The City of Wildwood’s annual Winterfest will be held Friday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 9 p.m.
The event includes a special tree-lighting ceremony at City Hall at 7:30 p.m., along with a visit from Santa, vendors, food trucks, a free snow slide and kids’ zone. New this year is a trackless train expected to delight riders of all ages. It will all be kicked off at 6 p.m. with a spectacular light-up parade through town featuring creative, colorful floats crafted by community members and businesses.
One of the city’s largest annual productions, Winterfest has grown over the years to become a family favorite of many residents. Spectators start lining the streets more than an hour before the parade begins to get a good view of the floats when they go by.
“Shifting our parade to evening hours when it’s dark has added a whole new layer of excitement,” said Parks and Recreation Director Courtney Kellem. “It’s incredible how creative our participants are, with some planning all year. Our parade judges are more challenged than ever, because every single float really is a winner.” .
The city has again partnered with Habitat for Humanity’s Jingle Build Off to display more than 25 playhouses during Winterfest along Gamble Street behind City Hall. The playhouses are custom built for families in need throughout the community and given to them as a very special holiday gift.
Event parking is available in the Main Street Parking Garage, 195 Main Street (U.S. 301), accessible only via Rutland Street. Wildwood police will direct traffic and assist attendees with crossing safely to the event. Additional parking is available at the First Baptist Church of Wildwood, Ace Hardware, and the U.S. Postal Service center.
Portions of Warfield Avenue and Barwick, Gamble, and Huey streets will close at 4:45 p.m. to facilitate parade preparations. Oxford, Webster and Wonders streets will close at 8 a.m. for event setup. Attendees are encouraged to carpool and arrive early.