Hundreds jam Town Center for a Winter Wonderland

The City of Canyon Lake transformed the Canyon Lake Town Center into a festive Winter Wonderland for its Annual Winter Wonderland and Tree Lighting event on Saturday. This free, family-friendly event provided an array of activities for the hundreds of attendees of all ages, marking the beginning of the holiday season in the community.

Piles of snow and smiling kids just go together as these Canyon Lake youngsters sled down the man-made snow slope at the Canyon Lake Town Center during the City of Canyon Lake Winter Wonderland Saturday. Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon

The event was a hub of traditional holiday festivities. Highlights included opportunities for photos with Santa, the eagerly-awaited tree lighting ceremony, train rides, and snow creating lasting memories for families and children.

For those looking for a bit of excitement, a rock climbing wall offered an adventurous challenge, while a variety of carnival games kept attendees of all ages entertained. At the Canyon Lake Family Matters Booth, children had the chance to write letters to Santa and drop them in Santa’s Mailbox, with a promise of a return letter and goodies from Santa.

The Byers family poses for a photo with Santa at the City of Canyon Lake Winter Wonderland celebration Saturday. They are parents Brian Byers (far left), Courtney Byers (far right), Kids Bradley, 10, Cassidy, 13, and Benny, 7.

The event also included a craft table for creative activities and glitter tattoos. Culinary delights were in abundance, with a variety of food vendors, including one from In-N-Out, providing delicious treats to the backdrop of holiday music.

A major highlight of the evening was the lighting of the official city Christmas tree at the Town Center, symbolizing the official start of Canyon Lake’s holiday season.

This city event, supported by the Canyon Lake Family Matters Club, is a cherished tradition and a cornerstone of holiday celebrations in the community, bringing together residents in a joyful and festive atmosphere.