Calas Christmas

 

In her latest article about Christmas locations, Gemma Cleanslate went to an old favorite: Calas Galadhon Park. This season marks the seventeenth year that the owners Ty Tenk and Truck Meredith have remade their area for the holiday season. And as Gemma found, once again they haven't failed to do a spectacular job, with a reindeer ride, ice skating, Disney characters, and lots of great scenery.

 

Read Gemma's story in Places. 

 

"A Winter Wonderland Christmas" And "Kenzie’s"

 

Gemma Cleanslate has been continuing her search for Christmas-themed locations.  Today's article features two places she found some Christmas decor. "A Winter Wonderland Christmas" features much indoor decorations, as well as some outdoor. Kenzie’s had decorations, but also some items to get as presents such as clothing, and there was also some picturesque scenery.

  

Read Gemma's story in Places. 

 

Linden Lab Announces Winter Wonderland Open, Snowflake Hunt

 

On the official blog a few days ago, Linden Lab announced their Winter Wonderland area was now open. This seasonal region has places to have fun, such as the skating rink, a sledding and skiing run, and the arena, which is the scene of the twice a year Linden Snowball Fights. You can get there through Portal Park, or just head right in: https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Winter%20Wonderland%204/182/79/46

This year, there's something new: The Snowflake Hunt.

The Snowflake Hunt is an exciting activity within the Winter Wonderland regions! This hunt is all about tracking down snowflakes scattered throughout the frosty landscape to win exclusive prizes.

Collect all the snowflakes to claim limited-edition 2024 Boopies! These adorable and festive collectibles are only available during this event, making them the perfect winter keepsake.

To get in on the fun, pick up the Snowflake Hunt HUD while in the Winter Wonderland. One then goes around collecting snowflakes.

More on winter activities by the Lab later. 

Linden Snowball Fight This Friday

 

For those wanting to toss a little "Christmas cheer" at Linden Lab's finest in the form of a snowball, or just in the mood for a good snowball fight, now's your chance. It was recently announced in the Linden blog that the next Linden (and Mole) Snowball Fight is this Friday, December 15. Or rather, two fights. The first will be at 8 AM SL time, and last for an hour (at least officially). The second will be at 12 PM SL time.

 

  ‘Tis the season for some snow-slinging shenanigans at the NEW Winter Wonderland Snowball Fight Arena!

Get your warm clothes and throwing arms ready - it’s time for a Lindens and Residents snowball fight! This snowball showdown means you're free to pelt your fellow Second Life Residents and Lindens with a bevy of sparkling snowballs - launched fresh from the snow-arsenal available at the arena.

The battles take place on Friday, December 15th from 8am to 9am PT and then again from 12pm to 1pm PT. Spots are limited, so be sure to get there early to grab your free snow-launching weaponry from the vendors around the arena.

Mark your calendars, assemble your dream squad, and be there!

 While the snow scraps officially last for an hour, people often linger for longer. 

Remember, the fun is this upcoming Friday, December 15, at 8 AM and Noon SL time.

 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Winter%20Wonderland%201/241/212/44

 

 

The Linden and Residents Snowball Fight

 

 

Yesterday, Monday December 19, was the day of the Linden and Residents Snowball fight. The fight took place with the Lindens scheduled to be there from 10 to 11 AM and 2 to 3 PM SL time. Yours truly never did get into the first session, which had about a hundred people around. People were saying in Bellisseria chat that with the lag, they couldn't fire their snowball launchers. Instead I waited until the second one. 

 

I finally got in about a few minutes before the hour was up, and all sorts of things from whales to buses to presents to yellow snowballs were flying. People were clustered around a bridge, and this was about as close as I got to it. Snowballs would either launch you into the air, or freeze you in place for a while.

Hours later, the Lab would show a video of some of the chaos that took place. 

Yours truly would have a little fun, eventually going to a castle and successfully defending a tower for a while until my screen turned black and I had to reboot.

Most years, there are two Linden Snowball Fights, one in December and the second in late winter. As of now, no date has been announced for the second. But in the meantime, the Snowball Area is up for anyone in the mood to toss a few snowballs.

Bixyl Shuftan

Linden's Winter Wonderland Open, Linden Snowball Fight

 

 

A few days ago, the Lab announced their Winter Wonderland area was open. 

Winter Wonderland is back in all its beautiful glory with interactive fun that you won’t want to miss! Start your adventure in the Village of Lights, then make your way to snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice-skating, and of course, the snowball fight arena. These activities are more fun with friends - so grab your besties and plan to spend a few hours catching everything that Winter Wonderland has to offer. If you’re in the mood for something a bit quieter after all that running around, take a breathtaking trip on the Ferris Wheel and catch incredible views of the twinkling lights and shimmery snow. You may be prompted to opt in to the Winter Wonderland experience in order to participate in the activities - be sure to read and accept the experience.

 

 You can get in through the Portal Park hub that can teleport you to this and several other Linden areas. But when I tried it, it was glitched. But I was able to teleport directly to there at Winter Wonderland 2 (154/230/57).

Also the Lab mentioned an event many residents have been looking forward to all year: The Linden and Resident Snowball Fight.

‘Tis the season for some snow-slinging shenanigans at the Winter Wonderland Snowball Fight Arena.

Get your warm clothes and throwing arms ready - it’s time for a Lindens and Residents snowball fight! This snowball showdown means you're free to pelt your fellow Second Life Residents and Lindens with a bevy of sparkling snowballs - launched fresh from the snow-arsenal available at the arena.

The battles take place on Monday, December 19th from 10am to 11am PT and then again from  2pm to 3pm PT. Spots are limited, so be sure to get there early to grab your free snow-launching weaponry from the vendors around the arena.  

A reasonably strong computer is recommended as the place will be crowded with plenty of lag. The snow scrap takes place at the snowball fight arena at Winter Wonderland 5 (113/7/31). You can also show up any time with friends and have a match of your own.

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Three More Winter Fun Places

With Christmas arriving, many of us will be spending time away from Second Life with friends and family. For those of us sticking around on the holiday, or need a break, there's some places to check out for some winter-themed fun. Gemma Cleanslate's done many articles about locations where one can take part in activities. So was there more? I found a few more places: Linden Lab's Winter Wonderland, Caledon Downs Christmas Express and North Pole, and Roos Holiday Village. 

Read more in Places.
 

SL Video: "Linden & Resident Snowball Fight 2021"

 

From Strawberry Linden on Dec 17, scenes of the Linden Snowball fight, "Join us at Winter Wonderland on Friday December 17th at 10am to 11am PT and again at 2pm to 3pm PT. "
 

Linden Snowball Fight Tomorrow, Friday Dec 17, 10 AM

 

"Get in the winter spirit for the most epic snowball fight in Second Life. Come with a group of friends and meet new people - either way, you're sure to have a blast as you toss snowballs at other Residents and even Lindens! The annual Snowball Fight event will be held on December 17th at 10am to 11am PT and another one at 2pm to 3pm PT. "

Winter Wonderland (5/113/7/31)
 

EOTB: "Joy To The Grid" - Winter Wonderland, Linden Snowball Fight, And Other Christmas Happenings

 

December is here, which means the winter and Christmas seasons. On Friday December 3, Linden Lab posted about several themed places and events, including some of their own.

December has begun and we have lots in store for you this holiday season, including our annual snowball fight, exclusive premium gift, swag for all, the magic of Winter Wonderland, SL Christmas Expo, and more! 

Linden Lab's winter area, the Winter Wonderland, is back.

Winter Wonderland is back in all its beautiful glory with interactive fun that you won’t want to miss! Start your adventure in the Village of Lights, then make your way to snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice-skating, and of course, the snowball fight arena. These activities are more fun with friends - so grab your besties and plan to spend a few hours catching everything that Winter Wonderland has to offer. If you’re in the mood for something a bit quieter after all that running around, take a breathtaking trip on the Ferris Wheel and catch incredible views of the twinkling lights and shimmery snow. 

A Linden and Resident Snowball Fight is being planned, for Friday Dec 17.

Get your warm clothes and throwing arms ready - it’s time for a Lindens and Residents snowball fight! This snowball showdown means you're free to pelt your fellow Second Life Residents and Lindens with a bevy of sparkling snowballs - launched fresh from the snow-arsenal available at the arena.

The battles take place on Friday, December 17th from 10am to 11am PT and then again from  2pm to 3pm PT. Spots are limited, so be sure to get there early to grab your free snow launching weaponry from the vendors around the arena.  

 There's another "Winter Swaginator" hunt.

‘Tis the season to be jolly - and what could be more jolly than new gifts? From now through the end of December, Second Life will be giving away 4 exclusive Linden Bears for everyone! Pick up your HUD at the Meauxle Bureaux and make sure to complete the gift hunt in order by following the clues in the HUD and local chat. Happy hunting!

The hunt starts in Meauxle Bureaux (157/123/30). 

There was a mention of the Relay for Life's Christmas Expo.

This year’s SL Christmas Expo is bursting with bright and merry delights - all for supporting the American Cancer Society and the fight against childhood cancer. From December 3rd through the 14th enjoy many holiday activities at the expo and donate for a good cause! 

Linden Lab has also joined in on the fun! Watch out for these Linden-themed activities at the expo:

• Vote (by donation to a special ACS Christmas Expo Kiosk) for your favorite decorated Linden Home at the annual Lights of Hope Home Decorating Contest. 
• Pose with Santa Patch and his Molelves! A very special opportunity to pose for a picture with our VP of Product Operations, Patch Linden, and his team of Molelves - on Friday, December 10th from 12pm to 3pm PT, in the main SL Christmas Expo region!
• New theme of Linden Homes will be revealed on Monday, December 6th! Watch this space - to be published on Monday!
• A new Limited Edition Christmas Item -> Patch on a shelf, available here. 

 The Lab reminded residents of the Winter Attractions on the Destination Guide. 

If you’re looking for even more winter activities, there’s already close to 100 wintery themed locations in the Winter Attractions category on the Destination Guide. We’re adding new regions daily, so if you have a spot you’d like to invite other Residents to explore, make sure to check out the submission guidelines and submit yours today!

 There are some new Winter Premium gifts available. 

Premium members - we have something special for you - a limited and exclusive Premium-Only gift that’s sure to delight and add a little extra holiday charm to your inworld adventures. Drop by one of the Premium Gift kiosks and take it for a whirl!

Included, you’ll find a Premium Member Token and Premium Member Token HUD, which are the keys to Premium Only snowball weapons at the Snowball Fight arena in Winter Wonderland. The HUD will give you access to some upgraded snow arsenal. Remember to attach your HUD at the arena to access and rez your snow-slinging artillery. 

And they mentioned their upcoming Christmas "Shop and Hop" event.

The Holiday Shop & Hop returns on December 8th with over 200 participating Merchants. Watch this blog for all the details about Shop & Hop early next week!

To read the blog post in full, Click Here.
 

SL Video: "Linden and Resident Snowball Fight 2020"

 

 By Linden Lab, Strawberry Linden and other Lindens and Moles scrap against the residents, and each other on Friday December 18 at 10 AM SL time, "Get in the winter spirit for the most epic snowball fight in Second Life. Come with a group of friends and meet new people - either way, you're sure to have a blast as you toss snowballs at other Residents and even Lindens!"

 

"Shop and Hop" Open, Linden Snowball Fight This Friday

 

For those whom love Christmas shopping events, the official one by Linden Lab, the "Shop and "Hop," is now open, with nine sims of stores.

Our 2020 Winter Shop & Hop is now open with 180 participating Merchants, 9 shopping regions, and tons of ideas for all your holiday shopping needs! It will be held till January 3rd, 2021.

In the great gift of giving, most Merchants have provided at least one gift (no group needed) to share with you this holiday season and have put deep discounts on many of their top products.

On the Lab Gab on Friday December 11, Strawberry and Tara Linden took a look at the shopping area. They also took a look at the Linden Winter Wonderland, and the area where the Linden Snowball Fights take place. 

... there will be two of them on December 18th at the Linden & Resident Snowball Fight, at 10am PT and again at 2pm PT. Get your warm clothes and throwing arms ready for the snowball showdown of the year! You can pelt your fellow Second Life Residents and Lindens with a bevy of sparkling snowballs, launched fresh from the snow arsenal available at the arena. If you can’t make it inworld yourself, you can watch the live streams on youtube at 10am PT and 2pm PT. 

As the announcement states, this month's Linden Snowball Fight will take place Friday December 18. There are actually two fights, from 10 to 11 AM SL time, and 2 to 3 PM SL time.

 To read more, check the Linden blog here.

Linden Snowball Fight Tomorrow, Friday Dec. 20

Have you wanted to toss a snowball at one of Linden Lab's finest? Well, tomorrow you're getting your chance. On the official Second Life blog yesterday, the Lab announced this month's Linden Snowball Fight.

Tis the season to let it go and get into some icy fun at the Winter Wonderland Snowball Fight Arena for some snow-slinging fun times!

Get your warm clothes and throwing arms ready - it’s time for a Lindens and Residents snowball fight! This Snowball Showdown means you're free to pelt your fellow Second Life Residents and Lindens with a bevy of sparkling snowballs- launched fresh from the snow-arsenal available at the arena. 

The frozen frenzy will take place twice on Friday December 20. The first will be from 10 to 11 AM. The second will be from 2 to 3 PM. To get there, head to Portal Park, then look for the doorway with the Winter Wonderland sign. It is suggested that you get there early and have a good computer as the event will probably be crowded.

Winter Wonderland Returns, Winter Swaginator Hunt Is On

There was some news in the Linden blog late last week. The Labs' own winter area, the Winter Wonderland, is once again open.

Winter Wonderland is back in all its beautiful glory - with activities you are not going to want to miss! Start your adventure in the Village of Lights, then make your way to snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice-skating, or snowball fighting in the snowball fight arena. Each of the activities is not to be missed, and are more fun with friends - so grab your besties and plan to spend a few hours catching everything that Winter Wonderland has to offer. If you’re in the mood for something a bit quieter after all that running around, take a breath-taking trip on the Ferris Wheel and catch incredible views of the twinkling lights and shimmery snow.

To get to Winter Wonderland, go to the Portal Park sim, and look for the door to the place. When entering, you'll be asked to accept permissions for objects in the place to act on your avatar. Do so.

Also going on, the Winter Swaginator Hunt has started.

‘Tis the season to be jolly - and what could be more jolly than a ton of new gifts? From now through most of December, Second Life will be giving away some goodies for everyone! Four exclusive Winter decorations have been scattered across the Bellisseria continent: special variations of items found in the Premium gift are only available through this hunt! Pick up your HUD at the Meauxle Bureaux and make sure to complete the gift hunt in order by following the clues in the HUD and local chat. Happy hunting!


To start, head to Meauxle Bureaux (157/123/29). Once there, click on the sign that says "Get your Swaginator HUD here!." You then find it in your inventory, then add it. You then follow the clues to the gifts.

Stay tuned for the date of the Linden Snowball Fight, in which you get a chance to lob a frosty one at Linden  Lab's finest at the Winter Wonderland's arena.

Linden Snowball Fight Today

The residents of Second Life have something of a love/hate relationship with the Lindens. We're grateful for them creating and maintaining this virtual world. But some of their decisions over the years often make us wonder. If you've ever wanted to toss a snowball at them, now's your chance. Today is the Linden Snowball fight.

Come one - come all to the Snowball Arena for a friendly ice battle of epic proportions! This Snowball Showdown means you're free to pelt your fellow Second Life Residents and Lindens with a bevy of sparkling snowballs! But the Lindens and your fellow Residents get to return fire with their own avalanche of snow-arsenal.

The event lasts from 11AM to 1PM SL time. So head to Portal Park, then head to the Winter Wonderland area, and head to the Snowball Fight Arena. If you miss this event, you may have to wait months until another chance comes.

The Winter Swaginator Hunt: Clue to Gift Five

After five weeks, the Winter Swaginator Hunt is coming to a close. This week, the clue leads you to the sim where the gift is.

It begins with a Z and ends with a T, a cute little cabin and a wintery tree. Located at the center of a frozen lake, the prize can be yours if you find it to take! http://bit.ly/2QCTWkg

Clicking on the SURL takes you to the Zermatt sim. The first thing I saw was the scene above. So just where is the gift and what is it? Stay tuned for where and what it is.

Bixyl Shuftan

The Winter Swaginator Hunt, Gift Four Location

It's the final day to get gift four of the Winter Swaginator Hunt. The clue was a vague one, suggesting it was somewhere around the Winter Wonderland area accessible from Portal Park. Turns out that the gift was placed just outside Winter Wonderland's entrance, at Portal Park 1 (180,112,52).

Unpacking the gift, there are four items of furniture: a bed, a bedside table, a bedside table with books, and a table lamp.

Check the Linden Blog tomorrow for the fifth gift in the Winter Swaginator Hunt, and the last one for free players. Premium accounts get one more gift.

Bixyl Shuftan

The Winter Swaginator Hunt: Clue to Gift Four

This is the fourth week Linden Lab's Winter Swaginator Hunt has been going on. And for a couple days, the clue for gift number four has been up on the Linden blog. But for those whom had a hard time with the previous week's clues and were hoping for something easy, sorry to say that this one is the most vauge of them so far.

It’s winter-y, fun, games and a series of quests. Can you find the gift hidden in the magical chest?  http://bit.ly/2SIOpp1

The link takes you to Portal Park. I guessed the gift was somewhere around Winter Wonderland, and an initial quick search proved fruitless (no, it's not near where the first gift was). Eventually, Gemma Cleanslate found it. So where is it? We can't tell you just yet, but we do suggest keeping a careful eye out. It could be right before your eyes, and you still might not notice.

The location will be revealed this weekend. And next week, the final gift (unless you have a Premium account, in which case there may be one more).

Bixyl Shuftan

The First "Winter Swaginator Hunt" Gifts

Since I wrote about the "Winter Swaginator Hunt" last week, a number of people have messaged or emailed me, asking where the location of the first of the gifts is. As this is the last full day the gift will be around, we can go ahead and show it. It's in Winter Wonderland 5 (104/140/24).

 But you can't just up and TP there. The closest you can get just by TPing is Portal Park 1 (128/128/23). Where you'll want to go from there is the Winter Wonderland doorway, which is in the opposite side of the room. Once you walk through, look around for a blue sign. That has the Swaginator, which you'll need to claim the gift. Once you have that, walk a little further, make a left, and walk straight to the Snowball Arena area. Go up and down the stairs to the arena, past the gun pickup area, and walk around until you see a bridge over a frozen river

The bridge is where the gift is, a grayish-blue box with a light gray top. Just touch it, and you should receive your gift, as long as you're wearing the Swaginator (someone told me she didn't get it even though she says she had the HUD on, so there might be a bug).

Unpacking your gift, you get three items: a welcome mat, a basket of logs, and a lantern with a flame.

Stay tuned for the announcement in "Featured News" on the Linden Blog for the next gift in the Winter Gift Grab.

Bixyl Shuftan

The "Winter Swaginator Hunt"

Remember the SL15B Gift Grab earlier this year? Every Monday for fifteen weeks, residents would check the official blog for the clue to where the gift of the week was, then head there to get it. For people who really enjoyed the hunt, Linden Lab had some good news on Monday November 19. They're going to be doing another one for the Christmas season.

‘Tis the season to be jolly - and what could be more jolly than a ton of new gifts? From now through most of December, we will be giving away some goodies for everyone. We introduced the Swaginator this last summer during SL15B, and now we’re bringing it back, better than ever, with 5 weeks of gifts - starting today! Each gift will only be available for one week, so you’re going to want to make sure you do not miss out on any week!

The first clue leads to both the Winter Hunt's "Swaginator" HUD and the first gift, "It’s a Winter land full of frolics and fun. Can you find the hidden chest for the prize to be won?" The location leads to Portal Park, which is a place one can get to the Winter Wonderland. Close by where you enter is where you pick up the "Swaginator" HUD. Just touch the sign, find it in your inventory, and attach. It appears as a candy cane on your screen.

Finding the location of the first gift for this hunt was harder than those in the Gift Grab as there was no SURL to the gift and the Winter Wonderland is not a small place. But eventually, I found it. Upon collecting the gift, a mark appears on the bottom of the candy cane.

The hunt will go on for four weeks after this one. Linden Lab also stated there will be a snowball fight event soon. Earlier, they called on merchants to sign up for a holiday-themed shopping event.

Source: Linden blog

Bixyl Shuftan