WAYNESBORO – The seventh annual Land O’ Christmas and Santa’s Workshop event enchanted families across the community with holiday cheer, festive displays and visits from the man in red.
Organized by the Lioness Lions Club, the beloved tradition ran Nov. 28-30 and will continue Dec. 5-7, culminating in a final weekend Dec. 12-14. This year marked a new chapter for the event, relocating from its longtime home at the Counting House to 66 W. Main St., where throngs of attendees marveled at the transformed space.
At the heart of the festivities stood a meticulously crafted train display, engineered by local artisan Turk Russell. His intricate creation chugged along tracks lined with miniature villages, drawing wide-eyed children and nostalgic adults alike.
Towering Christmas trees, each a labor of community love, dotted the venue. Volunteers from the YMCA strung lights with youthful energy. Students at St. Andrew Catholic School added handmade ornaments. Waynesboro Aglow infused garlands with glowing warmth. McDonald’s Restaurant of Waynesboro contributed playful touches, while VFW Post 695 honored veterans with patriotic accents.
The Grateful Tree Waynesboro Fellowship of Churches wove in messages of faith. For the Love of Dogs brought paw-print baubles. Bethe and The Vintage Flame sparked joy with rustic flair. Salvation Army bells echoed through evergreen boughs. Hometown Hallmark sprinkled stardust from its card collection. Five Forks Church and The Walnut Hill Manor layered on timeless elegance. Realtor Sharon Petrie topped branches with elegant swags. And many more hands joined the effort, turning the hall into a forest of festivity.
Santa’s Workshop buzzed with activity as elves — both young and old — crafted gifts and sipped hot cocoa. Laughter filled the air, underscoring the event’s mission: to foster unity and spread yuletide magic in Waynesboro.
As families departed with cheeks rosy from the chill and hearts full, organizers reflected on a season solidified by collaboration. The Lioness Lions Club already eyes next winter, promising more wonder under the mistletoe.
