Santa arrives in Mission Viejo to spread holiday cheer

Since arriving in Mission Viejo atop a fire truck on Sunday, Santa Claus has been busy scheduling more appearances in town before heading back to the North Pole.

Sunday’s arrival and celebration, which attracted about 1,500 people to the Mission Viejo Civic Center Plaza, was just the tip of the iceberg for St. Nick whose calendar is packed with fun family engagements. 

Beginning this week, every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. through December 21, Santa and his jovial wife will be in his workshop at 200 Civic Center spreading holiday cheer and posing for photos with children.  To boot, free hot chocolate will be served.

You can also break bread with Santa this Friday and Saturday (December 2-3) at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way.  Have dessert with him Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; breakfast on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; or brunch that day from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Kids will enjoy decorating a holiday cookie before joining Santa around the fireplace for his special rendition of “The Night Before Christmas.”  Cost is $5 for kids 12 and younger and $7 for age 13 and older. Pre-registration is required and available by calling 949-768-0981 or online.

Of course, Santa will spread joy to our four-legged friends as well on Saturday, December 10 at the “Santa Paws” event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your friendly pooch for a photo with Santa in his village and all proceeds will benefit the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center at 28095 Hillcrest. Cost is $20. More information is available by calling 949-470-3045.

For more information about holiday activities, visit http://www.mvactivities.com.