Three More Winter Fun Places

By Bixyl Shuftan
 

With Christmas just hours away, many of us will be spending time away from Second Life with friends and family. For those of us sticking around on the holiday, or need a break, there's some places to check out for some winter-themed fun. Gemma Cleanslate's done many articles about locations where one can take part in activities (here), (here), (here), (here), and (here). So was there more? I found a few more places: Linden Lab's Winter Wonderland and Roos Holiday Village. 

Besides the Snowball Fight Area at Winter Wonderland 2 (113/7/31), heading over to  Winter Wonderland 2 (126/40/24) was a snowboarding track. Just touch the rezzer and "sit" on the board. You can then zoom around the track. If there's nobody else to race against, you can see how fast you can make a lap. Or just zoom around for the heck of it.
 

Caledon, Second Life's largest steampunk community, has winterized it's sims and put up the Christmas decorations. Caledon Downs, run by Cynthia Farshore, has brought back it's Christmas Express, which has a train going by several stops, including a "secret" North Pole Village location. 

For details on the location check out the 2018 article. Or just head here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Downs/194/137/50  

Another place is from a noted Relay for Life team, "Roos' Holiday Village for ACS," high above Elite Oasis.

Santa & Grinch Live, Santa & Grinch Photos, Sleigh Rides, Winter Village, Winter Petting Zoo, Christmas Tree Farm, Horse & Buggy Ride, Skiing, Sledding, Snow Mobiles, Train Ride, Children's Rides & Games, Ice Skating, Santa's Workshop, Gingerbread Houses, Picture Poses, Carriage Tour Ride, Ski & Sled Slope, Snowball Fight Area, Ski Lift, Game Area, Dance Area, 30 Item Gift Hunt, 50+ Free Gifts, ....and more

One thing that got my attention was the free skis. And just past the pickup place was a ski course.

The place had much more, including a ski lift to go from one place to another, a Grinch shooting gallery, a skating pond with free skates, and more.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Elite%20Oasis/141/12/23

That's about all for now for Christmas and winter-themed locations. But don't worry too much. Expect a few more reports of winter locations around New Years, and January.

Bixyl Shuftan

"A Christmas Wish" At Calas Chaladon Park

 
By Gemma Cleanslate

It is such a pleasure to visit one of the most beautiful winter holiday regions the owners of Calas Ghaladon build every year. This year it is called “A Christmas Wish” . I usually walk the whole wintry area looking for animals and exquisite pieces of scenery along the way.

There are several ways to get a scenic tour though. The sleigh is a lovely way to just ride along and enjoy the snowy wonderland and I do that too. Another that I love is the balloon ride that circles the active area.

Once you pass through the quiet peaceful byways the huge lake appears. This skating area is delightful. People skate in couples or singles using the dance balls or come with their own skating AO. I do that.

A tall Christmas tree stands on the ice. Santa is there waiting for you too .

There are several places to hang out and enjoy the view. A little coffee shop has visitors . I found an old friend I had no seen in ages sitting there and stopped to say hello one day. Stop at the small Pavilion , also a beautiful place to sit and relax and talk .

Towering over the pond is the fantastic magical Pavilion.

Inside there is a spectacular hall where parties are held, but often dancers grace the floor. The music in the regions add to the feeling of the Wish. Several rooms off to the side offer places to hang out. Santa is there and I told him what I wanted. Several gifts can be found on tables in the Pavilion for members of the group and some for anyone. I love to look at all the small figurines and other décor that grace the rooms.

I stopped over to take some photos and work on this article and ran into one of the most elegant light shows I have seen in sl in all these years. It was performed by Venus Adored and Kurk Mumfuzz and it was so moving with the music behind it. Check the program to see what is coming along until the end of December.

One visit there is never enough for me. Skating is so much fun on the large pond. I visit for a short while many times during the season. Do not miss the experience. Horse back riding is a good way to enjoy the snowy byway. By the way, the balloon ride begins behind the Pavilion. There are many places for photo poses. A notecard will give you information and lankmarks at the entrance. Have fun!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/MIST/247/82/3002

Gemma Cleanslate
 

Still More Christmas Locations

 
By Gemma Cleanslate

Still shopping !!

If you love elves and tiny fairies do make a stop at Enchanting Landscapes Decor Fantasy Home & Garden. There are the sweetest little groupings that really had me thinking how could I use them. I left them all there for you reminding myself I am down to just four prims on my houseboat!. There are other goodies to look at here some very sweet artifacts I have not seen anywhere yet.

I saw a selection of mice around too, some singing carols. There were several fanciful carousels to add to your region if you have more room than I. To get to the winterwonder take a teleport from here It is not a large place to roam but check outside the market . It is lovely with falling snow .and some winter scenes for sale.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Island%20of%20Avalon/158/116/24

Never You Mind is a fun place to stop if you love whimsy . The little critters there tug at your heart.
Many are singing, some dancing floating, and many running around looking cute! It is a sweet magical place ot shop or just roam looking at the terrain..

I think the creator , Harley (Harleywan Haggwood) must have a lot of fun designing all his little kiddies. They are packed in the shopping area cheek to jowl .

I have several from last year that are fun to have around. I saw a set of gift boxes that walk around near your tree . http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bundaberg/182/198/23

Jon Ree and Resa Ree (Resa Nova) have installed, Snowhaven, a marvelous skating area at the fairgrounds on the Bellisseria continent.

 It will open Monday , December 13 and remain for the holidays until the 29th. No shopping here so it is a relaxing place .

The pond is lovely and lots of room to skate. If you wander up the lane to the top of the hill on the way you will see little gathering places to sit and relax and talk . There is a teleport red ornament that takes you up on the slope to the Barn at the top of the hill that is already set for parties . There are free skates in case you did not bring yours. Anyone is invited!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bellisseria%20Fairgrounds/166/236/25

It is rare that I recommend a group sale but SWANK is having its last sale of the year at a Winter Wonderland of Gifts and I had to suggest visiting. It is huge! Two levels filled with displays of everything in the world you ever wanted. Most of the designers have set out a gift for visitors and Swank has many around the whole place. Look for gift boxes and bags everywhere. The fashions displayed of course are as always elegant and gorgeous. I gave up counting but it took a while to visit all the vendors , some of whom I have already seen at other sales . Group is needed but easy to join and there is a 5000L raffle too! Now I am going to open my boxes!! 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Swank%20Events/124/127/39

Gemma Cleanslate