Springline hosted its fourth annual Holiday Celebration on Saturday, hosting crowds of families, young children, and other community members seeking holiday fun. Springline was lit up by white hanging lights, festive decorations, and a hands-on display featuring oversized presents, a nutcracker, and a working rocking chair in the center of the square for people to take holiday pictures.
The event featured a variety of complimentary activities ranging from arts and crafts to a real snow playground. Attendees created holiday cards at the craft table, where they were provided with cards, ribbon, pom-poms, glitter, and other craft supplies.
Participants could also rock out at the silent disco, build a snowman at the snow playground, or get their face painted. Families also had the opportunity to take home a photo with Santa, free of charge.
Older guests enjoyed drinks from BareBottle or Causwells, who had a holiday bar featuring festive cocktails like “Christmas Morning.” In addition, attendees could grab a bite to eat from El Sur, Mi Comedor, and Burma Love, order a slice of pizza, or get dessert from Donna’s Sugar Spell.
“I think it’s great for the public to be able to come out and bring their children. They can make holiday cards and walk around and have some snow. Those types of things are fun for families, so they’re great events,” Donna Meschi, owner of Donna’s Sugar Spell, said.
Vendors from local businesses were also at the event to sell their goods, including Ashy Aromas selling cologne and candles, LINK x LOU selling jewelry items, and Nativity Catholic School’s Christmas Tree Lot selling trees and wreaths.
Tiffannie Thom, a representative for the Nativity Tree Lot, highlighted how local events bring the community together. “It just creates a small town feel, there’s a lot of young families in the area, and a lot of generational families, so it just kind of creates a very special community,” Thom said.
A few hours into the event, the parking lot was transformed into a concert. The City Lights, a local band, played live covers of popular songs, such as Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” and Shaboozey’s “Tipsy.”
The Holiday Celebration’s wide range of activities and festive atmosphere made it enjoyable for all who attended, and reinforced its place as an annual Menlo Park tradition. “I just moved to this area, so it’s nice to get to know people, see people, and see the vendors. It just feels very homey,” attendee Emi Komatsu said.
