In La Canada Flintridge, 56 degrees counts as winter. On February 7th, 2026, the students of Flintridge Preparatory School embraced it fully. At this year’s Winter Formal “A Night in Frozen,” inspired by Disney’s Frozen movies, the air was cool, the lights shimmered with blue, and for once, Southern California was convincingly wintery. 

The transformation of our gym to Elsa’s ice castle began eight hours before guests stepped inside. 10th Grade Senate and the entire Senate team led the two hour long set-up, along with the guidance of events coordinator Ms. Chase. 

At the entrance, an inflatable winter snow castle greeted the dressed-up attendees. While people walked towards the gym, hanging snowflake garlands swayed gently overhead, framing the entrance in true Arendelle fashion. The classic photobooth flashed its lights as students chatted, waiting their turn to take a picture. 

Inside, the gym had been reimagined entirely. Fluffy garlands resembling snow draped across the already-blue bleachers, white tinsel lined the walls, and pom-poms glittered near the basketball hoops on either side. Luminescent tablecloths hung along the sides of the gym, creating an elegant and extravagant barrier that depicted Elsa’s coronation setting. Overhead, lanterns were suspended from the ceiling, and strings of hanging lights glimmered in the dark room, giving the space a warm glow. 

The trophy room had its own treatment with tinsel lining the walls, and Olaf, everyone’s favorite snowman, waiting in the room as the centerpiece. Sapna Pradhan ‘28 loved the Olaf addition, saying  he “welcomed guests with his signature grin.” 

Just like any event, the main highlight was the food. Chris Bae ‘26 called the tiramisu “delectable and delicious” and rated it a “9.1/10.” on a student-run Prep Instagram page. 10th Grade Senate member, Elliot Lee ‘28, reported that there were extra funds to work with, and thus, Senate was able to elevate the dessert spread. Red velvet cake, gluten-free chocolate lava cake, cheesecake, and a blue fruit punch were other favorites leaving students going back for seconds. 

For one night, Flintridge Prep wasn’t in sunny Southern California, it was somewhere a little colder and a little more magical.Whether it was the innovative food, the blasting music in the gym, or the snowflakes stickered on the walls, students at Prep had a fantastic time celebrating a night in Frozen.