Downtown Houston Theater Goes Crazy for Holidays with 22 Christmas Trees

In the event that Alley Theatre supporters were not yet in full Santa mindset, those joining the party for the 13th annual Deck the Trees fundraiser could not help but be swept up in the spirit of the season, even before Thanksgiving, which as we all know is so, so late this year. Before or after turkey day, the annual tree lighting reception is a delightful treacly happening that charms both children and adults.

More than 300 sponsors and designers attended the private gathering which kicked off the Alley’s holiday production of A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story of Christmas. They gathered in festive holiday attire for the festivities that featured 22 Christmas trees and eight wreaths, each created by some of the city’s leading design teams.

Among those contributing their creative talents were Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Rainey Richardson Designs, Bering’s, Always In Season, Monoco Interiors and Holli Day Decors. Through sponsorships of the trees, ranging from $2,500 to $50,000, Alley coffers were enriched by more than $250,000.

Tammie Jacobe of For All Occasions was recognized as this year’s signature tree designer, who created a 25-foot winter wonderland inspired tree with an authentic St. Nick’s Village and Santa’s workshop. Occidental Petroleum was sponsor of the signature tree.

Alley artistic director Rob Melrose and Deck the Trees chair Valerie Jalufka welcomed the merry throng, which was wined and dined cocktail party style by A Fare Extraordinaire. Further setting the stage for holiday merriment was the a capella group Houston Harmonics, which entertained with classic holiday tunes.

The big moment occurred when Alley board president Butch Mach launched the countdown, which the crowd joined in on. The oversized switch was pulled by Ava Clark and Claire Garland. With the trees lighted, the oohs and aahs filled the Alley foyer.

PC Seen: Cathy and Jesse Marion, Carmen Mach, Pat and Roger Medors, Angela and Craig Jarchow, Donna Dorrell, Chalene and John O’Shea, Tammie Jacobe, Elizabeth Smith, Deborah and Rick Bott, Nancy Martin, and Stephen Kass.