A magical evening of winter cheer and a celebration of reading took place last Friday night at Planet Ford Stadium. The annual Winter Wonderland event, free for all, welcomed hundreds of families from across the area. Despite light rain, the community came together to share in the holiday spirit, enjoy family time, and create unforgettable memories. From the laughter of children to the joy of parents sharing special moments with their kids, the event perfectly combined holiday magic with a love for learning.

First held in 2015, Winter Wonderland has grown into a beloved tradition for Spring ISD families. The cheerful event was organized and hosted by the dedicated staff of the Family and Community Engagement Department. Months of planning and collaboration between district staff, volunteers, and generous community partners helped transform the stadium into a holiday paradise, complete with themed activities, games, and – of course – books galore.

“It is amazing to see all of these smiling faces,” said Tranita Carroll, Executive Director of Family and Community Engagement. “This event is very important to us, and even in the rain, seeing the community come out to support the importance of reading is truly special.”

Through a generous collaboration between Spring ISD and Reading Opens the World, a national initiative launched by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), nearly 45,000 books were distributed to students and their families. The wide variety of genres offered something for everyone—from brightly illustrated Disney Princess books for younger children to sets of books one through five of the Percy Jackson series for older readers. Parents and children eagerly browsed the tables, excited to select books that would become part of their home libraries.

The highlight of the evening came when 5,000 copies of the Magic Tree House series were distributed, along with a $10,000 First Book Marketplace credit to support classroom libraries and promote reading throughout the holiday season. This collaboration not only brought books into the hands of students but also reinforced the importance of literacy in the community.

“We are so thankful that we are able to put on this event,” Spring AFT Chapter President Yolanda Merritt said. “We are so thankful for AFT as well. This has just been an amazing community event. We were able to give the kiddos brand new books right off the shelf for free!”

The heartwarming scene unfolded inside the Randall Reed Center, where tables were piled high with books that children and families could browse through together. The room was filled with excitement as kids clutched their books with smiles, while volunteers and parents celebrated the fellowship and fun. Outside on the stadium turf, rows of activity tents offered countless opportunities for families to make lasting memories. Thanks to the efforts of FACE and several Spring ISD departments, the entertainment was abundant, from interactive games to festive arts and crafts stations. Children eagerly lined up for face painting, crafted holiday keepsakes, and posed for photos with Santa Claus and the Grinch, spreading cheer and helping families capture the perfect holiday moment.

Families were also treated to warm holiday treats as they explored the Winter Wonderland. The sweet smell of hot chocolate and cookies filled the air, and there was something for everyone to enjoy, no matter their age. It was a true celebration of togetherness, with parents and kids laughing and playing together under the soft glow of string lights.

Spring ISD Superintendent Dr. Lupita Hinojosa expressed gratitude to all the families who attended the event with their children.

“Most importantly, even with the rain, our families know that literacy is a primary focus for us at Spring ISD,” Hinojosa said. “Literacy opens the door to so many opportunities, so being able to celebrate that is truly amazing.”

As the night continued, families moved from station to station, soaking up the fun and festive atmosphere. The commitment of staff, volunteers, and community partners to ensure that every family felt welcome and celebrated was evident in every detail – from the well-organized activities to the cheerful interactions. For many families, the free event provided a much-needed break from busy holiday schedules and the demands of daily life, offering parents an opportunity to reconnect with their children while highlighting the importance of reading.

The evening was especially meaningful for parents like Caryl Williams, who reflected on the value of quality time with her son and other families in the community. She shared that events like Winter Wonderland offer a much-needed opportunity for students and parents to step away from technology, engage in positive experiences, and strengthen their bonds through hands-on activities and storytelling.

Winter Wonderland continues to grow each year, with a focus on literacy and family engagement at its heart. Thanks to the collaboration and hard work of the Family and Community Engagement Department, along with support from district departments and partners like AFT, the event has become a beloved tradition. 

As families headed home, arms full of books and hearts full of joy, the spirit of Winter Wonderland remained – a testament to the importance of community, literacy, and the magic of the holiday season.