Yankee Stadium's annual winter wonderland brings joy to NYC children and families

NEW YORK - The House that Ruth Built became the North Pole on Friday as Yankee Stadium’s Great Hall hosted the New York Yankees’ 15th annual Winter Wonderland event. 

Thousands of local children and their families were treated to a festive holiday celebration filled with joy, magic, and giving.

The event featured a North Pole-themed extravaganza, complete with food, drinks, and live music, including classic carols performed by the Renaissance Youth Center Choir. The highlight for many was meeting Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, who handed out gifts to the children—each choosing their own special toy.

"It’s simply magical," said Haley Steinbrenner Swindal, the Yankees’ Ambassador of Community Relations. "It’s probably my favorite thing we do here at Yankee Stadium. To interact with the kids—some of whom I’ve watched grow up year after year—and see them experience this magic is incredible. Every child deserves magic, and our amazing partners like Walmart, American Foliage, and Legends make it happen."

The palpable excitement of the children filled the air, making this long-standing tradition a cornerstone of holiday giving in the Bronx.

One attendee reflected on the event’s impact: "I’ve been coming here since I was a kid, and now my baby gets to experience it too. It means so much."

Another echoed the sentiment, saying, "It’s awesome. Seeing the joy these toys bring to the kids—it’s everything."

With holiday cheer in abundance, the Yankees’ Winter Wonderland continues to spread magic and joy, reminding the Bronx community of the spirit of giving during this festive season.