Murrieta Holiday Celebrations Announced Throughout December

MURRIETA, CA — The city of Murrieta has kicked off a slate of free holiday activities, and the community is invited to join in the celebrations. Here's what's happening in December:

Murrieta Holiday Home Decorating Contest

The city's holiday home decorating contest is underway. Register your home or block in the challenge by visiting tinyurl.com/murrietaholidaycontest2021. Enter by 4 p.m. Dec. 5 to be included and have a chance to be "the most festive Murrieta home."

Maps of participating homes will be available on the website by 5:30 p.m. Dec. 8, along with a survey for viewers to vote for their favorites. Winners will be announced and posted once the votes are tallied. Entries must be within Murrieta city limits to qualify.

Letters To Santa

Starting Dec. 1, the city will have "Letters to Santa" templates on its website and a "Santa Hotline" for the kiddos to call: 951-461-6086.

Weekend Of Holiday Fun, Dec. 4-5

From 9-10:30 a.m. Dec. 4, Santa will be busy at three different city of Murrieta parks for "Donuts with Santa." Residents can pick from Alderwood Clubhouse (28610 Baxter Road), Copper Canyon Park (23790 Via Alisol), and Town Square Park (11 Town Square) to enjoy a morning with Santa. Donuts will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis at each park to the first 300 children. While there is no fee to attend, the city asks that attendees bring one can of non-perishable food to participate. The donations will go to needy families in the community.

From 5-8 p.m. Dec. 4, enjoy "Murrieta's Holiday Magic & Festival of Trees" at Town Square Park. The community can see dozens of decorated Christmas trees and enjoy crafts, a holiday story reading, and entertainment and vendors. An official tree lighting will take place at the park at 6 p.m. The recently planted 40-foot pine tree is located in the heart of Town Square between City Hall and the Murrieta Police Department. "Murrieta's Holiday Magic & Festival of Trees" is also a toy and food drive, with all items being donated to local families and charities.

If you would like to be a part of the Festival of Trees and put your decorating skills to the test, there are still a few trees available, according to the city. Reserve a tree for $25 at tinyurl.com/festival-of-trees-purchase and then come to Town Square Park starting at 9 a.m. Dec. 4 to decorate it. The trees will be judged and winners will be announced Saturday evening. At the conclusion of the weekend events, the decorated trees will be donated to families in need.

The fun continues on Dec. 5 with a free movie showing of “Elf” at Town Square Park Amphitheater. Showtime is 6 p.m., but come early to visit the vendors, complete a craft, or play some games. Pajamas or "Buddy the Elf" attire encouraged; bring chairs and blankets to keep warm throughout the evening.

Spread Holiday Cheer To Others

The city will host an annual Holiday Toy and Food Drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 18. The city's Parks and Recreation team will be on hand to take your donations, drive-thru style, at the Community Center (41810 Juniper Street). Place donated items in your vehicle’s trunk and enter the parking lot on Juniper Street across from Fire Station #1. Pop your trunk when you stop at the donation point and staff will collect the items. All donations will go to local food pantries and families in need within the Murrieta community. New, unwrapped, and non-perishable items will be accepted.