The Naples Festival of Trees & Christmas Market has announced today that it has partnered with The Salvation Army of Collier County to serve as the premier sponsor and host site for a unique event that brings together a diverse group of area Christian non-profits and missions.  (Read formal press release courtesy of Newswire.)

The Naples Festival of Trees & Christmas Market takes place Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Salvation Army Naples Campus, 3180 Estey Avenue, Naples, FL 34104. It will feature a hall of Jesus-themed trees in an event that allows area non-profits and Christian ministries to sell their trees at silent auction while retaining the proceeds to benefit their work. Online bidding for the Jesus-themed trees will open a week before the event.

“We are excited to partner with the Naples Festival of Trees and Christmas Market. It aligns perfectly with our mission to serve and provide hope, especially during the Christmas season,” said Captain Veronica Conley, Corps Officer at The Salvation Army of Collier County. The event coincides with the Salvation Army’s annual red kettle kick-off, which raises hundreds of thousands of dollars in financial support annually at Christmas time for needy families. 

The event coincides with the Salvation Army's annual red kettle kick-off, which raises hundreds of thousands of dollars in financial support annually at the holidays for families in need.

Tree decorating parties and get-togethers are under way as donors create trees with themes related to Jesus's birth, ministry, Words, parables and miracles with themes that include: "Jesus Loves the Little Children," "O Holy Night," "Loaves & Fishes" and "The Light of the World."

"We are thrilled to help area non-profits support their work financially while at the same time using Christmas trees as a canvas to tell people about Jesus," said Gina Edwards, Tree & Silent Auction Chair. "We invite the community to bid early and often to purchase these trees and place them in public spaces and private homes for the Christmas season."

A Growing Holiday Tradition
In addition, the Festival features:

• A European‑style Christmas Market with 35+ booths offering artisan crafts, handmade decor, stocking stuffers, sweet treats, and a "Christmas Thrift" boutique;

• A Food Truck dining experience with live music;

• Visits with Santa; and

• A Gingerbread Cathedral Competition, debuting for the first time this year.

Mission & Community Impact

All proceeds from the Festival will support local Christian missions in Southwest Florida. “We’ve built in multiple ways for churches, community business partners, non‑profits, and individuals to participate and benefit,” said Jill Schmieg, President at Naples Festival of Trees Inc.  “It’s not too late to get involved, and we invite the community to join us in creating this Christmas tradition.” 

Details & How to Participate

• Date & Time: Saturday, November 15, 2025, 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm

• Location: Salvation Army Campus, 3180 Estey Avenue, Naples, FL 34104

• Cost: Free to attend

• Tree decorating/donations, market booths, gingerbread competition, donations and volunteer opportunities: visit www.NaplesFestivalofTrees.com or contact organizers via email at NaplesFestivalofTrees@gmail.com

Media Photo Opportunity

Volunteer organizers of Night to Shine Southwest Florida, Tim Tebow's prom that serves more than 600 special needs kids & families, will be decorating their tree "O Holy Night" on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Salvation Army Sanctuary at 3180 Estey Ave., Naples, Fla. 34104. Contact Sherri Eppich 239-269-8831

Volunteers with Project Outreach will decorate their Jesus-themed tree on Monday, Oct. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. at 3845 Beck Blvd. #814, Naples, Fla. Contact Tina Raymond at 239-777-0076.

Contact Information:

Patrice Gabower
Director of Development, The Salvation Army of Collier County
patrice.gabower@uss.salvationarmy.org
239-823-5509

Jill Schmieg
President, Naples Festival of Trees Inc.
jill@soldenaples.com
954-806-4472