EASTHAMPTON – The Holiday Whobalation is back after being canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19.

The event will take place at Millside Park on Dec. 5 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and will unite The Grinch and Santa in an evening filled with caroling, celebration and holiday cheer.

According to one organizer, Robin Bialecki, it is thought that Dr. Seuss’s Whoville in his beloved book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” is based on the town of Easthampton. Dr. Seuss, born Theodor Geisel, was a Springfield native.    

“There are stories that we’ve heard over the years that Easthampton was the pattern for Dr. Seuss’s Whoville and so we decided a few years ago to do a Whoville celebration and celebrate The Grinch,” she said.

The first Whobalation started small at the gazebo in the center of town and has grown every year. Bialecki said that they now include Santa in the celebrations as well.

“We decided that The Grinch and Santa could make peace,” she said.

There will be a DJ in attendance to play Christmas carols and Bialecki said there will be a singalong to the Whoville song. The event is free and open to the public, but Bialecki said that they ask for cash donations or donations of a stocking stuffer gift if possible.

“We are asking, if anybody would like to, that they bring an unwrapped stocking stuffer that we can use to add to our programs here for the children in need,” she said.

In years past, the event has helped over 1,000 children receive a gift during the holiday season.

“We anticipate that number will grow this year,” said Bialecki.

They have supplied new games, toys, puzzles, pajamas and more to those in need.

With the pandemic, there are a number of changes to the event.

“This year we are asking people to wear masks and be respectful of distancing,” said Bialecki.

Participants are usually given hot chocolate and cookies during the event, but will instead be provided with an insulated Grinch mug, a packet of hot chocolate, a candy cane and marshmallows to take home with them.

Despite the changes, Bialecki said that she is happy the event can return and spread joy to the community.

“It’s always a terrific event,” she said. “If you haven’t been, try to get down because it’s just a ton of fun and it’s so much fun to see the kids getting their pictures taken with The Grinch and Santa and it is really a great time.”

Those interested in learning more about the Holiday Whobalation are encouraged to visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/easthamptonholidaywhobalation.