Coming back this year with a shimmer, Noah Homes is opening up its facility ready for thousands of people to come stroll through its yearly holiday themed Enchanted Village. Located in Spring Valley, Noah Homes has served adults with intellectual and development disabilities since 1983, providing residential care and lifelong homes to 90 residents and supporting hundreds of families in the surrounding community. Built by the community, Enchanted Village sprawls through acres of light attractions, with holiday favorites, music, food, and the largest Christmas tree in the county. Enchanted Village is running from Dec. 16 through Dec. 22 from 5-8 p.m., with a special Lights Before Dusk hour on Dec. 19 at 4 p.m. for seniors, those with special needs, or sensitive to lights, sounds, and crowds.
“We are so proud of our community, coming together to create such a spectacular holiday experience for family and friends,” said Molly Nocon, CEO of Noah Homes. “This year’s Enchanted Village is our biggest yet. We’re excited to celebrate the season with everyone, and we are looking forward to using the ticket sales proceeds to provide lifelong homes for our folks.”
Katie Renvall, Philanthropy and Events manager at Noah Homes said this year is special as the Village is now in its fifth year, over one million lights, and has increased the dates for seven days.
“This is Noah Homes largest fundraiser,” she said. “Any donations, ticket sales, sponsorship, goes back to the residents of Noah Homes. In the Enchanted Village we are able to employ 11 residents who will be working. It is super exciting for them. They love welcoming guests to their community. They are so excited to do this event again this year.”
Renvall said Enchanted Village is back to its casual walk through experience, having had to curb part of the in-person venue in the past due to the pandemic.
“We have increased our food and beverage options, we have our musical light show, the largest Christmas tree (25-feet tall) and the biggest Frosty the Snowman in San Diego, local choir performers. We are really increasing the presence of local community members, local food trucks, holiday characters, and of course, photos with Santa.”
Guests can get photos with Santa each night with a suggested $10 donation to go to Noah Homes. Performances this year include the aChord Men’s Ensemble, Encore Vocal Ensemble, Noah Homes Choir, San Diego Children’s Choir, San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines, Santa Sophia, Sun Harbor Chorus and a musical light experience.
Renvall said along with Santa, guests can interact with Buddy the Elf, Elsa and Ana followed by their frosty friend Olaf, The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who, elf face painters, and “snow that will break out in dance parties, throw snowballs, and have a glorious time.”
“We thought 2022 was going to be the year post-pandemic, but we are still experiencing inflation, increase in costs, so we really wanted to continue being that holiday tradition for the greater San Diego area, families, and continue to bring holiday joy this year while remembering the mission of Noah Homes and giving back to adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities,” she said.
For more information, visit www.EnchantedVillage.org.
