On November 29 there is a special opportunity to purchase trees and decorations before the event opens to the public during the Night of Illumination preview party. In additional to having the first opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind holiday decorations, guest will enjoy live music, a holiday-themed open bar, passed hors d'oeuvres and buffet dinner. Call for reservations.

Events taking place during the Festival include "First Thursday: Festival" (Dec. 6), "Second Saturdays: Light Up the World" (Dec. 8) and a holiday-themed jazz brunch with Allegra Levy (Dec. 9). Throughout the week there will be live music featuring more than 50 local choirs, bands and orchestras. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will make a return appearance along with the balloon artist Bella the Clown. Family art activities and docent-lead tours offered daily, including a tour of the museum's exciting new French painting exhibition, Medieval to Monet, on view until January 27.