In Pictures: Santa Night at California Dreaming

Wednesday night at , Santa, along with Mrs. Claus and a few of his elves, made his yearly appearance at the Chastain Road restaurant. Special guests included Lieutenant Colonel Michael Varicak and Corporal Wilburn, who represented the Marines.

"We are here today to support Toys for Tots," said Lt. Col Varicak. "We are teaming up with California Dreaming to try to raise toys for underprivileged children."

Despite freezing temperatures, and disastrous icy roads outside, it was all smiles indoors, as guests enjoyed food, activities, and live entertainment provided as part of the restaurant's annual Santa Night.

Merry elf Emily Ray painted children's faces while Mrs. Claus passed out gingerbread cookies. Kids recapped their holiday wish lists, while photographer Tim Bowen captured their special moments with Santa.

Saxophonist Ollie Patterson was something of a one-man jazz band, as he walked around the restaurant playing Christmas classics like "Jingle Bells" and "Silent Night." At one point, he played "Linus and Lucy" of Charlie Brown fame, music that warmed the hearts of frozen guests as they entered the restaurant.

While the kids were focused on Santa, the Marines seemed to get most of the attention from the adults (mainly from the ladies). Photographs were taken and stories exchanged, as guests told Cpl. Wilburn and Lt. Col. Varicak about their own family members who had served in the Marines.

Manager Greg Carter said he was proud of all that people had contributed to the benefit.

"This event has been successful every year we have done it," he said. "If it wasn't for the ice on the roads, there would be a line out the door."

There was a good turnout nonetheless, and the event gathered enough toys to fill at least five bins for kids in need.