Murrieta Holiday Celebrations Kick Off This Weekend

MURRIETA, CA — The city of Murrieta's holiday celebrations kick off this weekend with family-friendly events continuing through Dec. 17. Here's the season's lineup of free-to-attend city-sponsored activities:

Dec. 3: From 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., little ones get a treat along with a visit with the jolly man himself during Donuts with Santa taking place at Murrieta Town Square Park and Amphitheater (11 Town Square). Event sponsor The Winfield Group Real Estate Team will help bring Dunkin’ Donuts on site (donuts for kids and coffee for adults/first-come, first-served). Holiday crafts and a Santa photo op are also planned. While there is no fee to attend, the city asks that revelers bring one can of non-perishable food as a way to support the Murrieta Holiday Toy and Food Drive.

Also happening Dec. 3 is the Murrieta Town Square Park Tree Lighting. The event takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the heart of Town Square between City Hall (1 Town Square) and the Murrieta Police Department. Attendees can enjoy crafts, character appearances, a holiday story reading, and festive entertainment from a brass quartet and jazz trio. Santa will also be a part of the fun and available for photos during the event. At 6:30 p.m., the city will hold the official lighting of its 40-foot-tall pine tree. The event is also a part of the Murrieta Holiday Toy and Food Drive, with all items donated going to local families and charities.

Dec. 5-9: The city is launching its first Santa in the City series with Polar Express-themed community gatherings throughout Murrieta. From 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, Dec. 5 – 9, families can enjoy visits with Santa, Polar Express activities, music, crafts, treats and more at a location closest to their home. Attendees are invited to turn out in their favorite holiday pajamas to one of the following Santa in the City events:

• Monday, Dec. 5: Murrieta Youth Center
• Tuesday, Dec. 6: Vintage Reserve Park
• Wednesday, Dec. 7: Alderwood Clubhouse
• Thursday, Dec. 8: Antelope Hills
• Friday, Dec. 9: Copper Canyon Park

Dec. 4 at 11:59 p.m. is the deadline to register your home or block for Murrieta’s Holiday Home Decorating Contest. The city will post maps of participating homes so families can tour the festive neighborhoods. Winners will be shared on the city’s social media accounts. Entries must be within Murrieta city limits to qualify.

Looking for other ways to experience the holiday spirit? By Dec. 1, the city will also have Letters
to Santa templates on its website. There's also a free number to give Saint Nick a ring with the city's Santa Hotline: 951-461-6086.

Finally, the city is hoping residents who can will help spread holiday cheer to those in need through the annual Murrieta Holiday Toy and Food Drive. The Community Services
Department will be on hand to take donations (new, unwrapped and nonperishable items) via a drive-thru from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17, at the city's Community Center (41810 Juniper Street). Place donated items in your vehicle’s trunk and enter the parking lot on Juniper Street across from Murrieta Fire & Rescue 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.

All events and activities are free to attend. For additional information about the city’s holiday activities, refer to the city’s Special Events webpage or contact staff at 951-304-PARK (7275).