The holidays bring a lot of cheer— and also a lot of clean up. And for Philadelphians looking to dispose of their Christmas tree some time after the jolly festivities, the Philly Goat Project has an easy way to do just that.
Every year, the organization turns holiday trees into goat snacks and sustainable additions to local parks, and in 2026, the tree-cycling dates include Jan. 10 (rain date Jan. 11), Jan. 17 and Jan. 24 (rain date Jan. 25.) The first and last date will take place at The Farm at Awbury Arboretum while the middle will take place at Laurel Hill West Cemetery.
From noon to 3 p.m., the family-friendly farm festivals will feature an afternoon packed with activities, all of which benefit the nonprofit. A $20 donation helps support Philly Goat Project's free year-round programming, including community goat walks, children’s literacy events in libraries, schools, environmental education events throughout city parks, youth job training programs, animal-assisted therapy events, and bereavement programming.
Additionally, in 2026, Philly Goat Project is partnering with Solar States, a company that works to expand access to solar energy and educate the next generation of clean-energy workers. As a release notes, through the new partnership, Solar States will cover the $20 donation of anyone who completes a solar consultation before the tree-cycle event they wish to attend.
Interested participants can request a free solar quote at go.solar-states.com/goats/. Once the consultation is completed, they will receive a voucher to present at the time of the tree donation. If they choose to move forward with Solar States services, they’ll receive $400 off their installation and Solar States will donate an additional $400 to Philly Goat Project.
And what exactly happens while at the tree cycle events? Families can watch their donated Christmas trees become snacks for the goats and/or be turned into wood chips used to cover trails in city parks and community gardens, thanks to a partnership with the Philadelphia Streets Department.
This year's Christmas Tree-Cycle festivals will also feature farm tours, a goat petting zoo, a fire pit with free s’mores and hot cocoa, games, a goat photobooth, a quiet visiting area for guests with special needs, and a way to visit the Goat Project’s Grief Garden and Storybook Walk (at Awbury Arboretum only).
The event also features Philly Goat Project Swag Tables—which will hold the PGP’s 2026 calendar showcasing goats at Philadelphia landmarks.
This year’s rendition is extra special, as it celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary with photography by Jessica Kourkounis. In the calendar, the goats will be featured at some of the city’s most iconic semi-quincentennial landmarks, including the Museum of the American Revolution, Carpenter’s Hall, the Academy of Music with the cast of 'Hamilton', the Sixers’ refurbished community basketball court with the 76er’s mascot Franklin, and many other spots, the release also notes.
In total, there are three options for the tree-cycle drop-offs: Express curbside drop-off-and-donate (6336 Ardleigh Street entrance), the “G.O.A.T. Safari” where you drive through the farm to drop off (6336 Ardleigh Street entrance), or you can park on Washington Lane and bring your tree in yourself (look for the ambassadors to guide you) for the first and last date. For Laurel Hill West, Philadelphians can head to the venue (215 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd) and follow signs to the Conservatory.
Interested Philadelphians should note: Decorations should be removed from trees before donating them, and Christmas trees should be pesticide free. Wreaths are also not accepted. The $20 donation can be paid in cash, Venmo, CashApp, or PayPal. Philly Goat Project can provide tax receipts for those who need them. You also don’t need a tree to enjoy the fun; anyone is welcome to attend as long as they donate.
For more information on this year’s Philly Goat Project Christmas Tree-Cycle, visit phillygoatproject.org
