Holiday Hoopla Draws Largest Crowd Yet in Morgantown
The Grinch poses for photos with visitors, bringing plenty of laughs and holiday mischief to the downtown celebration. PHOTO | Beverly Bonilla
Story and pictures by Beverly Bonilla
On Saturday, November 22, 2025, the 5th annual Holiday Hoopla kicked off at 3 p.m., bringing thousands of residents together for an evening of celebration, community spirit, and festive fun. The event opened with free rides for children and adults, including pony rides and attractions suitable for all ages.
Two-year-old Ella Kate smiles for a photo with Mrs. Claus and a baby kangaroo, one of the event’s most popular attractions. PHOTO | Beverly Bonilla
At 4:15 p.m., Mayor Billy Phelps addressed the crowd, expressing heartfelt appreciation to everyone who helped make this year’s Hoopla a tremendous success. Planning for the Holiday Hoopla begins each March, requiring months of preparation and coordination to bring the winter celebrations to life.
Mayor Billy Phelps addresses the crowd during the 5th annual Holiday Hoopla, thanking volunteers and celebrating the event’s record turnout.
Snow once again made a magical appearance, adding to the festive atmosphere. Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand greeting families, with Mrs. Claus posing for photos alongside a baby kangaroo which was a crowd favorite. The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who also made special appearance, along with the Ghostbusters, providing entertainment and photo opportunities throughout the evening.
Guests gather on Main Street as Cindy Lou Who and the Grinch stop to greet families during Morgantown’s Holiday Hoopla. PHOTO | Beverly Bonilla
City Hall reported serving 120 gallons of hot chocolate, handing out 1,300 bags of popcorn and distributing 900 cookies to attendees. According to the mayor. This year’s turnout appeared to be the largest in the event’s five-year history.
With joyful crowds, cheerful characters, warm treats, and lively fellowship, Morgantown’s 5th annual Holiday Hoopla will be remembered as another remarkable night for the community.
Thank you very much for this article, we are proud of the work. We do to help bring a quality of life to all of our residents in Morgantown. If you’ve never attended our holiday hoopla, we encourage you to bring your family and friends to this free event. See you in 2026.
The Holiday Hoopla is mine and Cindy Lou’s favorite event to sneak into during the holiday season.
Causing mischief on the streets of Morgantown is what I call a good time! I was given an onion this year that I throughly enjoyed on my way home.
I already have plenty of tricks planned for next year…
Yours truly,
The Holiday Cheermeister
The Holiday Hoopla is one of mine and Cindy Lou’s favorite event of the season. There is nothing better than causing mischief on the streets of Morgantown.
I was gifted an onion this year that I thoroughly enjoyed on my way home.
I already have some tricks planned for next year…
Yours truly,
The Holiday Cheermeister