THE “SNOWTOPIA” scared some sledders and delighted some others (Orange County Tribune photos).

Rain postponed for a few days the “Winter in the Grove,” but on Thursday there was snowfall in Garden Grove’s Village Green park as thousands gathered to usher in the Christmas season.

The second annual event – a combination of the “Winter Wonderland” and “Christmas Tree-Lighting” events – featured musical entertainment of dancing and singing, appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, food and drink (hot and cold), snow slides formed from real snow, crafts for kids, a car show and a trackless train to shuttle kids and the parents around the park.

A mailbox for letters to Santa was available, and Frosty’s Photo Shop provided a way to make visual memories and keepsakes.

Sponsors of the event – organized by the City of Garden Grove ­– included Liga Swapmeet/Futbol Rapido, Garden Grove Community Foundation, Envise, Signal Hill Petroleum, realtor Kathy Ladd, Orange County First District Supervisor Andrew Do and 7-Eleven franchise operator Navdeep S. Bassi.

YOUNG DANCERS helps kick off the holiday season.