The City of Murrieta is celebrating the holiday season with six festive activities for families, neighbors, and visitors to enjoy throughout the month. From Santa sightings to community traditions, there’s something for everyone.
The city’s Sensory Santa event on Tuesday, December 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Murrieta Youth Center welcomes neurodivergent individuals and people of all ages with adaptive needs. Held in a calm and low-sensory environment, participants can enjoy photo opportunities with Santa, hot cocoa, crafts, and more.
Holiday magic can also be found around town with Murrieta’s Holiday Home Decorating Contest. Residents can register their homes or blocks on the city’s website. Entries must be received by December 4 at 11:59 p.m. and be within Murrieta city limits to qualify. This year’s categories are Most Festive, Most Creative, Most Holiday Spirit, Best Use of Lights, Best Overall, and Best Block. Online voting will run through December 18, with winners announced shortly after. Maps of participating homes will be available. The winners will be shared on the city’s social media accounts.
Santa Stops will take place December 2 through December 4 and December 8 through December 11, as Santa cruises through Murrieta neighborhoods to wave hello and spread holiday cheer. To support local families, Santa will also be collecting food and toys through donations from community members at each stop. To view the live Santa Tracker, visit www.murrietasantastops.org.
On Saturday, December 6, the city will host two events at Town Square Park Amphitheater: Donuts with Santa and Festival of Trees. From 9 to 10:30 a.m., little ones can enjoy donuts and photos with Santa. Free donuts will be available for the first 500 kids. Admission is one non-perishable food or pet item per child (dog/cat food, treats, or cat litter will be accepted). Animal Friends of the Valleys will be on site for pet adoptions.
Later in the evening, from 5 to 8 p.m., families can stroll through beautifully decorated trees from local families and businesses, enjoy treats, festive entertainment, and soak in the holiday spirit at one of Murrieta’s most heartwarming seasonal traditions. The city’s official tree lighting will take place at approximately 6 p.m.
Letters From Santa
Little ones can send a letter to the North Pole and receive a response back from Santa. Parents can download the free letter templates from the city’s website, or click here for template 1, click here for template 2, or click here for template 3.
