For many the holiday season can be a stressful time, but Saturday a wellness event tried to show people the sweeter side of life.

The Festival of Chocolate in Amherst, brings in chocolate lovers from across Central Wisconsin to sample many different varieties of the sweet stuff, but if teasing your taste buds with fine chocolate isn't luxurious enough, the wellness event also offered massages and yoga to help anyone relax.

Organizers say the festival was created to help people enjoy a sweet and healthy life by simply getting together with friends and eating chocolate.

"I think chocolate is one of the big things, but there's a lot of socialization. A lot of friends are coming, they can shop or get a massage, so its just kind of a day to hang out, be with friends, and eat chocolate. You can't beat that," said organizer Linda Chapin.

This year's festival also included a chocolate cook off for any chef looking to put their own spin on tasty treats. Competitors were awarded from first to third place, and had their desserts auctioned off to hungry visitors at the end of the day.

When not indulging themselves in chocolate, visitors could walk through the craft show and search for a perfect gift. More than 30 vendors were on hand to help get people into the holiday spirit.

The chocolate was brought in from area vendors, and ranged from bars to truffles to even fondue.