The holidays are coming early to the Museum of Arts & Sciences as it kicks off its annual Festival of Trees.

The festival features an exhibit of locally designed and decorated trees, a luncheon and a dinner gala.

“It’s our biggest fundraiser,” said Canaan Marshall, the museum’s special events coordinator. “I think it’s going to be really fun.”

The Christmas trees, which are all uniquely themed, are the centerpiece of the event.

“We have different designers,” Marshall said. “We have interior designers all the way down to people that just want to do it.”

The Festival of Trees begins Wednesday with a noon luncheon at the museum. Attendees will get a first look at this year’s tree designs and enjoy a home-cooked meal by Nancy Shurling and Claire Smith.

“They cook for all of these women ... a full sit-down luncheon,” Marshall said. “It’s unreal.”

The event also means a chance to hit the Sugarplum Shop, which is only open during the luncheon and features cakes and other baked goodies that have been donated.

“They have all types of things in there,” Marshall said. “Women get here early just to buy stuff from the Sugarplum Shop.”

A new element to this year’s luncheon will be a fashion show featuring clothing from local shops Barney and Stella, the Lollipop Shop and Sorella.

“So while the women are enjoying their lunch, they can view these different fashions,” Marshall said.

The luncheon is followed on Thursday by an evening gala, which is departing from its traditional location at the museum and moving to the Terminal Station in downtown.

“They wanted to do something fresh and different,” Marshall said of the new location. “We’re going to have trolleys come here to the museum ... and they’ll take everyone down to the Terminal Station.”

The Gala runs from 7-11 p.m. and will feature a buffet by Natalia’s, an open bar and music by the Atlanta Pleasure Band.

The evening also will include a silent auction of donated items including art, vacations, lamps, gift certificates and services from local businesses.

“It’s just a lot of stuff,” Marshall said. “All of the proceeds go to the museum as well.”

For those who can’t attend the luncheon or gala, the trees will be on display in the museum’s big gallery, auditorium and foyer through the end of the year.

The Festival of Trees dates back to 1986 and always includes the individually designed and decorated trees.

“A lot of people look forward to it every year,” Marshall said. “The tickets are going quickly.”

Festival of Trees

• Luncheon: Noon Wednesday, Museum of Arts & Sciences, 4182 Forsyth Road. $50. www.masmacon.org. 477-3232.

• Gala: 7-11 p.m. Thursday, Terminal Station, 200 Cherry St. $75. www.masmacon.org. 477-3232.

• Exhibit: Thursday-Dec.30, Museum of Arts & Sciences, 4182 Forsyth Road. Museum hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. Sundays. Free with museum admission of $6-$10. Bibb County residents are free on the first Sunday of each month.