Thank you to everyone who donated to FONA's Giving Tuesday campaign this week. Every dollar makes a difference in helping FONA's programs continue to thrive and connect people to nature at the National Arboretum and beyond. In a year where FONA's — and many other nonprofit's — grant funding has grown uncertain, our members and donors are making a huge difference. Thank you for making this work possible!

You can still donate towards the Giving Tuesday campaign if you weren't able to yesterday.

Support FONA's Giving Tuesday Campaign >

FONA's Winter Festival returns this Saturday, December 6th! With a new location near the Arboretum's Visitor Center and new community partnerships bringing enhanced activities, this is an event you don't want to miss. Plus, there might even be a dusting of snow around the Arboretum if Friday's forecasted snow holds true. What a wonderful way to ring in the holiday season!

We hope the information in the rest of this newsletter helps you have a safe and enjoyable time at the event. Many thanks to the volunteers and staff who help make this event possible. We hope to see you on Saturday!

SCHEDULE

• 10 AM - 3 PM: The Winter Festival is open for all to enjoy! Find the gift vendor village, food trucks, and family activities right outside the Arboretum's Visitor Center.
• 10 AM - 5 PM: The Christmas Tree Sale will extend until 5 PM. Shop for Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands in the Grove parking lot.

ENTRANCE & PARKING

• Both the R Street entrance (2400 R Street NE) and the New York Avenue entrance (3501 New York Avenue NE) will be open for this event. Use either gate to enter the Arboretum.
• If you are attending the Winter Festival, please park in either the R Street parking lot (near the Visitor Center), or in the New York Avenue parking lot (~10 to 15 minute walk to the event).
• Please only park in the Grove parking lot to shop at the Christmas Tree Sale.
• All parking is free at the National Arboretum.

EVENT REMINDERS

• Dogs are allowed on leash, but bringing your dog is not recommended since the event can get crowded.
• Need to warm up during the event? Head to the Warm Wishes Lounge in the Visitor Center. Tables and chairs will be set up in the auditorium so attendees can eat lunch and warm up indoors.
• This event is free to attend! Many of the activities are free and family-friendly. This is also a perfect time to explore the Arboretum's winter wonders, like the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, the flowering Camellia Collection, and more.

This year's Winter Festival will have a lot of activities to get you in the holiday spirit. Plus, a portion of all vendor and Christmas tree sales directly support FONA's work at the Arboretum through this important fundraiser.

This year's Winter Festival is hosted in partnership with DC Squared and DC Child Care Connections. See below for the list of activities and vendors, but please note that some details are subject to change. The Winter Festival kicks off DC Squared's It's a Wonderful Ward series held throughout December in Northeast D.C.

FREE FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

Enjoy curated holiday activities and attractions, almost all of which are free! These will include:

• Holiday train ride to the Capitol Columns
• Children's carousel
• Santa’s Mailbox
• Cocoa Chalet fueled by Zeke’s Coffee (paid)
• Caroling performance
• Festive 360° photo booth
• Clothing swap
• Clothing donation drive for local families (new and gently used infant and maternity clothing)



DC Child Care Connections will also offer free child-centered, family-focused activities for children ages 2 to 12. They will include face painting, arts, crafts, and games. DC Child Care Connections is the District’s Child Care Resource and Referral program funded through the Office of the State Superintendent of Education’s Division of Early Learning. Adult supervision is required during all family activities.

GIFT VENDOR VILLAGE

Shop for locally-crafted gifts and other goodies from 20+ local artisans. Don't forget to stop by FONA's tent, too! We'll be selling honey from the Washington Youth Garden, FONA t-shirts, and tote bags. You can also purchase a gift membership or an alternative FONA gift to give to a friend or family member.

Art & Home Decor

• ABBYiK.STUDIO: Watercolor art, prints, and cards
• Bruce Ciske Pottery: Hand-built ceramic vases and ikebana containers
• Fahrenheit99 & Co.: Vegan container candles, wax melts, reed diffusers, perfumes/colognes, and more
• Fava Bean Studios: Hand-built ceramic mugs, jewelry, and home decor
• Lita+Ro Home Goods: Soy candles, incense cones, potpourri, and small home goods
• Pretty Girl Rising Foundation: Cards and hot chocolate balls to support the foundation’s initiatives

Books & Activities

• Addi and Friends: Children’s book series
• Book of Venus Publishing: Speculative fiction author with books for all ages, plus fantasy-inspired goods
• Lotts Of Luv: Hands-on STEM activities for children

Fiber Products & Jewelry

• Inti Phaxsi Gems: Jewelry crafted from preserved flowers, crystals, and hypoallergenic metals
• Loopswithluv: Crocheted hats, sweaters, cardigans, scarfs, and more
• Seven Sadie Lane: Colorful yet durable sewn fabric bags, including new District-themed zipper pouches

Food & Drink Products

• 10/10 Provisions: Seasoning mixes, baking mixes, hot cocoa, and more
• Cookie YAY: Gourmet baked goods with classic, vegan, gluten free, and low-sugar options
• Paste & Rind Cheese Co.: Artisanal local cheeses and holiday cheese collections
• Pearl Fine Teas: Hand-crafted loose leaf teas and botanical herb blends
• Second Story Honey: Honey harvested from D.C. and MD neighborhoods, plus hand-dipped beeswax taper candles
• The Little Hearth: Small-batch baked goods with a touch of sophistication

Food Trucks

• Black Sesame Rolls: “Onigiri” rice balls with Korean and Japanese fillings
• Blossom Bakery: Baked goods and comfort food
• Dos Carnales: Mexican cuisine
• PhoWheels: Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist
• The Gyro Brothers: Fusion of Mediterranean, Latino, and American cuisines

CHRISTMAS TREE SALE

Get all your holiday shopping done in one place and shop for Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands during the Winter Festival! This sale will take place in the Grove parking lot, which is ~2 minute drive or 10 minute walk from the Visitor Center.

This sale is ongoing through Sunday, December 7th. If you can't make it to the Winter Festival, here's all the times you can shop the Christmas Tree Sale:

• Thursday, Dec. 4: 12 PM – 8 PM
• Friday, Dec. 5: 12 PM – 8 PM
• Saturday, Dec. 6: 10 AM – 5 PM
• Sunday, Dec. 7: 12 PM – 5 PM