2025 Tree of Hope Program

Click here to view the maps and layout of the event

Join us in Kaminski Park and Gardens at 4:30 as the celebration begins!

4:30 p.m. — Santa arrives from the North Pole!

Get in line early before it's time for Santa's reindeer to take flight.

6:00 p.m. — Candle-lighting ceremony

Gather around the Tree of Hope to light a candle in honor or memory of a loved one, before the tree lighting ceremony begins!

Candle-lighting ceremony is made possible by an inspirational fund established by the Alliance Foundation to remember former Roswell Park employee and patient David Berndt.

6:10 p.m. — Tree of Hope lighting and light show

75,000 lights dancing to music sponsored by Ferguson Electric.

Stop inside the main lobby for more festivities!

Take a look at the dozens of gingerbread houses created by Roswell Park employees or visit the gift shop!

The Roswell Park Gift Shop will be open until 7 p.m. for you to browse and shop! All proceeds support programs designed for our patients.

Visitors ride in a horse drawn carriage at the 2022 Tree of Hope celebration

Activities and entertainment during the night include:

Face painting
Letters to Santa and holiday crafts
Reindeer games
Horse-drawn carriage rides
- Depart from front circle. One ride per guest, please.
Photos with Santa
A visit from Santa's reindeer
Buster Bison, Sabretooth and Rax will be in attendance!
Refreshments and treats provided by:
- SPoT Coffee. Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, Tops Friendly Markets, Outback Kettle Korn
Music by The Doyle Brothers with Violena
Darlene Ceglia’s Dance Project

First Aid is available at the main entrance to Kaminski Park, near the hospital Valet Circle.

David Berndt Inspirational Fund at Roswell Park

One of David’s favorite events at Roswell was the Tree of Hope, both for the festivities of the Holidays but also for the symbol of hope for cancer patients that the tree lighting represented. In an effort to keep David’s memory alive in a meaningful way the employees at Roswell have established the David Berndt inspirational fund within the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation. Donations received in David’s memory will be earmarked to this special donation account in his name.

It is planned that each year going forward the candle lighting ceremony at the Tree of Hope which features a moment of silence for those lost to cancer and prayers for those on a cancer journey, will be sponsored by the David Berndt inspirational fund as indicated on the candle holders. A meaningful symbol of a hope for a future without cancer. Please follow the link below if you would like to make a donation in memory of David to this inspirational fund.

Make a donation