A Christmas Memory With A Magical Ending

We all have fond memories of past holiday seasons and sometimes loved traditions that were finished make a comeback in a different place.

As I was putting up my Christmas magnets this year, I found an extra special one.

The magnet commemorated the 35th Anniversary of Christmas Wonderland, signed by Mervin R. Whipple, known by most as Mr. Christmas. Other souvenirs sold at his wonderland included sets of postcards with images of his collection and chapel. 

The tradition ended after Christmas 2002. 

Christmas Wonderland, also known as Whipple’s Chapel, featured over $1 million worth of decorations. It was located in the small village of Ballouville in Killingly, CT.

The three-acre wonderland consisted of over 110,000 lights including trees, trains, bells, wreaths, snowmen, an American flag made up of jelly bean lights, the words “Seasons Greetings”, backdrops, and much more.

There were over 350 life size animated figures such as toy soldiers, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Teenager Mutant Ninja Turtles, a trio of white-haired angels, several Frosty the Snowmen, reindeer, angels, sleighs, Cabbage Patch carolers, Victorian skaters, elephants with trumpets, Uncle Sam, and Santa. 

Other animated scenes included a horse and carriage with characters in Victorian costumes, a family of mice asleep in bed with a sparkling Christmas tree, and Mrs. Claus knitting a cap for Santa. 

Many of the figures were housed in several dozen 10-foot high glass-fronted wooden crates, each with a different theme. 

I remember that Whipple converted his office, Everlasting Memorials, into an indoor winter wonderland with a toy train and large sleigh with gifts. It served as a nice break from the cold and snow that greeted myself and others most years when we walked through his wonderland. 

Unlike some Christmas light displays, Whipple’s featured a nativity scene, a component he has included since 1967.

Whipple would always wear his red jacket and tie and shake the hand of each visitor. About 1.4 million people visited his wonderland from all across the country, roughly 800 to 1,000 every night. 

He received national attention after being interviewed by Al Rocker on NBC’s Today Show.

What happened to his wonderland? Well this Christmas story has a fairy tale ending.

Whipple sold it to Kevin Meehan of Millis, Mass., owner of Imperial Cars, who started his own collection in 1998. 

Meehan’s collection was combined with Whipple’s, creating Millis Wonderland. 

The 40-acre display, about 62 miles away from the former Christmas Wonderland, delivers the same free Christmas magic. 

Over 6,000 cars each night drive on the circular road around Millis Wonderland.

There are thousands of Christmas lights on the hundreds of trees and fences. There is a life-size nativity scene with animated wise men. These stand alongside 50 miniature houses with various animated figures with the “Candy Factory” being a favorite among many. Additionally the property features a real tugboat and a 40-foot Santa Claus.

Guests can enjoy free coffee and donuts at the Blue Belle Diner, a restored diner car on the property.

This year, Millis Wonderland is open each evening from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. until Christmas. 

The display won the NBC Today Show’s “Al Be Home for Christmas” holiday light contest in 2004, only five years after the wonderland opened. 

While Whipple passed away in 2010; I’m sure he would be happy that so many still enjoy his collection. 

If you’re looking for a new Christmas tradition or simply want to continue the magic you felt at Whipple’s Chapel, make the trek up to Millis.