Town of Cary
Home Menu14th Annual Gifting Tree Project
December 6 - 26, 2025
Stroll along S. Academy Street and inside the Downtown Cary Park as it is transformed into a dazzling Christmas tree display. Local families, schools, and organizations decorate their trees in a competition to win a donation to the nonprofit group of their choice.
You can cast one vote per tree. Duplicate votes will not be counted. Winners will be announced by January 6!
Participating
Registration for the 2025 Gifting Tree Project is full.
You are welcome to join the waitlist and will be notified if a tree becomes available. Join the waitlist here
If you need assistance setting up or accessing your RecTrac account, you can find our RecTrac FAQ here!
Decorating | December 4 (12 p.m.) - 6 (10 a.m.)
Voting | December 6 - 21
Winners announced | By January 6
Prizes
All prizes are awarded as donations to a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of the winner's choice.
First Place: $500
Second Place: $250
Third Place: $100
Cost
$50 | Cary Residents
$65 | Non-Cary Residents
Payment is due at time of registration.
Rules
Please review rules and decorating information here. You will need to submit a decorating plan for review by staff as part of registration.
To be added to our contact list for Gifting Tree Project registration, please email Maddie Lamkins.
2024 Winners
First Place - $500 Donation: ALS United
Learn more about ALS United North Carolina here!
Second Place - $250 Donation: Athens Drive High School Bands
Learn more about Athens Drive High School Bands here!
Third Place - $100 Donation: The Sweet Life - benefiting Mama Moses The Underground Railroad
Learn more about Mama Moses The Underground Railroad here!
