Winter Wonderland, hosted by the Park District of Highland Park on Friday, December 5, supplied a night of enchantment wrapped in a multifaceted vacation celebration.
For the second yr in a row, space households with youngsters ages 2 via 10 have been invited to expertise the West Ridge Middle at 636 Ridge Highway, reworked for the vacations into an immersive Winter Wonderland.
Julie Nichols, recreation program supervisor for the Park District of Highland Park, stated the objective was to create a community-centered, welcoming, inclusive program that will be loved by everybody.
“From the second you arrive, twinkling lights and a sweet cane walkway leads households on a timeless journey of indoor and outside actions,” Nichols stated.
Inside, transferring from room to room, attendees might meet vacation characters like Buddy the Elf, the Grinch, Elsa from Frozen, and Santa. Adorn cookies with Mrs. Claus, make a canine toy for Orphans of the Storm, discover the brand new Hanukkah room, or take a spin across the new indoor iceless skating rink.
Whereas outdoors, within the vacation courtyard, households might hop on the mini Polar Categorical prepare for a trip via the vacation village, or have an opportunity to fulfill an actual stay reindeer.
Mackenzie Hansen of Highland Park attended with household.
“This occasion provides such a enjoyable and imaginative expertise for the children, we’re working in Santa’s workshop with Buddy the Elf, choosing out garments for the build-a-bear my son is creating,” Hansen stated.
For a pre-registration worth of $10 per individual for Highland Park and Highwood residents and $12 for non-residents, individuals pre-registered for a chosen time slot from 5:30 p.m. to eight p.m.
“We’re working many months forward of the occasion, making ready too for any surprises from Mom Nature that will have an effect on our outside elements, looking for consolation and security for our households,” Nichols stated.
With greater than a dozen totally different actions, every with a particular craft, exercise, or giveaway, Nichols says, this can be a one-of-a-kind, multifaceted expertise that brings the vacations to life.
Luisa Caro-Jacks of Highland Park attended with household.
“This can be a favourite occasion of the children, going from room to room for a special expertise, just like the Competition of Lights room the place my daughter is making a Hanukkah-themed craft to share together with her Jewish mates,” Caro-Jacks stated.
Winter Wonderland collaborating organizations included Orphans of the Storm, performances by the Highland Park Excessive Faculty Mad Cap A Capella Group singing vacation tunes, and leisure by the Park District of Highland Park Dance Workforce.
Occasion sponsors included Ivy Rehab for Youngsters, Gilbert Orthodontics, and Starbucks of Highland Park.
Amanda Geoffrion, recreation supervisor for early childhood enrichment on the Park District of Highland Park, says the vacations are about spending high quality time with family members, each household and mates.
“This sense of belonging and togetherness is pinnacle for me as I deliberate Winter Wonderland — bringing households collectively and listening to the giggles, seeing the vast eyes, and witnessing the youthful pleasure throughout each youngsters and adults alike,” Geoffrion stated.
Gina Grillo is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.
