December in Old Town Temecula is rocking, snowing, and glowing with holiday charm thanks to Visit Temecula Valley, sponsors, and a community-wide effort. For starters there is Snowbell Rockin’ Nights – a musical snow fall and light show every Thursday thru Saturday at 7 and 8 p.m and Sundays at 7 p.m. The show continues through January 4, 2015.
From archway to archway twinkling lights, glowing snowflakes, and brilliantly illuminated shops exude the holiday spirit. Look for a very special gift in Town Square. A humungous colorful and musical Christmas tree will greet guests the week of Dec. 7. This tree is brought to you by Visit Temecula Valley and their sponsor Ambient Communities.
Temecula on Ice, the city’s seasonal ice rink, officially opens December 12 with a grand opening celebration, skating demonstrations and the Mayor’s skate at 5 p.m. Pennypickle’s Winter Wonderland begins at 5 p.m. and includes mounds of snow for kids, and a magical snow fall at Santa’s Cabin. Kids can visit with Santa 5:30-8:30 p.m. at his cabin next to Pennypickle’s Workshop/Temecula Children’s Museum.
Santa will listen to children’s wishes every Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. through December 20. Free reindeer antlers are offered to all kids who visit with Santa while supplies last. The Tahquitz District Boy Scouts will take souvenir photos for a donation and help Santa in his new cabin.
Holiday Music Day is Saturday, December 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Gardner Middle School Band, Linfield High School Wind Ensemble, Linfield Middle School Concert Band, Vista Murrieta Jazz Vocal Ensemble Synchronize and the MSJC Jazz Ensemble will perform at the Civic Center, 41000 Main Street in Temecula. Several restaurants will have outdoor music during Rocking Snowbell Nights and all of Old Town is competing in a decorating contest sponsored by Visit Temecula Valley and the Old Town Temecula Association.
Usher in the new year as a giant illuminated bunch of grapes descend from city hall with an East Coast (9 p.m.) and midnight countdown. All activities at Temecula Town Square are free except the ice rink which will remain open until 1:30 a.m. New Year’s Day. See www.temeculaevents.org for more information or call (951) 678-1456.