Bingham County’s fundraiser Christmas Tree Fantasy starts this week at the Eastern Idaho Fairground Needlecraft building, located at 97 Park St. The theme this year is Grinch’s “Welcome, Christmas, Bring Your Cheer.”

The core of the fantasy days are the donations of decorated trees, wreaths or gingerbread houses that will be auctioned to raise money for county organizations that assist those in need. This year all of the donated gingerbread houses will be displayed within a much larger gingerbread house!

The fantasy display of all the donated decorations will be open to strolling admirers and potential bidders Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Admission is $2 per person.

To add to the ambiance, there is also a holiday boutique, a sweet shoppe, a fantasy café, live entertainment and a raffle. At the café there will be baked potatoes, soups, hot dogs, chili and cinnamon rolls to refuel Christmas strolling.

For the kids, there is also a scavenger hunt to find an item – like a heart – among all the displays.

There are three separate events besides the fantasy displays and heart hunting. The first time to see this Christmas forest is on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at the Holiday Tea that begins at 5 p.m. Imagine sitting at tables nestled among the trees and eating delicious treats and sipping tea by Christmas tree lights. The opportunity costs $25 per person and currently is sold out.

Then there is the Fantasy auction that is on Thursday Dec. 5. The gavel goes down at 7 p.m. and the opportunities to decorate your business or home commences – all with the added chance to help neighbors in need.

The week ends with Breakfast with Santa on Saturday Dec. 7 at 8:30 a.m. before the forest is open to the public that day. Cost is $7 per person. Here’s your chance to munch along with Santa and see if he can keep his beard white and clean. Otherwise, Santa will be there the rest of Saturday and from 2-8 p.m. on all other days.

Whether you go for tea, trees, or treats, the Christmas Tree Festival promises to be full of holiday joy and wonder.