Think of reindeer, lights and holiday cheer and it all adds up to one thing.The Christmas season could start a little early this year in East Tennessee.Fantasy of Trees, the popular winter festival that benefits East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, is looking for volunteers to help out both before and during the festivities. Volunteers are needed to design and decorate trees, build gingerbread houses, run booths and provide entertainment.

In its 18th year, the Fantasy of Trees will feature the theme “Once Upon a Time … A Storybook Christmas.”

“The theme can be seen in the trees, the events done for the children and the traditional shops that people expect,” said Janya Marshall, public relations representative for Children’s Hospital.

Fantasy of Trees offers talented students and community members an opportunity to showcase their talent by providing the entertainment at the five-day event.

“Entertainers, such as choirs, soloists instrumentalists, magicians and more, are needed to be a part of the continuous live entertainment from the event’s ‘Fantasy Theater,'” Marshall said.

For those who don’t feel like singing or performing magic tricks, volunteers are needed to design the hundreds of trees that characterize Fantasy of Trees. Although most designers have professional experience, new decorators will be needed due to an increase in the number of items, which includes door designs, centerpieces, fireplace mantels and trees, which range from two feet high all the way to eight feet.

For aspiring architects, Fantasy of Trees needs designers to create and decorate gingerbread houses to be displayed in “Gingerbread Village.” The houses range in size depending on the builder’s preferences.

Students who lack the creative or talented gene can help out at the event by running a booth.

“Obviously, we need more people to run the booths,” Marshall said. “Each child has the opportunity to do more things if we have plenty of help.

“We want to encourage anyone who is interested to come and help,” she continued. “More than likely, they will be used in the area that they desire.”

Fantasy of Trees will be held in the Knoxville Convention Center from Nov. 27 to Dec. 1.

Marshall said although entertainers are required to sign up as soon as possible, she encourages other volunteers to reserve their spot too.

For more information, contact Children’s Hospital Volunteer Services and Resources Department at 541-8385.