Holidays Arrive in Temecula

For those who missed Santa's arrival Friday night at Promenade Temecula, fear not: Santa is making another stop.

Along with Santa's arrival, Promenade Temecula kicked off its holiday shopping season by lighting its tree Friday in a ceremony filled with music, a hot air balloon, fireworks and magic snow.

Temecula residents can expect to see Santa again at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23 during a procession through Old Town Temecula to kick off the city of Temecula's 2012 Winterfest.

Santa will arrive on a horse-drawn sleigh joined by Dynamite Dave, the giant elf, emcee and host Geoffrey Gaier calling out his arrival. Santa will then make his up Front Street from 1st Street to Main Street, where he will turn east toward Town Square to his final stop at his house on Main Street.

There are also trolley rides all night long and face painting for the kids. Visit with Santa until 9 p.m. Enjoy the caroling from the Fine Arts Network Dickens Carolers who will escort Santa to his location.

Kids can be honorary reindeer for Santa with free antlers provided by the Old Town Temecula Association of merchants. Santa's elves will take pictures until 9 p.m. Friday, then again from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Families can take their own pictures for free or make a donation to Santa's Elves, Boy Scouts from the Tahquitz District.

Santa will stay cozy in his Town Square house, coming out every Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 16 to take pictures with families and listen to Christmas wishes. Free children's activity books will be provided to all kids who visit Santa. There is also an online coloring book available.

Inquiring little minds are also invited to Discover the Science of Santa from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23 at the Temecula Children's Museum, 42081 Main Street.

The winter fun does not end there.

Temeculans are invited to line Front Street for Santa's Electric Light Parade, scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7.

The following week, Old Town Temecula's Ice Rink opens at Town Square Park, Friday, Dec. 14 at 4 p.m. The Rink will remain open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily through Jan. 6, 2013. For information call 951-297-9ICE.

Also on Friday, Dec. 14 snow and related activites come to Old Town Temecula at Pennypickles Workshop at 5:30 p.m.

For more information on the city of Temecula's Winterfest, visit Temeculacalifornia.com or Temeculaevents.org.