The Barton Foundation’s second annual Festival of Trees and Lights kicks off the holiday season Dec. 3-5 at the MontBleu Convention Center in Stateline.

The festival features nonstop holiday entertainment; trees decorated by local designers, Barton employees, and local schools; visits with Santa Claus; an expanded children’s craft area; and a community stage.

Decorators compete for best tree at the 2009 event. Photo/Kathryn Reed

Here is a rundown of the ticketed events:

* Teddy Bear Hospital provides an interactive way for kids to learn about their health and hospitals in a safe, “no poke” environment from real doctors, nurses and caregivers. Every child 12 and under attending the festival during public viewing and Family Night will receive a free teddy bear. Their bear is then admitted to the hospital, diagnosed and treated. Sponsored by the Tahoe Emergency Physicians.

* Family Night, Dec. 3 from 5-9pm offers a time for families to experience the festival together. The $25 (up to five people) admission includes a Santa photo, light refreshments, holiday-inspired crafts, face painting and marionette show. Cap off the evening with a free holiday light show presented by Horizon Casino Resort.

* Teddy Bear Breakfast is Dec. 4 at 9am. Bring your child’s favorite doll or stuffed animal to be adorned with holiday flair while you enjoy a kid-friendly buffet. Costumed characters will roam the room and, of course, Santa is there to hear your child’s wishes and to create that keepsake holiday photo. Adults $20; children 12 and under $15.

* The Gala, Dec. 4 at 6pm is the Barton Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser. The black-tie optional event features a live auction, expanded silent auction, live entertainment and the winning cocktail from our Signature Cocktail Contest, the Nutty Mulligan by Edgewood’s Chip Norton. Tickets are $150 per person.

* Fashions in a Winter Wonderland, Dec. 5 at 11am. This Champagne Brunch and Fashion Show features holiday and resort looks from local retailers on the runway. Tickets are $35 per person.

* Polar Express, Dec. 5 at 3 and 6pm, features two departures. Dress up in your best pajamas and grab a seat on one of our “trains.” Have your ticket punched by our conductors, sing carols as you make your way to the Red Hut for a cup of hot chocolate. From there the “trains” continue on to MontBleu for refreshments, the reading of the Polar Express, and the songs of the Tahoe Belles choir. Space is limited to 300 people per departure. Tickets are $15 per person.

Proceeds from the Festival of Trees and Lights benefit the Barton Community Clinic, which provides medical care to the community, especially for those living in poverty or without insurance. Barton is planning an $800,000 expansion and renovation of the existing clinic to improve service for the more than 1,600 patients visiting the clinic each month.

Tickets go on sale Nov. 8 at 9am. Bring a non-perishable food item for Christmas Cheer and receive a $1 off Public Viewing or Family Night.

For a complete schedule, to purchase tickets or for more information, go online or call (530) 543.5909.