Marietta Square’s Winter Wonderland announced today changes and new opportunities to this year’s events and experiences, including the removal of the ice-skating rink in Glover Park.

Last year, many other locations around the metro Atlanta area created skating scenarios similar to Winter Wonderland’s offerings, with rumors of nearly 17 rinks scheduled for the metro area this year as well. Winter Wonderland has been delighted to bring a unique experience to Marietta Square over the last few years, and wants to ensure this year’s experience remains authentic and enjoyable for everyone.

“Our goal is to offer a premier unique experience, allowing families and couples to build lifelong memories together in Glover Park and on the Marietta Square,” said Stephanie Coston, Director of The Branding Project.

New events this year include an additional First Friday Winter Wonderland Art Walk and a last-minute shopping Artisan Market, candlelight shopping, a VIP experience called Santa’s Magical Moments, Tuba Christmas, Storytime in the Park, Santa letter writing days at Zaxby’s and Chick-fil-A, enhancements to the decorations and Reindeer Games in Glover Park, plus more events to come.

Without the skating rink, Glover Park will have space to host many different pop-up entertainment events as well, including a scene of “A Christmas Carol” titled “Have You Seen Scrooge on the Square,” presented by Marietta’s New Theatre in the Square, performed by Tyler Perry’s House of Payne’s Palmer Williams Jr. Those interested can keep up with these upcoming events and more on the Winter Wonderland website calendar, which will be available to the public soon.

“Our focus this year will be on enhancing Glover Park and creating an authentic, charming experience. We thank you for your generous support over the years and for allowing us to create our Winter Wonderland,” said Coston. “We expect this year to be the best one yet!”

Winter Wonderland is an annual event put on by local businesses and sponsors around the Marietta area. The event, which lasts from Thanksgiving week through the beginning of January, hosts Santa Claus, Festival of Trees, Reindeer Games and special holiday events at Santa’s Wonderland. Proceeds from the event benefit Center for Family Resources.