Walnut Hills’ Winter Wonderland lights up Walnut Creek
The Winter Wonderland Christmas light tour, a drive-thru light display, is on display for the public through Jan. 1 on the campus of Walnut Hills in Walnut Creek.
The campus of Walnut Hills, nestled into the rolling hills near Walnut Creek, will be bathed in light for several weeks this December.
The Winter Wonderland Christmas light tour, a drive-thru light display, is on display for the public through Jan. 1. Admission is free, and drive-thru hours are 6-9 p.m. each evening starting at the assisted-living entrance at 4770 Olde Pump St. in Walnut Creek.
The team at Walnut Hills is a cohesive one, and they’ve been busy putting details into place for this event, where thousands of twinkling lights and merry exhibits await oohs and ahhs.
A small crowd of residents, team members, families, sponsors and other guests came out on Dec. 12 to kick off the Winter Wonderland. After some brief comments of appreciation and reflection, the kick-off included Christmas carols, hot cocoa and cookies, a prayer, and a countdown to flipping the switch for the displays on the hillside, which are a portion of the thousands of lights that make up Winter Wonderland.
“We are excited to provide this event for our residents and team members and the entire community, and we are very thankful for the sponsors who partnered with us,” said Jodi Dean, director of marketing. “Our hope is that Winter Wonderland will give families an opportunity to spend time together enjoying the twinkle of holiday lights and that it will bless everyone with some additional Christmas cheer.”
Light displays have been provided by Coblentz Chocolates, Holmes County Chamber of Commerce, Garaway High School, Kaufman Realty and Walnut Hills. Other corporate sponsors that have generously given support include Carlisle Inn, Carlisle Gifts, Der Dutchman Restaurant, and Commercial and Savings Bank.
The Christmas season is teeming with life in Holmes and surrounding counties, and events such as this garner much support, especially when spread out over several weeks for maximum enjoyment. Piling in the car to see shimmering lights for free is a boon to families looking for cost-effective things to do during the holidays.
“We know for many people twinkling lights bring fond memories of childhood or warm family times, and research shows that watching or looking at Christmas lights is good for us, actually producing dopamine, a feel-good chemical released in the brain,” said Paula Miller, community relations coordinator. “We want the lights to bring joy to visitors and to serve as a reminder of the reason we celebrate Christmas — the true light and hope of the world, Jesus Christ.”
The Holmes County Chamber of Commerce has a display set up with Mr. and Mrs. Claus sitting by a brightly lit pen of reindeer while Coblentz Chocolates has invested in a giant gingerbread house replete with candy canes leading up to it. Additional displays include a forest of brightly lit trees, several manger scenes, a decked-out Amish buggy, grinning snowmen and a big American flag. There is much to be found around every corner if you take the time to drive slowly and absorb every light.
There are lit-up signs that clearly mark the path to drive through the light display. Follow the arrows, which will lead you to each exhibit. The Walnut Hills campus is located at 4748 Olde Pump St. in Walnut Creek.
The Farm at Walnut Creek will provide a live nativity on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 3-6 p.m. in the north parking lot of the nursing home. There will be animals and volunteers portraying the key players in the nativity scene.