GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com)—Residents in and around Gainesville have a very merry event to look forward to this holiday season.
The magical Winter Wonderland Gainesville is back at the North Central Florida YMCA, just in time for the cold weather. We visited Winter Wonderland during a media day event this past Saturday, allowing us to get the inside scoop of what this place is really about. It couldn’t be that cool, right?
Wrong.
It was a pristine Saturday night as we walked towards the entrance, with the feeling of Christmas oozing out to the North Central Florida YMCA’s parking lot. Inside the event grounds, the elves had taken over. The area was littered with candy canes, captivating walkways, and a spectacular light show featuring a massive light-up Christmas tree.
Background music from artists such as Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé complemented the walkaround and encapsulated the universal feeling of Christmas. The illumination from the 100,000 Christmas lights on display provided photo opportunities at every corner.
The workers at the media day event stood proud of their work, having been given just a few weeks to complete Winter Wonderland. One worker said that certain segments of the wonderland remained unfinished but expects 100% participation of lights on opening day.
The back half of the Winter Wonderland walkaround provided moments that would make even the scrooge crack a grin. Santa and his elves made an appearance, along with a few light-up reindeer and a pack of bundled dogs.
The experience was unforgettable; better yet, it barely scratched the surface of what else to expect.
The event further promises interactive stations, such as ornament and cookie-making stations. There will be live performances and possibly a visit from a few well-known inhabitants of the North Pole.
The event will open to the public on Friday, November 29, and run through Saturday, December 28. Tickets are on sale now.
Follow Winter Wonderland on Facebook and Instagram for more updates and some behind-the-scenes content.