Walking in a winter wonderland

Driving around to see Christmas lights during the holiday season is a tradition for many families — pointing out the houses with creative decorations, funny blow ups, dazzling lights and favorite holiday characters can be a blast.

Gina Centauro and Vincent Centauro, founders of Franklin Square-based nonprofit Rescuing Families that helps renovate homes for those in need, decided this year that they would host a Winter Wonderland walkthrough of their own at home.

The idea came to the Centauros after they hosted a Halloween-themed walkthrough in October, which helped the organization to raise more than $400 for a charitable cause.

For anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit late in the month, the Centauros will have their Winter Wonderland open at their Franklin Square home located on 1010 Lewiston St. from 5 to 8 p.m. next weekend, Dec. 22 and Dec. 23.

Wreaths and poinsettias will be available for purchase, and hot chocolate and cookies will be provided for free to anyone who stops by. People will be able to meet Santa’s holiday friends such as the gingerbread man, a reindeer, a snowman, a candy cane, a Christmas tree and more when they stop by.

Walking through the lights will be free to anyone who passes through, but Rescuing Families will accept donations from anyone willing to contribute to the nonprofit’s cause.