EASTAMPTON — Historic Smithville Park will be transformed into a winter wonderland of fun and holiday magic during the upcoming Winter Fest celebration. The annual festival celebrating all things winter will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13, from noon to 5 PM, on the grounds of Smithville Park in East ampton. It will once again feature an abundance of seasonal foods, music, and other activities. During Winter Fest, visitors can marvel at the sights of Smithville village and mansion decked out in holiday finery, accompanied by the sounds of wandering carolers performing their favorite tunes, along with other free activities held both indoors and outdoors. (Courtesy of Burlington County) Children roast marshmallows over a bonfire during last year’s Winter Fest. This year’s festival will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13, from noon to 5 PM. (Courtesy of Burlington County) During Winter Fest, visitors can marvel at the sights of Smithville village and mansion decked out in holiday finery, accompanied by the sounds of wandering carolers performing their favorite tunes, along with other free activities held both indoors and outdoors. (Courtesy of Burlington County) Burlington County’s Winter Fest, the annual festival celebrating all things winter will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13, from noon to 5 PM, on the grounds of Smithville Park in Eastampton. It will once again feature an abundance of seasonal foods, music, and other activities. Pictured at last year’s festival is State Assemblyman Balvir Singh and members of his family with Santa Claus. (Courtesy of Burlington County) Show Caption1 of 4During Winter Fest, visitors can marvel at the sights of Smithville village and mansion decked out in holiday finery, accompanied by the sounds of wandering carolers performing their favorite tunes, along with other free activities held both indoors and outdoors. (Courtesy of Burlington County) Expand “Smithville is beautiful all year, but seeing it decorated with lights and garland is spectacular,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “Winter Fest is a fantastic way to welcome the joyful season and see Smithville in all its holiday splendor.” “Burlington County’s park system is one of the best around, and Winter Fest is one of the premier festivals that everyone looks forward to attending,” added Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, the liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks. “It’s a great opportunity for families, friends, and neighbors to enjoy the holiday season at one of Burlington County’s most historic and scenic destinations.” Visitors to the park can marvel at the sights of Smithville village and mansion decked out in holiday finery, accompanied by the sounds of wandering carolers performing their favorite tunes, along with other free activities held both indoors and outdoors. Highlighting this year’s festival will be a special comedic performance of The Nutcracker by the theater troupe Fortune’s Folly. The group will also perform as Victorian carolers throughout the Smithville grounds. Another attraction this year is the Naturalist Challenge. Nature lovers are invited to stop by the pop-up nature center, where Burlington County Parks System naturalists will test their knowledge of woody plants, including evergreens and other native species found in County parks. Some of the other Winter Fest activities and attractions include: Meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus in their Victorian attire Lace up some skates and take a spin on the synthetic ice rink Join the elf hunt and help Buddy the Elf gather his friends so they can return to the North Pole Find a special gift in the Holiday Marketplace Enjoy s’mores at a bonfire or wine and mulled cider in the festival beer garden Tours of Smithville Mansion and the village will also be available, and both the Smithville Mansion Annex Gallery and the Worker’s House Gallery will be open. On display in the Mansion Annex is Burlington County’s 49th Annual Juried Art Show featuring outstanding paintings, photographs, drawings and more from artists from Burlington County and beyond. In the Worker’s House Gallery is a special exhibit of some of the best work by award-winning photographer Eric Stoner. “There’s plenty to do and see for all ages in historic Smithville. This year, the County celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the preservation of the former industrial town-turned-park and wintertime is a fantastic season to see it with all its holiday finery,” said Commissioner Randy Brolo. You can learn more about Winter Fest and all the other great Burlington County Parks activities, events and programs planned this winter in the Burlington County Parks seasonal program guide available online at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/235/Parks . Be sure to also download the Burlington County Parks app from either the Apple or GooglePlay stores for the latest information about Burlington County parks events, trails and resources conveniently accessible at your fingertips wherever you go. ...read more read less