There’s a magical fantasy unfolding at Iowa State for the holiday season starting this Wednesday.

The Fantasy of Trees and Lights is in its 13th year of giving Ames a festival of tree viewing in the Great Hall, Sun Room and South Ball Room of the Memorial Union.

This year the festival includes the ISU tree lighting in front of Beardshear Hall Wednesday night.

Mary Greeley Medical Center has sponsored the Fantasy of Trees and Lights, which has grown and improved with each passing year, officials said.

The festival consists of events in Ames and on campus pertaining to the holiday season. The festival is a conglomeration of events designed to include as many cultures and people as possible, and it is mainly held in the the Memorial Union.

Beth Cross, co-chair of Fantasy of Trees and Lights, said people can follow the tour guides and learn about the trees and the multicultural displays.

From 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, students who bring their IDs will receive a dollar discount at the Memorial Union for viewing the tree displays.

“Lights up the Night” in downtown Ames will include strolling, caroling and other entertainment on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. People can view “live” storefront holiday window displays designed by local service groups.

“Jingle Jam” on Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. will be targeted toward students of the seven area high schools in Story County.

On Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be open viewing of the trees and holiday decorations. Dinner and live entertainment will be included.

Debbie Knapp, co-chair of the Fantasy of Trees and Lights, said she’s thrilled about this year’s festival because every year it attracts more people.

“I think that people should come because there is something for everybody,” Knapp said. “You lose track of time, you have a sense [of safety] and a [feeling of] magic.”

Cross and Knapp both emphasized how important the proceeds will be for the community. Cross said the proceeds will go to an Israel Family Hospice House to be built in Ames. Construction is expected to start sometime in the spring.

“We’re really honored that the [money] from this project is going to the hospice house,” Cross said.

Cross also said it is important for people to realize how much a hospice house is needed in Ames. “People need a place to be comforted and say their final goodbyes,” she said.

Tickets for the tree viewing are $4 for adults and will be available at the door.

Tickets for most of the special events require advance purchase. Call the Hotline at 289-2326 or the Mary Greeley Medical Center volunteer office at 239-2210 for more information.