The City of Murrieta is bringing the holiday magic to town starting with a weekend of fun Saturday and Sunday, December 4 and 5. Residents and visitors are encouraged to attend one or all of the free, family-friendly activities including Donuts with Santa, the Festival of Trees and Tree Lighting Ceremony, and Holiday Magic Outdoor Movie Showing of “Elf.” In addition, the holiday home decorating contest and voting launch December 1 and letters to Santa and Santa Hotline offer free fun for families this holiday season.
On Saturday morning, December 4, from 9 – 10:30 a.m., Santa will be busy at three different City of Murrieta parks for Donuts with Santa. Residents can pick from Alderwood Clubhouse (28610 Baxter Road), Copper Canyon Park (23790 Via Alisol), and Town Square Park (11 Town Square) to enjoy a morning with Santa. Donuts will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis at each park to the first 300 children. While there is no fee to attend, the City asks that attendees bring one can of non-perishable food to participate.
That evening, the Festival of Trees will bring festivity and creativity to Murrieta’s Town Square Amphitheater. From 5 – 8 p.m., visitors can see dozens of decorated Christmas trees and enjoy crafts, a holiday story reading, and entertainment and vendors. The event is also a toy and food drive, with all items being donated to local families and charities. At 6 p.m. that evening, the City will hold its official tree lighting. The recently planted 40’ pine tree is located in the heart of Town Square between City Hall and the Murrieta Police Department.
If your team, group, or organization would like to be a part of the Festival of Trees and put your decorating skills to the test, there are still a few trees available. Reserve a tree for only $25 at tinyurl.com/festival-of-trees-purchase and then come to Town Square Park starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 4, to decorate your masterpiece. The trees will be judged and winners will be announced Saturday evening. At the conclusion of the weekend’s events, the decorated trees will be donated to families in need.
The fun continues on Sunday evening with the Holiday Magic Showing of “Elf” at Town Square Park Amphitheater. Join us on December 5 for the FREE movie-in-the-park. Showtime is at 6 p.m., but come early to visit the vendors, complete a craft, or play some games. PJs or Buddy the Elf attire encouraged and don’t forget to bring chairs and blankets to keep warm throughout the evening.
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 for votes to be the community’s favorite! Register your home or block for the Murrieta holiday home decorating contest by visiting City’s website at tinyurl.com/murrietaholidaycontest2021. Enter by 4 p.m., December 5, to be included and have a chance to be the most festive Murrieta home. Maps of participating homes will be available on the website by 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 8, along with a survey for viewers to vote for their favorites. Winners will be announced and posted once the votes are tallied. Entries must be within Murrieta city limits to qualify.
Looking for other ways to experience the holiday spirit? Starting 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 all of 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 non-perishable items through its annual Holiday Toy and Food Drive. The Parks and Recreation team will be on hand to take donations drive-thru style on Saturday, December 18, 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 Upcoming Special Events Web Page or contact staff at (951) 304-PARK (7275).