Winter Wonderland & Christmas Tree Lighting

From Winter Wonderland & Christmas Tree Lighting Website:

Winter Wonderland is a gala event that surrounds the community tree lighting. The event is held annually on the first Friday in December at the Eagle River Town Square. Beginning at 5:30 in the evening, many business and nonprofit organizations brave the cold and snow and setup festive tables with free giveaways including everything from hot chocolate, hot cider and glove warmers to cookies, coffee and other sweet treats. Entertainment begins at 5:45pm with each of our elementary school choirs serenading the crowds with holiday music. The excitement builds over the hour as more and more folks join in the events and reaches its high point when Santa, arrives escorted by his prize reindeer, enters the park under torchlight procession to light the tree. Following the tree lighting, Santa visits with all of the kids in his sleigh and the reindeer are available for a pet and a scratch behind the ears. The choirs continue their music until all have celebrated the beginning of the holiday season. Free horse drawn sleigh rides are available throughout the evening courtesy of Matanuska Telephone Association.

This is also a time of community philanthropy. Along with all the free giveaways, the Chugiak-Eagle River Senior Center provides bowls of hot chili, soup and cornbread. Eagle River Area Rotary conducts a canned food drive and accepts cash donations. Sleeping Lady Lions hosts their "Tree of Giving" gift table for families in need.Cash donations are also accepted. All food, gifts and cash donations remain in our community.

This Chamber event is a collaborative effort between the Eagle River Rotary Club and the Municipality of Anchorage Parks & Recreation.