Nocatee’s Splash Waterpark was transformed into a winter wonderland last Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6-7. Residents from the community exercised their holiday spirit by touring everything the event offered. From live music to carriage rides, Christmas movie screenings and, of course, photo-ops with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Nocatee-A-Glow was like being at the North Pole.
The highlight of the event, however, wasn’t any of the various activities that spanned all the way from the parking lot to the waterpark. It was the annual lighting of the tree that took center stage.
Crowds began to pack in as the count down to the tree lighting commenced at 7 p.m. Friday. The tree, which towers at 25 feet, and is made entirely of lights, played a collection of Christmas-themed music in blinking synchronicity as the show carried on through the night.
According to David Ray, community manager at Nocatee, the event consists of over 1.2 million lights and staff begins planning as early as January. Everything from coordinating characters, like this year’s new addition, Olaf of the movie “Frozen,” are decided upon and booked almost a year in advance. Additionally, Ray said this year’s A-Glow featured upgraded surround sound equipment for the tree lighting ceremony.
Outside of the light show, residents and guests of residents were able to treat themselves to s’mores and hot chocolate, view a nativity scene and petting zoo or take a train ride around the park.
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 www.nocatee.com for more information.
