Winter Wonderland coming back soon to P.A.’s Gateway Mall

“It’s a fun, filled family event. It gives people something to do around the Christmas season,” said Sharon Faul, general manager of Gateway Mall.

People who visited last year will notice one key difference this time around: an increase in the number of Christmas trees.

“I think last year we had around 40 and (now) we got at least double or triple that,” added Karla Preston with the Optimist Club of P.A.

Overall, more people are expected to come this time around. Multiple schools have already partnered and will be bringing around 400 students.

All the funds raised will go back to the Optimist Club with the organization hoping to top last year’s total of around $5,000.

“It’s a great opportunity for them to raise some funds, get their name out in the community, and give back to the community,” said Faul.

The Winter Wonderland will officially open to the public on Nov. 25. It’ll only be open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until Dec. 17.

More information can be found on the Optimist Club’s website.

-With files from Susan McNeil

by Jaryn Vecchio