Mrs. Claus Workshop brings holiday magic to The Woodward Opera House

The spirit of the season was alive and well as families from across the community gathered at The Woodward Opera House this past Monday, for the 2nd Annual Mrs. Claus Workshop, hosted by PAK United in partnership with The Woodward Opera House. The free, family-friendly event drew a strong crowd of parents, children, and community members eager to celebrate the holidays together.

The historic opera house was transformed into a festive winter wonderland, with children exploring activity stations across three floors of the venue. On the second floor, kids enjoyed the "Make & Take" craft station with Abide Academy, where they created festive holiday crafts to take home. Nearby, MVNU Athletics hosted fun games that kept children active throughout the evening.

The third floor was alive with holiday cheer, serving as the hub for several highlights of the night. Mrs. Claus delighted young listeners during story time, sharing enchanting holiday tales that warmed the hearts of the children gathered around her. The main theater rang with carols, spreading festive joy throughout the space. At the cookie station, children expressed their creativity by decorating colorful treats to enjoy on-site or take home. PAK United also partnered with the local Boy Scouts to host a holiday-themed coloring station, giving kids yet another way to make lasting memories.

Upstairs on the fourth floor, children lined up for the chance to take photos with Santa Claus. The experience brought smiles to faces of all ages, as kids shared their holiday wishes and posed for keepsake photos with the jolly old man himself. The fourth floor provided a quieter, more intimate setting for families to capture special moments together.

Throughout the venue, community partners passed out treats and goodies, encouraging children to explore each floor and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The multi-floor setup allowed families to fully immerse themselves in the event, moving from crafts and games to storytelling, singing, cookie decorating, coloring, and finally, a memorable photo with Santa.

PAK United and The Woodward Opera House worked closely together to make the evening a success, building on the positive response from the inaugural event held last year. The second annual workshop continued the tradition of collaboration, community support, and festive celebration that quickly made the Mrs. Claus Workshop a beloved holiday event.

Families expressed appreciation for the thoughtful programming and the chance to slow down during the busy holiday season to enjoy meaningful time together. The event highlighted the importance of community partnerships and the role they play in supporting local families, especially during the holidays. 

Those interested in learning more about future events or getting involved as a community partner can contact PAK United or The Woodward Opera House by emailing Dena@TheWoodward.org or calling 740-462-3163.

As families departed into the crisp December night, children clutched cookies, crafts, and holiday memories, marking the 2nd Annual Mrs. Claus Workshop as a joyful and successful celebration of the season.