Visitors to this year’s Frosty Fest on Saturday at Viking Park in Gurnee found themselves in a snow-globe-like situation.

It was snowing lightly when the celebration began, and the snow became significantly heavier as the event continued.

“Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow,” said Mary Lester, supervisor of community programming and events for the Gurnee Park District. “We got lucky. We’ve got Frosty Fest, and it’s frosty.”

Melissa Marsh, the Park District’s director of recreation, said of the falling snow, “It makes it more magical.”

Several hundred people attended this year’s Frosty Fest, which offered horse-drawn sleigh rides, games, crafts and a hot cocoa bar.

Bumper cars outside along the parking lot were popular, as were the numerous campfire pits placed around the site to warm hands and melt chocolate used for freshly made s’mores.

People were seen using bubble umbrellas to take cover in what was a snow globe setting at Frosty Fest in Gurnee on Jan. 10, 2026 at Viking Park. (Karie Angell Luc/Lake County News-Sun)

“This free event is a wonderful way for families and friends to enjoy the magic of winter,” Gurnee Park District Mike Szpylman said. “Frosty Fest offers something special for everyone.”

Steve and Susan Furmanski of Gurnee, brought four grandchildren to the festival.

“The kids have been very excited to come because Grandma and Grandpa have told them that we’re coming,” Steve Furmanski said. “We came to see Frosty. We’ll do s’mores. All the kids kind of love to do art, so this is a really nice event.”

Also making s’mores were Eric and Julie Titus of Gages Lake, and their young son Max.

One of two horse-drawn carriages returns to the boarding stop at Frosty Fest in Gurnee on Jan. 10, 2026 at Viking Park. (Karie Angell Luc/Lake County News-Sun)

“We like trying new things, and the Park District does a good job,” Julie Titus said.

Steve and Ester DaMore of Fox Lake accompanied their grandchildren, the DaMore siblings of Spring Grove, Levi, 8, and Gigi, 4.

Gigi was seen trying to catch snowflakes.

“It truly is a Frosty Fest,” Ester DaMore quipped.

Jack Furmanski, 5, of Libertyville, has a s’mores treat made over the campfire with the help of grandparent Steve Furmanski of Gurnee at Frosty Fest in Gurnee on Jan. 10, 2026 at Viking Park. (Karie Angell Luc/Lake County News-Sun)

Inside, where hot chocolate was being served amid photo booth and community sponsor table opportunities, was Haleigh Butler, 2, of Lake Villa, who was dressed in light blue as Elsa from the popular Disney franchise “Frozen.”

In her long dress, Haleigh kept twirling and coming back for princess visits with costumed Elsa and Anna. The two famous Disney characters strolled among tables to greet visitors, also posing for numerous photos.

“She’s (Haleigh) obsessed with Elsa,” Haleigh’s mother Jessica said. “She has been in her Elsa costume since October. She’s been calling Frosty Fest Elsa Fest because she knew (Elsa would) be here. We’ve been chasing her (Elsa) down this entire time.”

Right, admiring Anna and Elsa (unseen), characters from the Disney’s “Frozen” franchise is also dressed as Elsa, Haleigh Butler, 2, of Lake Villa, at Frosty Fest in Gurnee on Jan. 10, 2026 at Viking Park. (Karie Angell Luc/Lake County News-Sun)

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/12/frosty-fest-gurnee/