Nocatee’s Splash Waterpark was transformed into a winter wonderland on Friday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 1 for Nocatee-A-Glow.
A favorite tradition of residents and non-residents alike, Nocatee-A-Glow offers a festival of Christmas-themed activities and events that spans from the waterpark to the parking lot.
Everything from bounce houses and carriage rides to snow and bubble zones came together to help welcome in the season with an abundance of holiday cheer. The event on Friday was open to Nocatee residents only, while guests of residents were admitted entry on Saturday.
The Roberts family, who lives in Nocatee, has attended the event every season.
“I personally like the choreographed music and light show,” Michael Roberts said.
Wife, Doni Roberts, said she loves how the event creates, “a sense of community with everyone coming together.” She also said, however, her daughter, Mimi, was probably, “here for the swag.”
Most residents attended the tree lighting ceremony, which included a countdown to the light show.
At the center of the park, a grand light pillar towered over the hundreds of families and residents that had gathered around it. At 7 p.m., the lights became ablaze, synchronizing with some of the season’s favorite holiday songs every half hour.
Over at Crosswater Hall, a line was wrapped around the building for an opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Children from across the community took pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and got a chance to tell the couple directly about their wishes for Christmas morning.
“Mostly this year, it’s Legos,” Santa said. “Everyone wants Legos — both girls and boys.”
According to St. Nick, however, a few kids wanted something a bit different. One child asked for a “purple unicorn” and another for a “dog that doesn’t shed hair.”
“Oh, yes,” Mrs. Claus said. “That was a good one. I expect that someone’s parents don’t want to clean up after a dog in the house.”
The Christmas tree shows will continue through the month of December. Shows are open to the public and run 6 to 10 p.m. at the Splash Waterpark, with new shows beginning every half hour. The shows include a traditional Christmas music show, a contemporary Christmas music show and a “Variety Spectacular” show. Visit https://www.nocatee.com/ for more information.
