Light the Riverwoods

If you enjoy dazzling lights, warm fire, live band music playing, hot cocoa, s’mores, shopping, and sitting on Santa’s lap, you will love “Light the Riverwoods.”

In the center of the mall, there’s a tiny workshop house. Many people wait in line just to see Santa! Kids go running up to him to sit on his lap and tell him what they want for Christmas.

One of the coolest things to see at this event was the ice sculptures! They are made out of real ice, and as seen in the pictures, including the logo and branding of shopping at the Riverwoods.

Towards the end of the evening, one of the main singers taught the crowd how to line dance and everyone participated.

Family Fun for Everyone

“Light the Riverwoods” was an incredible experience! If you enjoy dazzling lights, warm fire, live band music playing, hot cocoa, s’mores, shopping, and sitting on Santa’s lap, you will love “Light the Riverwoods.” This event started at 5:30 pm on November 16. The Riverwoods is an up and coming outdoor shopping mall. There are many large businesses present and lots of space for safe walking and outdoor fun.

After parking, you are greeted by thousands of lights glistening. Every tree is decorated with lights and ornaments. There are fires all over to keep your fingers and toes warm from the biting cold. In the center of the mall, there is a giant gazebo that hosts live bands playing all evening. Mariachi, country and rock bands played a variety of music and holiday songs. As you walk past the gazebo, there is a craft fair in the event center. Many start-up businesses display the homemade products they are selling. Crayon Lego men, Star Wars characters, coloring books, mini tutus, woodworking, and crocheted hats all line up along the walls. Walking back outside, there is a s’more station and for only $1 you can create your very own s’more over the fire.

In the center of the mall, there’s a tiny workshop house. Many people wait in line just to see Santa! Kids go running up to him to sit on his lap and tell him what they want for Christmas. On the left side of the mini-workshop, stores line together inviting people in to smell their Christmas filled borders. Of the most popular to visit, Bed Bath and Body Works held a huge sale of candles and essential oils. R&R Barbeque recently opened, filling the chilly air with barbeque aroma.

Ice Sculptures

One of the coolest things to see at this event was the ice sculptures! They are made out of real ice, and as seen in the pictures, including the logo and branding of shopping at the Riverwoods. The ice sculpting man worked on it all evening and proudly displayed his work for all of the visiting people to enjoy. The first ice sculpture was of a horseshoe and the second one was a Christmas wreath. Lights at the bottom of the ice sculpture changed color illuminating the sculpture and providing a perfect photo opportunity. On the north wall of the mall, there was a giant picture frame with Christmas lights streamed down. This was also a perfect photo opportunity to commemorate the event.

Giant candy canes, light up icicles, huge nutcrackers, and massive drums were spread out all throughout the Riverwoods mall decorating and inviting the Christmas spirit to this event. Towards the end of the evening, one of the main singers taught the crowd how to line dance and everyone participated. Right before 9 pm, fireworks were shot up into the sky and loud bangs could be heard from miles away. Christmas songs were playing during the fireworks show. It was truly a magical evening. What a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season, especially since this event was free admission to all!

Author and Adventurer Lindsey Strother