Christmas On Las Olas Gives South Floridians Taste of Winter
Synthetic skating, ski simulator and sledding at holiday festival kickoff
Christmas on Las Olas celebrated its 49th year with an opening celebration.
Who says it has to be cold outside to feel like Christmas?
For the 49th year, Christmas on Las Olas gave South Floridians a taste of winter and kicked off the start of the holiday season Tuesday night.
Besides the traditional Christmas lights, carols and photos with Santa, this year’s event offered the public a chance to "ice" skate.
Skate Las Olas created an 1,800 square foot synthetic skating rink next to the Riverside Hotel, where people can get the feel of ice skating outdoors, without worrying about the ice melting.
People also got a chance to hit the slopes thanks to a Peter Glenn Ski Simulator, and sled down a hill made of six tons of crushed ice at the Anidjar & Levine Snow Mountain.
"I love it," said Rosalind Papproth, who comes to Christmas on Las Olas every year from Weston. "It gets me in the Christmas mood and it feels festive."
Papproth especially enjoyed watching her daughter try the ski simulator.
"She’s seen snow, but never skied. It was amazing," she said.
Thousands of people soaked in the holiday spirit on Tuesday night while eating and drinking and shopping some of the best that Fort Lauderdale has to offer.
One of the strangest treats for sale had to be "Reindeer Poop." A company called Event Treats said they’re a popular seller and are actually just toasted marshmallows.
But young Maelee Meeker said it best when told about "Reindeer Poop."
"Ewwwww!" Meeker said.
