Winter Wonderland returns to downtown Wooster with Santa, tree lighting and Fire and Ice show

It’s November, and that means Winter Wonderland is about to happen in downtown Wooster.

On Friday, Nov. 21, join Main Street Wooster and thousands of community members for the unveiling of holiday windows, the arrival of Santa and more. From 3-9 p.m. Wooster’s downtown will be filled with festivities celebrating the holiday season.

From reindeer to carriage rides, crafts, tree lighting and song, there will be something for everyone during the traditional downtown event. The highlight of the evening is, of course, when Santa descends from the roof of the Briggs and Starr building at 7 p.m. With the help of Wooster firefighters, the jolly fellow will join the crowd and listen to children’s wishes.

“This year the City of Wooster will be debuting a new fire engine, which will be very exciting,” said Kerri Manley, project manager with Main Street Wooster.

Downtown businesses will unveil their holiday windows at 3 p.m. One section of windows is open for community voting to determine a People’s Choice.

The fifth annual Great Elf Scavenger Hunt will begin Nov. 21 and is a fun activity for all ages. A passport can be downloaded online or picked up at one of many downtown retail locations. Once completed, it may be dropped off at the Main Street Wooster office, 377 W. Liberty St., to be entered in a random drawing for prizes and Downtown Dollars.

There also will be ornament making at several downtown locations during Winter Wonderland.

Reindeer and horses from Spring Mist Farms will arrive at 6:30 p.m. For a free horse-drawn wagon ride, line up at Main Street Bank. Toy train rides will be available at the RE/MAX Showcase office on West Liberty. Summer Stage Wooster will lead the crowd in caroling beginning at 6:45 p.m. to sing in Santa. The Christmas tree lighting at 7 p.m. will herald his arrival.

“Some very special elves, The College of Wooster cheerleaders, will be assisting Santa this year,” Manley said.

Fire and Ice, the Miser Brothers Battle, will take place at 8 p.m. The event is sponsored by Uptown Downtown Antiques (where the battle will occur) and Bowman Beverage.

“A fire is lit inside of a huge ice block, and whatever element wins (fire or ice) is the winner (either Heat Miser or Snow Miser)," Manley said.

In addition to Winter Wonderland, Wooster celebrates the season with a limited-edition ornament. This year’s design has a 24k gold finish, is 3D and features “The First Candy Cane in America.” German-Swedish immigrant August Imgard brought the first candy cane to Wooster in 1847. Several retail stores downtown are selling the ornament. The price is $25. Supplies are limited. When they’re gone, they’re gone.

“This program started during COVID as a fundraiser to help not only support our nonprofit, but the downtown businesses during a very uncertain time,” Manley said. “The funds go back to us to help with our mission and making Wooster a fun and exciting place to dine, shop, live and play.”

Although Santa wasn’t available to respond directly with a comment, Manley explained why the jolly fellow always makes time for Wooster during his busy season.

“We manage to stay on Santa's nice list, and we are very excited to have him come to Wooster before the big night on Dec. 24," Manley said. "We cannot say for certain (why he always finds time for Winter Wonderland), but we know he truly enjoys the people of Wooster and the kiddos of Wooster. His goal is to put a smile on the faces of all, young and old. He loves to visit us here in Wooster because he finds it a wonderful and festive place to be.”

Find event information online at www.mainstreetwooster.org/window-wonderland2025.