Deck the Trees will be Making Spirits Bright across the Swannanoa Valley from December 3, 2026 through January 1, 2027! Now in its 16th year, Deck the Trees is an annual Christmas fundraiser for the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry (SVCM) Fuel Fund, helping neighbors in need to keep their homes warm during winter.

Visitors can drop by participating locations during business hours to enjoy dozens of beautifully decorated trees, all following this year’s theme of “Making Spirits Bright.” Deck the Trees provides locals and visitors alike a chance to patronize a variety of Swannanoa Valley businesses hosting the trees. Visiting and voting for the trees will be a fun, festive holiday activity for families and children, focused on the altruistic spirit of the Christmas season.

Since 2011, Deck the Trees has raised over $545,000 to help low-income Swannanoa Valley residents afford the cost of heating their homes. In 2025, SVCM’s Crisis Ministry provided over $182,000 in energy assistance to 449 valley households — a 90% increase since 2022. Since last winter, the local cost of heating oil has increased by about 64%. Amid rising needs for energy assistance, SVCM is calling on all Friends of the Trees to give generously to Deck the Trees this season!