The City of Murrieta will bring the holiday magic to town with an entire week of fun kicking off on Saturday, December 3, 2022. Residents and visitors are encouraged to attend one or all of the free, family-friendly activities including Donuts with Santa, the Murrieta Tree Lighting Ceremony, and to visit their neighborhood’s first-ever Santa in the City. In addition, the holiday home decorating contest, letters to Santa, and Santa Hotline offer free fun for families this holiday season.
On Saturday morning, December 3, from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., little ones can get a treat along with a visit with the main man himself at the Donuts with Santa event. The event will take place at Murrieta Town Square Park and Amphitheater (11 Town Square, Murrieta, CA 92562) between the Murrieta Public Library and amphitheater. Thanks to event sponsor The Winfield Group Real Estate Team, Dunkin’ Donuts will be on site to provide donuts for the little ones and coffee for the adults to enjoy, along with holiday crafts and a photo op with Santa. Donuts will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 400 children. While there is no fee to attend, the City asks that attendees bring one can of non-perishable food as a way to support the City’s Holiday Toy and Food Drive.
That evening, the Murrieta Town Square Park Tree Lighting will bring festivity to Murrieta’s Town Square Park. From 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., visitors can enjoy crafts, character appearances, a holiday story reading, and festive entertainment from a brass quartet and jazz trio. They will perform all of your favorite holiday songs as you enjoy an evening under the stars. 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 its official tree lighting. The 40’ pine tree is located in the heart of Town Square between City Hall (1 Town Square, Murrieta, CA 92562) and the Murrieta Police Department. The event is also a part of the Murrieta Holiday Toy and Food Drive, with all items being donated to local families and charities.
This year, the City is excited to launch its very first Santa in the City series of Polar Express themedcommunity gatherings throughout Murrieta. Monday through Friday, December 5 – 9 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., families can enjoy visits with Santa, Polar Express activities, music, crafts, treats, and more at the location closest to their home. Come down in your favorite holiday pajamas to one of the following Santa in the City events:
- Monday, December 5: Murrieta Community Center
- Tuesday, December 6: Vintage Reserve Park
- Wednesday, December 7: Alderwood Clubhouse
- Thursday, December 8: Antelope Hills
- Friday, December 9: Copper Canyon Park
The holiday magic can also be found around town with Murrieta’s Holiday Home Decorating Contest. Do you have the most holiday spirit and want the community to know about it? Be a part of the Holiday Home Decorating Contest where your home competes to be the favorite! Register your home or block for the Murrieta holiday home decorating contest by visiting the City’s website in November. Maps of participating homes will be available so families can tour the festive homes and 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 December 1, the City will also have Letters to Santa templates on our website and a free number to give the man himself a ring with our Santa Hotline (951-461-6086)! Both activities take place at your convenience with the details laid out on our holiday event webpage.
Finally, we’d love to spread the holiday cheer to those who are in need. The City of Murrieta would like to provide an opportunity for the community to come together and provide new, unwrapped, and nonperishable items through its annual Holiday Toy and Food Drive. The Community Services Department will be on hand to take donations drive-thru style on Saturday, December 17, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. 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 donated items 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, please refer to the City’s Special Events Web Page or contact staff at (951) 304-PARK (7275).