A Hallmark Channel star, Santa Claus, Frozen Princesses and llamas graced Bond Park on Saturday for the inaugural Glow in the Park Family Day and Sweets Stroll.

The celebrities in attendance gave attendees of all ages a reason to stand in line to capture a Christmas photo with their favorite star.

For those who enjoy Hallmark Channel’s holiday movies full of wishes, Christmas lights and hot chocolate, Hallmark star Nikki DeLoach ventured to Estes Park for her first visit to the mountain town to celebrate Christmas. Star of more than a dozen movies for the network, including “A World Record Christmas” and an alum of the All-New Mickey Mouse Club from the early days of her 30-year career, DeLoach was all smiles as she said a few words on stage before taking photos with fans.

“Thank you so much for having me,” DeLoach said. “This is so beautiful. Thank you for inviting me to be here to be a part of this new holiday tradition that you guys are starting. Hallmark Channel is all about tradition and we are committed to bringing you content that brings you joy, that builds community, that focuses on love and also hope.”

After a few short words, DeLoach joined the rest of the Visit Estes Park team, who sponsored the event, in the VEP tent. A line quickly formed of her excited fans hoping to have a few minutes with her, take a selfie or two and chat about their favorite Hallmark movie.

But as DeLoach worked through her line, another line competed for as much attention. That was the line of children, eager to sit with Santa and Mrs. Claus to share different kinds of wishes for this Christmas season.

But as parents and kids alike enjoyed the opportunity to meet a celebrity visiting Estes Park, other attendees of the event took part in a variety of activities — petting the llamas, making an elk ornament, dancing to the electric beats of Christmas music and riding the mechanical reindeer. Yes, you read that right, a mechanical reindeer, just like something straight out of “Urban Cowboy,” but a little more towards the “Estes Cowboy” perspective.

As DeLoach finished her conversations, she ventured out to enjoy the festival. In her place, the Frozen Princesses joined the Visit Estes Park tent for photo opportunities. Another line formed full of children hoping to meet those popular stars of the modern fairytale about magical princesses in a snowy winter wonderland.

“This is my first time in Estes,” said DeLoach, a native of Georgia who now resides in Los Angeles. “It is absolutely breathtaking here. It is gorgeous as you see the Stanley and the mountains when you come into town.”

When asked about her work with Hallmark, a network that has become synonymous with glittery Christmas productions, which run continuously starting in October, she mentioned three movies that each have their own special meaning to her.

“‘A Dream of Christmas’ is my top favorite,” said DeLoach. “‘Five More Minutes’ is my second. I lost my dad five months before filming started. My world was shattered but I felt like he pushed me to do that movie. I was in a dark valley, but that movie gave me hope.”

Her third favorite, “Taking the Reins,” features a writer who goes back to the family farm after a failed marriage. There may be some connection there; DeLoach grew up on a farm in southeast Georgia.

DeLoach will be adding to her long list of productions with Hallmark in 2024, with “True Justice” coming out Jan. 12 and two new installments of “Curious Caterer.”

The Glow in the Park event didn’t just stay in Bond Park, however.

Visit Estes Park also coordinated a sweets stroll, a sugary adventure to visit many of the candy stores, ice cream shops, chocolatiers and bakers in downtown Estes Park. Participants in the stroll could collect stamps while enjoying treats from each establishment. Five stamps could be turned in for a prize, including a glow stick, Santa hat or an insulated reusable bag.

“I think this has been one of the best family events in Estes in a long time,” said Wendy Koenig, Mayor of Estes Park. “Visit Estes Park has blown it out of the park with their creativity.”

This family event was part of the fifth of seven weekends Visit Estes Park coordinated and promoted this holiday season. The next two weekends include visits from Santa Claus at Castle Mountain Lodge, a holiday lights driving tour, decadent dinners at the Stanley Hotel, prom night at The Barrel, and much more.

For more information about holiday events in Estes Park, visit https://www.visitestespark.com/events-calendar/holidays/.