ticketing and Payments While several events are free, the high-value tickets (such as the Feast of the Festival and Fashion Show) should be secured in advance. For the Ugly Sweater Adult Bingo, note that while entry is free, you must have cash or digital payment for the $2 bingo cards.

Auction Participation You do not need to be physically present for every event to participate in the fundraising. A digital auction runs concurrently with the festival. If you are bidding on trees, wreaths, or gift baskets, be aware that most online bidding closes strictly at 3:00 PM on December 5.

Dress Code and Requirements

• Storytime (Nov 30): Families are encouraged to bring blankets, soft toys, and wear pajamas.
• Bingo (Dec 3): The theme is "Ugly Sweaters," though this is for festive participation rather than a strict entry requirement.
• Feast of the Festival (Dec 4): This is the premier event of the week; semi-formal attire is recommended for the cocktail hour and prime rib buffet.

Local Transit and Navigation For those staying outside the immediate city center, check local Wyoming transit options or use ride-share services. Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready, as late November and early December in the Big Horn Basin can bring unpredictable snowfall and freezing temperatures. For broader regional travel guidelines, refer to the Wyoming Department of Transportation.

Regional Connectivity Impact

The Festival of Trees transforms Cody into a seasonal destination, drawing visitors from across the Big Horn Basin and the surrounding Yellowstone country. By concentrating events at Cody Regional Health, the festival minimizes traffic dispersion across the city while maximizing the visibility of local non-profits. This model allows travelers to experience multiple cultural facets—from the somber Memorial Tree Lighting to the high-energy live auction—without needing complex ground transport between venues.

FAQ: Cody Festival of Trees 2026

How much do the tickets cost for the main dinner? The Feast of the Festival on December 4 costs $50 for a single ticket or $350 for a table of eight. This includes a cocktail hour and a prime rib buffet.

Are there any free events for families? Yes. The Memorial Tree Lighting (Nov 27), Mrs. Claus Storytime (Nov 30), and the Music Showcase (Dec 2) are all free to the public.

Can I bid on the decorated trees if I am not in Cody? Yes, the festival hosts an online auction for trees, wreaths, and other items. Most bidding closes at 3:00 PM on December 5.

Where does the money from the festival go? Proceeds support local non-profits. The primary 2026 recipients are Wyoming Dream Hunts and the First Stop Help Center, though some donors can designate their own chosen local charity.

Turn your winter getaway into a catalyst for community support in the heart of Wyoming.

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