Winter Holiday Village

By Gemma Cleanslate

Winter Holiday Village is one of my favorite Christmas places. I think it is one of the first Christmas places I visited shortly after I arrived in Second Life. I know it is the first place I ever ice skated and there are free skates available .

It is truly  to be called a village that has its center, and many venues not to be missed outside the village itself. It sits on a magnificent lake.

First I climb the stairs from the entrance by the pond  to visit the Magic of Christmas Shop. This shop offers the myriad decorations and outfits of Mairead (Mairead Fitzgerald) who  built  this site long ago. She is gone now but her husband, Preacher (Sutra Kish) keeps her vision of the Holiday  going. She is fondly remembered and a memorial sits at the entrance to the shop. There are many gifts for visitors on the wall inside so watch for that. This shop is full of all sorts of  holiday decor. 

After my visit to the shop I like to take a tour of the roads in and out of the village to see what Preacher has changed or added.Outside the shop is a sleigh for your ride that takes you all around the lake and lets you enjoy the sparkling trees and snow covered land. There are many places to hop off as you , tree farms, the lodge and more.

Farther along the way is the ski lift that will take you high up into the mountains where there are free skis , a sled that takes you down the mountain . There are teleports around to take you to the other venues you should not miss when you visit if you want to get there more quickly.

This is a wonderful place to visit with your honey or your friends. Santa of course will be there beginning December 1 on his throne waiting to hear your wishes. His elves keep him company.

Take your time at this holiday spot . It is a great hang out spot and couples friendly with skating balls and rides for couples. The skating around the lake , through the tunnel is spectacular . Join the group and you will have so many events to attend your will be dizzy.

You know I spent some Lindens here I always do. Along the lakeside  this year there
are little shops rented by creators to entice you and I found some wonderful winter scarves .
Check out the wares from different creators.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Pins%202/158/177/24

Gemma Cleanslate

Winter Holiday Village and Calas Galadhon Park

By Gemma Cleanslate

One of my favorite  skating places every year is Winter Holiday Village  that belongs to  Mairead Fitzgerald and Karra Babii. This is their 8^th year of preparing a sim for everyone’s enjoyment.  Mairead is also known as Mrs Santa Claus and you will find her and Santa in the sims often at the many parties until Christmas or sitting at the ‘North Pole’ taking requests. I found elves waiting there by the throne for Santa’s arrival. 

It is always good to see the old familiar build but every year there is something new and lovely. This year there is a beautiful glass skating and dancing palace. I also saw a cozy camp with a fire where you can hang out while skating and there is a Grinch’s Greedy Parlor is you like that game. This sim has a really extensive skate way through a tunnel and under bridges and there are always people skating there.  Join the group so you know when the performances are held. Be sure to visit the Magic of Christmas shop which is always filled with winter décor and outfits. Cross country skis are available or take a tour in the carriage. Don’t miss this region :   http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Twilight%20Desires/150/174/23

Calas Galadhon Park as you already know is another of my favorites so I will mention it here now but will be doing another article about the  Christmas sim . The winter sims at Calas offer a wonderful area for skating over two sims . Cross country skiing is enjoyable and you will find cross country skis.    Near the bridge there is a rezzable carriage ride, or bring your horse for a trot on the snow laden roads and through the fields. It is always a great place to hang out. This is the entrance to the parks and from here you can walk to the huge lake or stop in town for a cup of coffee before you start: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Calas%20Galadhon/142/230/22

Gemma Cleanslate