Winter Wonderland, hosted by the Park District of Highland Park on Friday, December 5, offered an evening of enchantment wrapped in a multifaceted holiday celebration.
For the second year in a row, area families with children ages 2 through 10 were invited to experience the West Ridge Center at 636 Ridge Road, transformed for the holidays into an immersive Winter Wonderland.
Julie Nichols, recreation program manager for the Park District of Highland Park, said the goal was to create a community-centered, welcoming, inclusive program that would be enjoyed by everyone.
“From the moment you arrive, twinkling lights and a candy cane walkway leads families on a timeless adventure of indoor and outdoor activities,” Nichols said.
Inside, moving from room to room, attendees could meet holiday characters like Buddy the Elf, the Grinch, Elsa from Frozen, and Santa. Decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus, make a dog toy for Orphans of the Storm, explore the new Hanukkah room, or take a spin around the new indoor iceless skating rink.
While outside, in the holiday courtyard, families could hop on the mini Polar Express train for a ride through the holiday village, or have a chance to meet a real live reindeer.
Mackenzie Hansen of Highland Park attended with family.
“This event offers such a fun and imaginative experience for the kids, we are working in Santa’s workshop with Buddy the Elf, picking out clothes for the build-a-bear my son is creating,” Hansen said.
For a pre-registration price of $10 per person for Highland Park and Highwood residents and $12 for non-residents, participants pre-registered for a designated time slot from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“We are working many months ahead of the event, preparing too for any surprises from Mother Nature that may affect our outdoor components, seeking comfort and safety for our families,” Nichols said.
With more than a dozen different activities, each with a special craft, activity, or giveaway, Nichols says, this is a one-of-a-kind, multifaceted experience that brings the holidays to life.
Luisa Caro-Jacks of Highland Park attended with family.
“This is a favorite event of the kids, going from room to room for a different experience, like the Festival of Lights room where my daughter is making a Hanukkah-themed craft to share with her Jewish friends,” Caro-Jacks said.
Winter Wonderland participating organizations included Orphans of the Storm, performances by the Highland Park High School Mad Cap A Capella Group singing holiday tunes, and entertainment by the Park District of Highland Park Dance Team.
Event sponsors included Ivy Rehab for Kids, Gilbert Orthodontics, and Starbucks of Highland Park.
Amanda Geoffrion, recreation supervisor for early childhood enrichment at the Park District of Highland Park, says the holidays are about spending quality time with loved ones, both family and friends.
“This sense of belonging and togetherness is pinnacle for me as I planned Winter Wonderland — bringing families together and hearing the giggles, seeing the wide eyes, and witnessing the youthful joy across both children and adults alike,” Geoffrion said.
Gina Grillo is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.