ISU and Ames community members bundled up and huddled together to usher in the holiday season Wednesday night.

The 57th Annual Festival of Lights left hundreds of students, faculty and staff smiling and shivering beneath the lights of the Christmas tree, said T.J. Schneider, Government of the Student Body president.

“We’ve come together to warm up our hearts on this chilly evening and reflect on a semester nearing an end,” he said. “The Festival of Lights is a marvelous time of holiday cheer.”

ISU President Gregory Geoffroy said the festival has become one of Iowa State’s oldest traditions since it began in 1940.

“It’s endured not because it stays the same, but because it changes as the university and community change,” he said. “It began as a Christmas celebration but now celebrates many holidays, traditions and cultures, including Ramadan, Hanukkah and others.”

During the festival, the ISU choir sang holiday songs on the steps of Beardshear Hall as student volunteers distributed hot chocolate. Two local children also helped Geoffroy turn on lights for the Christmas tree.

Geoffroy said the strength and flexibility of the tree and the diversity of its colored lights represent the ISU community.

“This tree also represents our hope for peace and understanding in our community and world,” he said.

Marna Yandeau, graduate in zoology and genetics, said she has attended the festival for three years.

“This year, my favorite part was the sing-along,” she said. “[Singing] Rudolph was fun.”

The University Book Store, Campanile and Farm House Museum held open houses and horse-drawn carriage rides carried visitors through Central Campus.

JaneAnn Stout, associate dean of family and consumer sciences, said this year marked the third appearance of reindeer.

“Here in the middle of Iowa there’s not a chance to see reindeer,” she said. “We thought they should be part of the festival because they are such a part of our Christmas celebration in many ways.”

Amilia Merchant, of Ames, was cautious of the unfamiliar creatures.

“I think they’re big and they remind me of deer,” she said. “They look mean.”

Stout said 700 people visited the reindeer the first year they were part of the festival and they’ve remained a popular attraction since.