HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The Historic Hanover Courthouse Green came alive this weekend, turning into a winter wonderland for families and community members. The annual celebration took place on Sunday, Dec. 14, from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring a wide range of holiday festivities for attendees. A grand illumination ceremony kicked off the event around 5 p.m. Guests had the opportunity to visit Santa in the Hanover Museum of History Culture right after. (Ethan Thompson/8News)(Ethan Thompson/8News)(Ethan Thompson/8News)(Ethan Thompson/8News) The event also featured carriage and train rides, ornament making and a winter marketplace offering North Pole Cocoa and handcrafted gifts. "Some families have shared with us that this is their new family tradition: they invite friends and families in from out of town, and they come to this event together. It fosters a sense of community and brings everyone together, lifts everyone's spirit, gets everyone happy and in the holiday mood," said director Aaron Reidmiller with the county's park and recreation department. "It's just a great thing here in the Hanover community." (Ethan Thompson/8News)(Ethan Thompson/8News)(Ethan Thompson/8News)(Ethan Thompson/8News) Attendees were also treated to live seasonal music and different food and refreshments from local artisans and vendors. ...read more read less