Festival of Trees 2025 Brought Holiday Magic and Meaning to the Goodridge Freedom Center
The 2025 Festival of Trees at the William C Goodridge Freedom Center & Underground Railroad Museum was a beautiful celebration of the season—filled with warmth, creativity, history, and community pride. Visitors experienced far more than festive decorations. Each tree told a story, honored tradition, and reflected the rich cultural spirit of York.
From whimsical designs (View Full Tree Description Booklet) that delighted children to meaningful tributes rooted in heritage, the Festival of Trees transformed the museum into a welcoming holiday showcase—bringing families, friends, and supporters together to celebrate the joy of the season.
A Festival Filled With Stories and Tradition
One of the most heartfelt displays was “Santa Simpson,” decorated by Gabriella Messenger, Curator of the Crispus Attucks York History & Culture Center. The tree featured ornaments and photos from the early 2000s, when CAY CEO Robert “Bobby” Simpson dressed as Santa Claus and posed with children for holiday memories. Many guests enjoyed searching the tree for familiar faces—recognizing friends, family members, and even themselves from years ago.
Holiday traditions from earlier centuries were also beautifully captured in “A Victorian Christmas” and “The Fruits of Christmas,” decorated by Jane Heidlebaugh. These displays honored historic holiday customs, including the legacy of William C. Goodridge, who once invited York residents to view what was believed to be the city’s first Christmas tree. Visitors also enjoyed the fun tradition of searching for the hidden Christmas pickle, said to bring good luck.
Honoring Craftsmanship and Handmade History
The festival featured meaningful tributes to tradition and handcrafted artistry. “Sew it Goes,” decorated by Barbara Graver with help from Susan Hamberger, celebrated the time when gifts were often handmade. The tree represented the creativity and care behind hand-sewn dolls, embroidered keepsakes, and small stitched items filled with surprises—reminding guests how precious and personal holiday giving once was.
Celebrating York’s Pride and National Significance
Several displays highlighted the pride York holds in its historic place in America. A standout was Explore York’s America 250th-themed tree, decorated by Andrea Ryan and Katie Kline, honoring York’s important role in the nation’s founding. The display celebrated the adoption of the Articles of Confederation and included Explore York’s commemorative ornaments—becoming a favorite photo spot throughout the event.
Faith, Symbolism, and the Meaning of Christmas
Faith and symbolism were also present in the festival. “The Meaning of Christmas,” decorated by Nancy Westbury, reflected the spiritual heart of the holiday season. Featuring nativity ornaments, angels, and crosses, the tree highlighted the deeper meaning behind common Christmas colors such as red, green, gold, and silver.
The traditional beauty continued with “Christmas Spirit,” decorated by Carol Kauffman and Jane Heidlebaugh, with gold stars, snowflakes, and red ornaments symbolizing love, peace, and hope.
Family Fun and Childlike Wonder
The Festival of Trees included many displays that captured playful holiday energy, especially for children. “Whimsical Wonderland” by Debra W. Eberly (d.w.designs) brought joy with colorful décor, ribbons, and fun winter-themed accents.
Another visitor favorite was “Cookie Cutter Delight,” decorated by Beth Gross. Inspired by cookie cutter week, the tree challenged guests to spot cookie cutters representing holidays across the entire year—not just Christmas. Many visitors said it brought back memories of baking traditions, especially classic holiday cookies like sand tarts.
And of course, “The March of the Nutcrackers” delighted guests with its tribute to the world-famous Nutcracker ballet, which premiered in 1892. The tree celebrated nutcrackers as symbols of tradition, protection, and good luck.
Cultural Celebrations From Around the World
A powerful part of the 2025 festival was how it honored cultures from around the world.
Decorated by Stephany Sechrist, “Up Among the Clouds” celebrated Peruvian heritage, featuring bright colors, Indigenous-inspired art, and textiles. The display included paper chains created from patterns by an Indigenous Peruvian rainforest artist featured by the Smithsonian, adding both education and beauty to the exhibit.
Sechrist also decorated “Showers of Blessing,” featuring a vibrant parasol from India, symbolic peacock accents, and handmade angels from Bangladesh—creating a stunning representation of global tradition and celebration.
The joy continued with “Celebrate! Fiesta!” decorated by Nancy Westbury, which embraced Hispanic holiday culture in vibrant fashion. Guests admired festive colors, piñatas, Southwest symbols, and traditional religious figurines. The message of “Feliz Navidad” radiated through every detail.
Honoring Evalina Goodridge and the Goodridge Legacy
A deeply meaningful display was “Evalina Welcomes You,” decorated by Mark and Debbie DeBowes, honoring Evalina Goodridge. This tree highlighted her role as a hostess, businesswoman, and mother, reflecting her love of elegance and tradition. The display featured a dress form centerpiece symbolizing Evalina’s grace—and reminded visitors that the Goodridge family’s décor was once so admired that they charged admission for the public to view their Christmas tree.
The DeBowes’ also decorated “An Orange for Christmas,” showcasing an important historical detail: Goodridge’s store provided citrus fruits in December—an uncommon seasonal treasure. The theme reminded visitors that something as small as an orange could be a meaningful Christmas gift in earlier times.
Kwanzaa: A Powerful Cultural Tribute
The festival also featured a moving tribute to Kwanzaa, decorated by Stephany Sechrist, honoring African American culture and heritage. The tree represented the celebration of Kwanzaa from December 26 through January 1, including its seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
Guests also learned about Kwanzaa’s connection to York: the holiday was created in 1966 by former York resident Ronald Everett, a William Penn High School graduate who later became known as Maulana Karenga.
Thank You for Celebrating With Us
The 2025 Festival of Trees was a true reminder of what the season represents—community, culture, tradition, creativity, and connection. The Goodridge Freedom Center was honored to welcome guests into the museum for this celebration, and we are deeply grateful to the individuals, decorators, organizations, and supporters who made it possible.
Thank you to everyone who attended, shared the experience with loved ones, and helped keep the spirit of the season alive through history and storytelling.