The public is invited to kick off the holiday season at the annual Festival of Trees event sponsored by Bellingham Health Support Center.

The festival features beautifully decorated trees, cookies and apple cider, and is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at The Leopold Crystal Ballroom, 1224 Cornwall Ave. Musicians will perform Friday evening.

The Festival of Trees Gala Dinner and Auction is at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, in the ballroom. Tickets for the gala are $50. Proceeds support the Health Support Center, which assists 20 nonprofit health groups.

Details: 360-733-6714.

Reach Margaret Bikman at 360-715-2273 or margaret.bikman@bellinghamherald.com.