The aroma of pine sifts through nostrils as people gaze at the maze of 80 decorated Christmas trees at the Festival of Trees and Lights.

The Festival of Trees and Lights is from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 26, 28 and 29, from 1 to 7 p.m. Nov. 27 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Veteran’s Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines.

Each tree is uniquely decorated with a theme. Sponsors select the tree they want decorated and bring their own supplies to transform a pine tree into a Christmas trademark.

“We’re always amazed with the creativity of each tree,” said Brenna Finnerty, 2004 ISU graduate, and annual giving director for Blank’s Children Hospital. 

Finnerty and Alissa McKinney, director of development for Blank Children’s Hospital, are the two people in charge, but they have numerous volunteers that help with the festival. Finnerty said she knows they have an “Elf”-themed tree.

The trees are beautiful to look at, but the festival has a continuing tradition for raising money for Child Life, Center for Advocacy and Outreach and Blank Children’s Hospital. 

About $430,000 is annually donated to the organizations from the festival. 

“Doctors saved my child’s life, but Child’s Life saved it fully,” said a mother of a child with cancer, according to Finnerty.

The festival brings families together, and the proceeds keep struggling families complete.

“These programs wouldn’t exist without our fundraising,” Finnerty said. “It’s incredibly important to raise [money].”  

Aside from the trees there are numerous dance academies performing, as well as food and arts and crafts. 

Festival Family Pick, a new event this year, is for families to come and watch the movie “Elf” on the big screen. There is free popcorn, but the movie costs $5 for everyone over the age of 2 to attend, which is regular admission for the festival. Festival Family Pick is from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 28.

Festival After Dark is for the crowd 21 years and older. There will be drinks, entertainment and food. It is $15 per person and includes a drink ticket. Festival After Dark is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 26.

“It’s an unofficial kickoff to the holiday season,” Finnerty said.

The festival focuses on creating an environment that welcomes all and ultimately fulfills its generosity status for Child Life, Center for Advocacy and Outreach and Blank Children’s Hospital.

Tickets are $5. Children younger than 2 receive free admission.