Looking for free family holiday fun without the hassle? Lucky for you, an avalanche of fun is closer than you think. Friday, December 8, 2017 the Rossmoor Community Services District will be delivering winter to Rossmoor—Real snow, three sledding hills, a real snowman, signature live reindeer, petting zoo, live entertainment, Santa and more! Forego the maddening traffic and snow chains and join us for the 3rd Annual Rossmoor Winter Festival and 60th Anniversary Celebration!

Opening ceremony begins at 6 pm and the event runs until 10 pm at Rush Park, 3001 Blume Drive in Rossmoor. Impersonator Gary Anderson lights up the stage as Elvis, Uh-Huh! Uh-Huh! followed by outstanding performances by the Los Alamitos Unified School District’s Hopkinson, Lee, Oak and McAuliffe School Choirs; sure to inspire all the proud parents and grandparents out there. Move over Dancing with the Stars, the OC Song and Dance Company is steppin’ up along with even more entertainment and a live band.

At 7 pm a surprise guest will bring the twinkle to our spectacular tree lighting ceremony. Then, all board for the RHA’s special Holiday Lights Trolley Ride Tour of Rossmoor. View all the beautifully decorated Rossmoor homes through 3-D glasses and vote for your favorites! Be sure to catch our memorable arts and crafts and holiday movie in the auditorium. This year’s feature will be Disney’s “The Santa Clause” starring Tim Allen.

Cosponsored by the Rossmoor Community Services District and the Rossmoor Homeowners Association, the Rossmoor Winter Festival truly has something for everyone. Capture family photos with Santa Claus in his grand Santa chair and don’t be surprised to see Mr. Grinch step straight out of a Dr. Seuss storybook and into Santa’s sleigh (brought to you by our Title Sponsor Chamberlain Real Estate)! Elsa and Ana Snow Princesses will be around to delight kids of all ages. Share photo ops with these memorable characters on Instagram and Snapchat with #rwf2017 #rossmoorwinterfestival. Share your reindeer pics on Instagram with #reindeerdofly.

Since everyone seems to always focus on the little kids let’s tell you what we have for the big kids this year: All those 21 years and older are invited to visit the beer and wine garden sponsored by the Seal Beach Lions Club. Everyone can enjoy the real snow, 3 sledding hills and Photobooth. The food obsessed can seize some delectable dinner from one of five fabulous gourmet food trucks: Cousins Maine Lobsters, Son of a Bun, Brew Wings, Chubee Monkee and Java on the Go!.            

No need to elbow your way through crowded shopping malls. With over 28 local vendors at your service you are sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Speaking of perfect gifts, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will once again collect new unwrapped toys and gifts for Operation Santa Claus and Senior Santa!

So trade the travel madness for some local magic. You’ll be glad you did. For a complete list of sponsors and contributors and to find out how you can become one of next year’s sponsors visit www.rossmoorwinterfestival.com. ###

Liz Deering