Santa Claus is coming to town!

BY

The Canyon Lake Lodge will come alive during the holiday season beginning with the ceremonial tree lighting and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus on Sunday, December 4.

It takes the efforts of many to bring the magic of the season together for the community. The POA and the Jr. Women’s Club have teamed up again this year for the 35th annual Tree Lighting Festival. This free family-friendly event kicks off in front of the Lodge 4 p.m. with music and dance entertainment provided by JDI Dance Co., Little Learners, Canyon Lake Choraleers and the Canyon Lake Royal Court.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be escorted to the Lodge on a fire truck where they will make their grand appearance in front of hundreds of community members who await them. They are expected to arrive at approximately 5:30 p.m. With Mrs. Claus by his side, Santa will flip the switch to light up the massive Lodge tree decorated with thousands of lights.

After the ceremonial tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus will take their seats next to the Christmas tree in the Holiday Bay Room and take photos with children and their families from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Parents should bring their own cameras.

The highlight for the children is, of course, Santa Claus himself, but there also will be a number of holiday-themed activities happening on the grounds at the Lodge. There will be a mini horse petting zoo, red baron airplane ride, train obstacle course, children’s bounce house jumper, holiday temporary tattoo booth and balloon artists. There also will be a photo station with DIY photos with fun holiday backdrops.

There will be a variety of vendor booths again this year, including Big Mama’s Hot Dog Cart, Juanita’s Sweets and More and Light Em up Mike (bicycle lights).

The Jr. Women’s Club will be taking donations of canned food and new unwrapped toys for Spark of Love. Residents who donate toys will receive five free raffle tickets for every new toy they donate. The Girl Scout Troops will be taking donations of toiletries and blankets to help aide the homeless.

Organizers of the event would like to remind residents to dress warm for this event as most of the activities will be outdoors. Animals, with the exception of service animals, are not allowed at the Lodge. The Lighthouse Restaurant and Bar will be open during this event; however, the parking lot may be extra busy during this time.