A Bit Of Winter Wonderland To Arrive At North Campus

North Campus will deck the halls with jolly at its annual Children’s Holiday at North event on Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hundreds of revelers flock to the merriment every year at North Campus, which has been hosting the event for the community since 2003. Most of the activities take place on the grassy areas next to building 4 and building 6.

Among the highlights: face painting, a petting zoo, bounce houses, an obstacle course, a train ride, video games, food trucks and of course—snow. The free event is similar to Santa’s Enchanted Forest.   

“Since its inception in 2003, the College created the Children’s Holiday at North as a fun and unique way of sharing the joy of the season with the community that we serve,” said Jaquelyn Muní, who is co-chair of the committee planning the event.

The festivities will kick off with the arrival of Santa Claus and a parade filled with marching bands from local high schools and Miami Dade College students decked out as popular children’s characters.  

During the event, Christmas music will blast throughout as attendees visit various tents and booths. Some of the more popular sites include “Holidays Around the World,” a tent that lets visitors explore how other countries celebrate the holidays with their customs and traditions and the anime tent that will feature live cosplaying.   

A new wrinkle this year will be the Lego tent, which will encourage children to partake in activities that develop coordination abilities. Kids will also be able to build their own Lego toy and take it home as a souvenir.

Several live performances will also take place at the two stages in the 4000 building, showcasing the talents of the Hip Hop Kidz, Polynesian Review and the North Campus Chamber Singers. Another area will be setup for visitors to take free dental and allergy screens at the Health Pavilion.

Although the event is free, guests are encouraged to bring an unopened toy to the Student Life booth that will be donated to less fortunate kids in the community.

“MDC is committed to serving the needs of the community,” said Jesenia Patino, who is also a co-chair of the committee. “Many families struggle financially and cannot afford to celebrate. The North Campus creates this festive event in hopes of bringing holiday merriment and celebration to all.”  

North Campus is located at 11380 N.W. 27th Ave. For more information about the event or to volunteer, visit http://www.mdc.edu/north/childrensholiday/.