Santa is Coming to Town With a Host of Holiday Fun for Duarte Children and Families
There will be plenty of opportunities for children and families to celebrate the holidays in Duarte this season. Holiday fun will kickoff with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Fiesta on Thursday, Dec. 3, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Duarte Senior Center.
Festivities will include musical performances featuring cultural dancers, carolers and a special visit by Santa Claus who will be on hand to hear the special wishes of children and to help light the City’s official Christmas tree, a beautiful live Redwood, at 8 p.m. Children will also enjoy making holiday crafts and playing games assisted by members of the Duarte Parks and Recreation staff. A traditional tamale dinner including two tamales, rice, beans, chips and soda will be available for $5 per person.
Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus and he is ready to answer mail and phone calls from boys and girls in Duarte. Children are invited to send their letters to Santa, care of Duarte City Hall. Letters should be addressed Att: Santa Claus, 1600 E. Huntington Dr., Duarte, CA 91010-2592. Letters can also be deposited directly in Santa’s Mailbox at Duarte City Hall. A return address and phone number must be included with the letter. All letters will be forwarded to the North Pole and will be answered in writing by Santa. Letters will be accepted from Nov. 30 through Dec. 10.
Duarte children are also invited to phone Santa Claus on his special hotline Tuesday, Dec. 15 between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Children can talk to Santa by calling (626) 358-5425.
On Wednesday, Dec. 9, Santa Claus will be making another in-person appearance in Duarte. He will visit Beardslee Park from 2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. and Royal Oaks Park from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. before heading to the Duarte Community Center to spend more time with Duarte children at Santa’s Holiday Party. There will be holiday games, crafts, music, prizes and refreshments. Reservations are a must for this popular free event which is limited to the first 90 participants. To RSVP and to get more information on any of these fun holiday activities, call Duarte Parks and Recreation at (626) 357-7931.
Duarte Mayor Margaret Finlay, holding grandchildren Gavin and Brielle, is aglow after ceremoniously lighting the City’s official Christmas tree, a 38 foot high living Redwood, assisted by Santa and Mrs. Claus and young dancer, Rosanna Rico. More than 200 residents turned out to celebrate the annual tree lighting and fiesta at the Duarte Community Center that included musical entertainment provided by the City of Hope singers and folklorico dancers.
