Santa is Coming to Duarte “Our Kind of Town” With

Holiday Fun for Duarte Children and Families

DUARTE, CA, November 22, 2011 – Santa Claus will be spending a lot of time in Duarte this year and there will be plenty of opportunities for children and families to hang out with the jolly old fellow and celebrate the season.

Holiday fun will kickoff with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Fiesta on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Duarte Senior Center. Festivities will include musical performances, caroling, and a visit by Santa who will be on hand to hear children’s special wishes and help light the City’s official Christmas tree. Children can enjoy making holiday crafts and playing games assisted by members of the Duarte Parks and Recreation staff. A traditional tamale dinner including tamales, beans and rice will be available for purchase at $6 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. Santa will also accept letters via email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . All letters will be forwarded to the North Pole and will be answered in writing by Santa.  Letters will be accepted from Nov. 28 through Dec. 15.  Duarte children are also invited to phone Santa Claus on his special hotline Dec. 13 between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Children can talk to Santa by calling (626) 358-5425.

On Saturday, Dec. 3, kids and their parents are invited to have Breakfast with Santa at the Duarte Community Center from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Tickets for the event sponsored by the Duarte Rotary Club are $2 for children 10 years of age and under, and $4 for adults. After breakfast, kids can have fun making holiday decorations with the Duarte Parks and Recreation staff.

On Wednesday, Dec. 7 Santa Claus will make three appearances in Duarte. He will visit Beardslee Park from 2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., Royal Oaks Park from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., and then head to the Duarte Community Center to spend more time with Duarte children at Santa’s Holiday Party from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 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.