Walking In A Winter Wonderland

Erin Phillips

Asbury Woods lights up their boardwalk around the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center for their Winter Wonderland celebration that continues throughout the month of December. Decorations, lights, and displays make for a magical winter woods walk for all.

CONTINUING THROUGH DEC. 31

There is something magical about the quiet of the forest in winter, from the snow underfoot, softening your footfall, to the white-covered trees' branches contrasting starkly against the darkness — all under the twinkling stars of a frosty night sky.

Asbury Woods has been bringing people in to appreciate the magic of a winter's night for over 20 years, and they are continuing the tradition with this year's Winter Wonderland series.

Jennifer Farrar, executive director at Asbury Woods, said, "[We are] pleased to once again offer the community a delightful holiday experience at our Winter Wonderland program during the entire month of December." Every evening in December, save Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Asbury Woods invites guests to promenade along the boardwalk adjacent to the Andrew J. Connor Nature Center and take in the sights, sounds, and that special wintry smell.

The boardwalk and surrounding trees and displays will be lit up with lights and the trail is an enjoyable — and wheelchair accessible — 1/3 of a mile long. The Nature Center will also be open during this time, and after a two-year absence, the model train display is back to captivate and enchant young and old alike. Plus, the Squeaky Frog Gift Shop will be expanded to include local, artisanal products.

Thanks to the generosity of Asbury Woods' sponsors, the event is again free of charge, though donations are accepted. Said Farrar, "I hope that visiting Winter Wonderland adds to people's enjoyment of the holiday season and that they delight in soaking in the beauty of the woods during the winter season." 

5:30 to 8:30 p.m., every day in December except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day // 4105 Asbury Rd. // Free (Donations accepted) // asburywoods.org/events/winter-wonderland