Noah Homes’ Enchanted Village is back in full swing this year with more than 200,000 lights, light tunnels, interactive displays, photo opportunities, and a festive atmosphere for the entire family. Last year, due to the pandemic, the annual tradition was a drive through, but this year, guests can stroll through the Village and interact with Buddy the Elf, the Grinch and Cindy-Lou Who, Elsa and Ana, and of course, Santa. The Enchanted Village begins Dec. 17 and runs every evening through Dec. 22 from 5-8 p.m.
Along with the interactive activities, the Village has several performances this year with the Ho Ho Ho Horns, Peninsula Singers, San Diego Choir, San Diego Children’s Choir, Santa Sophia Choir, Sun Harbor Choir, and St. Augustine Percussion Ensemble. There is also a petting zoo on Saturday and Sunday.
Noah Homes provides residential care for adults with developmental disabilities like autism and Down’s syndrome, grounded in Catholic values. Katie Renvall, Philanthropy and Events Manager at Noah Homes said that this is the fourth year for the Village and that it is Noah Homes largest fundraiser of the year.
“The idea of the Enchanted Village started in Las Vegas at Opportunity Village, a day program for adults with developmental disabilities,” she said. “We worked with a consultant, who gave us some ideas and have turned it into our own Enchanted Village and Christmas holiday event.”
Renvall said that people can expect hundreds of thousands of beautiful lights, more than 100 Christmas trees decorated by sponsors, and a magnificent 25-foot RGB Christmas tree that plays a light show along with holiday music, and food and beverages, and family photos with Santa for a donation of $10.
“It is a fun holiday tradition while giving back to our organization,” she said. “Ticket purchases helps employ our residents, giving them a job during the event, which is amazing. We are employing 10 residents. They will be at our toy store, assisting with food and beverage, and greeting you to our event. Through the pandemic, all our folks lost their jobs and some of them have a very tough time finding employment, so this is a wonderful job opportunity for our folks, receive a paycheck, and they love it.”
Renvall said it brings the residents “so much joy” each year to hold this event, and they are all looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Noah Homes.
“This event is an awareness builder as well,” said Renvall. “We would love for people to come out here and volunteer at our event or other times of the year. In San Diego County there are more than 30,000 people with disabilities so we need to spread the word of Noah Homes and create more of them.”
Tickets are $12.99 for children and $19.99 for adults. For more information visit www.enchantedvillage.org.
