Gary Pilikyan, Kevin Oliff, Bob Smith and Jack Sinanian, all with the Power Automotive Group, get ready for a day on the ice. The company will host a free party, including ice skating, bumper cars, and more, at the Ice Station in Valencia.

During the holidays, there are usually two facts of life that are at odds with each other. Fact 1: The kids are out of school for winter break. Fact 2: Because of holiday shopping, money's tight.

If you're tired of skimping on holiday activities with the family, you'll be excited to hear that a memory-making evening out together is within your grasp - for free.

On Wednesday, December 21, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Power Automotive Group will host their first annual Winter Wonderland event at the Ice Station Valencia. The company has reserved the tier-one skating locale for the party of the year, and if you live in the SCV, you're invited.

Boasting free skating, bumper cars, broomball, cookies, hot cocoa, Santa and a special surprise in the parking lot (we're thinking it's white stuff that falls from the sky, but that's just a guess!), Winter Wonderland is an opportunity to get out of the house and experience holiday cheer. And what could be more cheerful than a free party?

Here's an answer to the previous rhetorical question: toys for kids in need. Guests of Winter Wonderland have the option of bringing an unwrapped toy to the party that will be donated to Toys for Tots. The toy is not required for admission, but if you're the kind of person who can never show up to a tree trimming fiesta without a fruitcake, snatching a Barbie or Tonka Truck from Target on the way over may help alleviate the guilt of having a great time on someone else's tab.

And if you've read this far for the answer to your burning question of, "What's the catch?," here's my response: nothing. The Power Automotive Group has a 10-year history of supporting local government, schools and families and this is their way of giving back during the holidays. Of course, they won't complain if the party inspires you to buy a Dodge, Ford, Jeep, Honda, Chrysler or Chevy.

If you have any questions, you can call the Power Auto Group at 1-800-POWER-57 or call the Ice Station Valencia at 775-8686. The Ice Station Valencia is located at 27745 N. Smyth Drive in Valencia.