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Gleaming With Light, Love, and Kindness: Aventura's Second Annual Winter Wonderland Unites Families & Friends

By Joyce R. Forchion - LOVE Aventura

December 8, 2023

Simulated visions of snow and a North Pole-inspired fantasyland village captivated hundreds of attendees during the City of Aventura’s Second Annual Winter Wonderland at Government Center, which was hosted on December 5th by the Departments of Community Services and Public Works. Offering one of two exclusive venues to experience winter-themed festivities within the city limits, the evening’s event promoted warm-hearted togetherness to commemorate both Christmas and Chanukah. Considering the City Commission’s efforts to bolster ecumenical unity, the representatives led the audience in a countdown to the moment of the hour: a ceremonial lighting of the Christmas Tree and Menorah, respectively.

Aventura’s array of attractions has evolved beyond shopping, dining, and unwinding at Aventura Mall. Thanks to the long-term vision of the City’s leaders, staff, and partners, Aventura represents a prototype for walkable, suburban municipalities offering wholesome family entertainment appealing to all generations ranging from infants to seniors. While tiny ballerinas performed the “Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy” from The Nutcracker, students from the Aventura City of Excellence School, Aventura Waterways K-8, and the Community Recreation Center gifted the audience with holiday dance and caroling selections. Some of the memorable moments of the night included the revolving holiday-themed photo booth, snow globe-shaped bounce house, and prize giveaways distributed by volunteer groups. Parents helped themselves to an assortment of Complimentary: Hot Chocolate, Candy, Cookies, and other Baked Goods while marveling at the surrounding lights accentuating the towering palm trees and meticulous landscape.

Kahlil Gibran once professed the following: “Kindness is like snow. It beautifies everything it covers.” Much like the semblance of snow recreated during the event, the establishment of Winter Wonderland represents a timeless tradition that not only captures the unique essence of our city’s method of bringing Christmas and Chanukah to life. The occasion also presents a welcomed, end-of-the-year “escape” from reality into a majestic world where we can unapologetically immerse ourselves in the sentiments of the holidays. Who would’ve known that imagery of snowmen, candy canes, sleigh rides, presents, and reindeer could remind all of us to step away from the Stress of our lives to celebrate the season as a community? We are grateful to see another year and participate in a local event committed to promoting messages of Hope, Faith, Generosity and Love throughout the neighborhood.

LOVE, AVENTURA.
A column celebrating the heart, soul and culture of our community.

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