A Cape Coral house of worship will once again bring the spirit of the holiday season to its grounds for a nearly month-long event.
Cape Christian will host its annual Christmas Village beginning Friday, with open-to-the-public nights through Dec. 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. each evening. The free admission community event features a 200-foot light tunnel, synthetic skating rink, hayrides, train rides and multiple holiday activity stations for families in Cape Coral and the surrounding area.
“Every year, we open our Christmas Village to the community as a way to share the love of Jesus,” said Cape Christian Community Outreach Pastor Marco Villalobos. “Through a fun, joyful, family-friendly Christmas environment, we create a place where people can experience hope, kindness, and connection during the holiday season.”
Attendees will have the chance to meet Santa Claus in his study, visit Mrs. Claus’s gingerbread house for crafts and cookie decorating, and enjoy campfire s’mores and hot cocoa. Additional activities include Christmas inflatables, a snowball-pit play area, Reindeer Games, and nightly Christmas-classic movies shown at 6 p.m. on a 40-foot outdoor screen. A holiday craft fair featuring local vendors will also take place Dec. 11-12 as part of Christmas Village.
“By creating a joyful, immersive Christmas environment filled with lights, music, activities, and moments families can enjoy together, we offer a place where people can feel welcomed, cared for, and reminded of the hope that Christmas brings,” Villalobos said. “Our heart is that every person-every family, every child, every neighbor-leaves knowing they are seen, valued, and loved.”
Food and refreshments will be available at the Parkside Cafe and in the village food court, offering funnel cakes, cotton candy, fresh-squeezed lemonade, snow cones, kettle corn, corn dogs and other seasonal treats.
Guests can also hop on a holiday-themed hayride with their family ($5 per family) or climb aboard the Christmas Train for just $5 per child.
Skating rink tickets can be purchased in advance online, starting at $8 per session. The 1,800-square-foot synthetic ice rink is the perfect spot for a little winter fun under the lights. All skaters must have a signed release form on file before heading onto the ice. Anyone under 18 must have a release form signed by a parent or guardian. Forms can be picked up and signed at the Ice Rink Ticket Booth.
“Transforming our campus into our Christmas village is one of the highlights of the year,” Villalobos said. “Seeing all the smiles from families, and watching kids run around having the time of their life, enjoying all the attractions makes it worth every second.
“It is truly a joy to be able to do what we do here. We love being able to connect with our community in such a fun and practical way.”
Alongside Christmas Village activities, Cape Christian will hold 16 Christmas Experience services: Dec. 21-23 at 5 p.m., 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and on Dec. 24 at 12 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:45 p.m., 5 p.m., 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The 45-minute Christmas Experience services are “filled with music, joy, and the story of Jesus’ birth. Come expectant for a night of worship and wonder that will fill your heart with hope this season.”
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged with free tickets available on-line.
For more information and reservations, visit CapeChristmas.com or call 239-772-5683.
Cape Christian is at 2110 Chiquita Blvd S.
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com