Popular Fishers Tradition Kicks Off the Holiday Season
Writer / Braden Ochs
Photography Provided
On December 7, Fishers Parks and Recreation puts on a holiday event for friends and family everywhere around the Fishers area. Winter Wonderland is a Christmas celebration with tons of activities for adults and children alike. It’s one of their signature events every year.
“There’s something for everyone to do, and we’re excited to kick off the holiday season with our tree and holiday lighting,” says Sarah Sandquist, Fishers Parks and Recreation Director.
Winter Wonderland started out as a tree lighting event for the City of Fishers five or six years ago. Fishers Parks and Recreation would program different performers and artists to entertain visitors. Since then, it has grown into a tree lighting event with several different activities for families and friends to enjoy with each other.
According to Sandquist, some of the activities at Winter Wonderland besides the tree lighting include a kids’ craft tent, activities for kids including a hunt for candy canes and snowball fights, photo opportunities in a snow globe, ice-carving demonstrations, hot cocoa bar and even a visit from Santa, who will be reading stories at City Hall.
“We are really excited for the candy cane event this year,” Sandquist says. “It’s something you don’t see in a lot of places.”
The candy cane hunt activity is where kids can search for candy canes that have been hidden throughout the Christmas trees.
The newest events this year include Santa reading stories and carriage rides around the Municipal Complex. And this year, they will feature Pat Petrus Trio as the performing entertainment for people to listen to and enjoy. According to Sandquist, there will also be food and drink vendors for people to explore and eat a meal together.
Every year, the Winter Wonderland event sees anywhere from 5,000 to 7,000 visitors. It’s always a great turnout for the community, according to Sandquist. It’s a busy event, but it’s a tradition Fishers looks forward to every year. People love to come and support the holiday spirit and their community’s traditions.
Sandquist especially loves the tree lighting event. It’s fun for her to watch the crowd’s reactions when they flip the switch to see the trees burst with holiday lights.
“Seeing everyone come out is really fun from our end to put on this event for the community,” Sandquist adds.
Winter Wonderland will be held Saturday, December 7 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with the tree lighting at 6 p.m. The event is located at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater. The event and activities will commence rain or shine and the event is free for anyone. For more information about Winter Wonderland and more information about the other Fishers Parks and Recreation events, visit playfishers.com.
