Kicking off on December 3, the City of Murrieta will bring the holiday magic to town with an entire week of free fun for families this holiday season. Events include Donuts with Santa, a Tree Lighting Ceremony, Santa in the City, Letters to Santa, Santa Hotline, and the Holiday Home Decorating Contest.
On Saturday, December 3, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., little ones can get a treat and a visit with Santa at the Donuts with Santa event at Town Square Park Amphitheater. Dunkin’ Donuts will be on-site to provide donuts for the first 400 children and coffee for adults. There will also be holiday crafts and photo ops with Santa. While there is no fee to attend, the city asks that attendees bring one can of non-perishable food as a way to support the city’s Holiday Toy and Food Drive.
Later that evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., visitors can enjoy crafts, character appearances, a holiday story reading, and festive entertainment from a brass quartet and jazz trio at the Murrieta Town Square Park Tree Lighting. The city will hold its official tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. The 40-foot pine tree is located in the heart of Town Square between City Hall and the Murrieta Police Department. This event is also a part of the Murrieta Holiday Toy and Food Drive, with all items being donated to local families and charities.
This year, the city is launching its first-ever Santa in the City series of Polar Express themed-community gatherings throughout Murrieta. From December 5 through December 9 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., families can enjoy visits with Santa, Polar Express activities, music, crafts, treats, and more.
Families are invited to put on their favorite holiday pajamas and visit one of the following locations:
- Monday, December 5: Murrieta Community Center
- Tuesday, December 6: Vintage Reserve Park
- Wednesday, December 7: Alderwood Clubhouse
- Thursday, December 8: Antelope Hills
- Friday, December 9: Copper Canyon Park
The 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. Maps of participating homes will be available. The winners will be shared on the city’s social media accounts. Entries must be within Murrieta city limits to qualify.
By December 1, the city will have Letters to Santa templates available on its website. Children can also call 951-461-6086 to talk to Santa.
The city is hosting its annual Holiday Toy and Food Drive. The Community Services Department will be on hand to take donations drive-thru style on Saturday, December 17, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Community Center at 41810 Juniper St.
Donors are asked to place their donated items in the vehicle’s trunk and enter the parking lot on Juniper Street across from Fire Station #1. Donors can pop open their trunks at the donation point and staff will collect the items. All donated items will go to local food pantries and families in need within the Murrieta community.
For additional information about Murrieta’s holiday activities, visit the city’s Special Events page on its website Page or contact staff at 951-304-7275.
