Winter wonderland arrives in East Los Angeles

EAST LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- With a flip of a switch to light the tree, the holiday season is officially underway in East Los Angeles. Hundreds of families gathered for the annual Winter Wonderland Holiday Celebration at the East L.A. Civic Center at 4801 E. Third Street.

Santa Claus and two of his elves posed for pictures and asked children what they want for Christmas, while Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and two Minions gave parents a fun photo opportunity. Kids also got to have their faces painted and bring home a balloon animal twisted by an elf.

"I hope it brings them together and that they're together as neighbors and friends," said Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina. "This is a great community civic center where they can come together."

Perhaps the most popular activity at the Civic Center's Winter Wonderland: the mini skating rink, where there were slips and falls and careful gliding. For a lot of these kids, it was the first time they laced up a pair of skates and stepped foot on the ice.

Whether it was a lap around the rink or a lick of a candy cane, the festive atmosphere had everyone brimming with holiday cheer.

"It's so exciting being here and doing all this stuff live, and the Christmas tree lighting, that was pretty cool," said Evan Salazar of Monterey Park.

The event was presented by Molina, the East Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation.