What is Winterfest?
Winterfest is Hamlin’s much-anticipated and festive annual event that celebrates community. Hamlin friends and family are invited on December 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for a fun-filled day for all ages with activities like Gingerbread Workshops, Wags & Whiskers, Book Fair, & more!
What's new at Winterfest this year?
- This year we will be using a new platform (Greater Giving) for Winterfest registration! We hope this will alleviate some of the headaches that our community has experienced in the past with registration on HamliNet. And because it is the same platform we use for our Fall and Spring Fundraisers, it should be familiar and easy to navigate.
- In place of The Crepe Escape this year, an additional food truck and more savory items at Leona's Bake Shoppe will be added to provide a variety of food and meal options to Winterfest attendees.
- Space Swaps!
- Due to its overwhelming popularity, Student Ventures will now have dedicated spaces in the Movement Lab and Middle School Science Lab (down the stairs from the dining rooms)
- Leona's Bake Shoppe will move to the Lower Lair. Look for the tent!
- Lower School Lounge will be in Stanwood 101 only, and the Hair Tinsel & Glitter Tattoo stations will move to the bike rack area outside of the EDR
- Wags & Whiskers will remain the Art Room, but the entrance will move to the other door. From the previous entrance, follow the wall near the play structure and enter through the door by the stairs to the Upper Lair/Portico. Don't worry, we'll have signs to direct you!
- We will no longer offer Upper Crust pie pre-sales on the registration page. However, we will offer them for day-of purchase at Winterfest on a first come, first served basis at Leona's Bake Shoppe (will include a gluten-free option). Please note we will still offer the option to purchase pies for donation to Hamilton Families on the registration page starting November 5 at noon. Thank you for your generous support!
When does registration open?
Registration opens on Tuesday, November 5 at noon. Gingerbread Workshops and Wags & Whiskers tend to sell out very quickly, so please be ready to log on at this site or hamlin.org/wfest just before 12 noon on November 5 to sign up.
What activities take place at Winterfest, and do they all require pre-registration/tickets?
Winterfest is open to all Hamlin families, and there are many activities that are completely free and do not require pre-registration, such as games, hair tinsel, arts and crafts, face painting, and more! Head to Marketplace in the dining rooms to shop from a wide variety of vendors, and stop by Student Ventures to support Hamlin student entrepreneurs selling unique and fabulous wares. Book Fair is located in the Great Hall and has all of the latest books for the whole family, with grade-specific recommendations to help make shopping for your little ones easier. Visit Leona’s Bake Shoppe where you can buy scrumptious treats baked by the Hamlin community and/or purchase a pie from Upper Crust. And don't miss Food Truck Alley, where popular food trucks will serve up delicious lunches for purchase.
The following events are ticketed and require pre-registration:
Gingerbread Workshops • $65 per house / $8 per pair of cookies
The Hamlin gymnasium will be magically transformed into a winter wonderland where children and adults of all ages decorate gingerbread houses with a vast assortment of delectable sweets. Gingerbread To-Go Kits and cookies can also be purchased to decorate at home or for gift giving!
Wags & Whiskers • $48
Cuddle up with a fuzzy friend who is just waiting to be your pal! Our interactive educational experience is designed to delight all types of animal lovers. It’s a fun way to learn about which kind of pet is best for your family. This event is designed for children ages 4+ who must be comfortable attending without an adult. Participants leave with a fun surprise!
Middle School Lounge • $10
The Lounge offers a safe and fun environment for Middle School girls and boys to hang out, play games, and participate in other fun activities. While there are chaperones, adults and Lower School siblings are not allowed.
Financial assistance is available. Please contact Ashley Lin (lin@hamlin.org) for further information.
How can I get involved?
Winterfest cannot happen without volunteers, so we are counting on your help! Volunteer activities will be communicated in the Hamlin NOW and range from candy sorting a few weeks before Winterfest to activities the day before and day of, including helping during Gingerbread Workshops, Book Fair, Marketplace, and more. Volunteer sign-ups coming soon.
If you have questions or would like to indicate your interest before sign-ups open, please contact wheeler@hamlin.org.