Don’t Throw Away Your Christmas Tree — Feed It to a Goat at Philly Goat Project’s Tree-Cycle Festival With a Petting Zone, S’mores, and More

The holiday season doesn’t end when the ornaments come down — at least not for the goats. Philly Goat Project will kick off 2026 with the return of its eighth annual Christmas Tree-Cycle Festivals, a uniquely Philly tradition that turns discarded Christmas trees into treats, trail mulch, and community joy. Part goat hangout, part sustainability initiative, and part neighborhood festival, the Tree-Cycle events blend environmental impact with genuine heart — and everyone’s invited, tree or no tree.

This year’s festival series features three Saturdays of programming, including a special stop at Laurel Hill West Cemetery:

January 10 — The Farm at Awbury Arboretum (Rain date: Jan. 11)
January 17 — Laurel Hill West Cemetery (Rain or shine)
January 24 — The Farm at Awbury Arboretum (Rain date: Jan. 25)
All events run from 12PM to 3PM

A $20 donation per tree is encouraged, supporting Philly Goat Project’s year-round community programming — from goat-assisted therapy and grief support to literacy programs, youth job training, environmental education, and free goat walks in the park. Even without a tree, guests are encouraged to come, meet the goats, warm up by the fire pit, and enjoy a day outdoors.

Once dropped off, trees are either munched by the goats (citrusy evergreens are their favorite treat) or transformed into wood chips through a partnership with the Philadelphia Sanitation Department — later used to improve trails and community garden spaces across the city.

In an exciting new partnership, Philly Goat Project has teamed up with Solar States, a certified B-Corp specializing in clean energy expansion and sustainable workforce development.

Why it matters:

• Complete a free solar consultation before you attend → Solar States will cover your $20 tree donation.

• Choose to move forward with installation → $400 off your solar project and another $400 donated to Philly Goat Project.

Quote link for consultation: go.solar-states.com/goats

The collaboration started when both organizations received a Community Capacity Grant, finding common ground in sustainability, education, and building job pipelines for Philadelphia’s future.

Whether you’re dropping off a tree or just looking for a wholesome winter afternoon, the Tree-Cycle festivals are packed with activities:

• Goat Petting Zone — Watch them snack on trees
• Fire Pit + Free S’mores and Hot Cocoa
• Goat Photo Booth — Get your 2026 started with a new iconic selfie
• Quiet Visiting Area — Sensory-friendly and supportive
• Farm Explorations + Grief Garden & Storybook Walk (Awbury only)
• Goat Swag Shop — Including the new 2026 calendar, “250 Years of History… with GOATS!” featuring the goats at historic Philly landmarks for the country’s 250th anniversary