Festival of Trees 2024 Shannel 

By JP Emerson

Please introduce yourself (tell us a little about you)? 
Hello! My name is Bryan, but you probably know me as Shannel. I am the first queen to walk into the werk room- ever- on RuPauls Drag Race. I am a California native and this is also my 30th year in the business!  

You are the Queen of Christmas; can you tell us about your passion and love for the holiday season? 
The spirit of Christmas is not just a season, it is a feeling! I am avid lover of all things Christmas, so much that I started my own Holiday Decor and Design rental company in Las Vegas. To me, Christmas is every day of the year. It provokes a whimsical and magical emotion from within. I think that particular emotion is unique to the holiday itself, and in this day and age- we all need some of that positive magic in the air. 

How do you get in the spirit? 
Christmas music! Which I do listen to almost every day of the year. I like my Christmas spirit bubble and I never want it to pop! The Carpenters Christmas album is the epitome of Christmas music to me. I fall asleep to it, I put on my makeup to it- it’s special to me as it reminds me of my childhood. So that easily helps! As we get closer to the season, the first sign of those twinkly lights is just exciting to me.  

Tell us about being part of the Festival of Trees 2024? 
This is my first year being a part of the Festival of Trees, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! Beautiful and magical Christmas trees, a great group of people and a good cause!? Could you ask for anything more exciting? 

Explain the importance of getting involved in LGBTQ+ community events like the Festival of Trees? 
Something most people don’t know, is my favorite thing about doing drag is hosting. I host shows on the Strip in Las Vegas, and I think it is so important to be able to share your VOICE about the important things. Festival of the Trees is specifically donating 100% of their proceeds to benefit HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ Suicide Prevention. These two things affect our community on a local level so significantly and it makes a difference for the better for OUR community. And to be a part of that is truly special.  

Invite our readers to get involved and attend this year’s Festival of Trees: 
Festival of Trees 2024 is THE place to be! We are kicking off Hillcrest’s holiday festivities the only way we know how! Christmas, cocktails and giving back. See you there!