The WINTER WONDER experience includes eleven different rooms + spaces to explore!
Guests step into the hidden world of Gilded Age rail travel at The Secret Station, surrounded by eye-catching holiday visuals. In a nod to the nostalgia of winter holidays, bedecked fir trees, maroon drapery, a clock tower, ornate sconces, and silver tinsel adorn the room.
As they board The Northern Lights Express, an imaginary train car that will transport them North, they’ll begin to catch scenic winter vistas outside the window.
As the train passes through The Wishing Woods, they’ll explore an enchanted snow-covered forest where they can write and display winter wishes on a magical tree.
In the Ice Caves, they’ll discover crystalline caverns where arctic animals come to life through mesmerizing digital displays.
Next up is the Snow Bounce room, where they’ll jump and play in a whimsical winter wonderland below giant candy mushrooms.
In The Aurora Cavern, guests can step through a mystical passage of dancing lights.
Making their way to the Hot Cocoa Chalet, they’ll warm up in a cozy mountain lodge with seasonal treats, including hot chocolate and festive cocktails, like Milk n’ Cookies (horchata, Cardamaro, cookie), Fireside Cocoa (hot cocoa, sherry, cinnamon, marshmallows), and more.
Arriving at the journey’s destination, The Northern Lights, senses run wild, as the magic of the aurora borealis reveals itself via an interactive display. Guests can influence the dancing lights above with their movements while exploring a faux-snow filled ball pit, turf icebergs, and more.
Emerging in the Gingerbread Workshop, guests step inside a life-sized gingerbread house, where they can design ornaments, snowflakes, and other winter crafts.
They’ll also take in holiday-themed art and pop by the Candy Dream Photo Studio to create memorable holiday keepsakes.
And before they leave, a Winter Market awaits, with souvenirs and New York-themed gifts, including charms, candy, and ornaments for purchase.
WINTER WONDER Events:
Snowflake Saturday + Sunday Parties: themed kids parties complete with complimentary face painting, craft workshops, seasonal treats, and storytime (Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-1pm) – a seasonal take on HERO’s most popular family event
Friday Holiday Happy Hour: enjoy warming winter brews during happy hour at the Hot Cocoa Chalet (Fridays from 5pm-8pm) – with regular pop-ups from breweries, wineries and more.
Seasonal Events + Pop-Ups: including trivia night, bingo, and more!