Santee Gets Bright for the Holidays

If you're looking for a family event that's guaranteed to get you into the holiday spirit, mark your calendar for the City of Santee Holiday Lighting Celebration.

The event, which is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18 at Santee Trolley Square, offers upbeat activities for people of all ages.

As an event that celebrates the start of the holiday season, don't be surprised to see folks being spontaneously cheerful and wearing reindeer antlers.

Live music from the Bayou Brothers, who play a mix of zydeco with a holiday twist, will help you get into the mood.  If that doesn't close the deal, then the roving carolers dressed in period costumes will.

There will be booths to browse, samples from local eateries, and plenty of fun activities for kids.  Craft stations will be set up where children can decorate cookies, construct a paper chain, or make their own ornaments and holiday gift bags.

The Holiday Lighting Celebration is focused around the lighting of a 20-foot artificial tree.  With the wave of a faux magic wand, the tree's holiday lights will flash on.  At the same instant the tree is lighted, entry monuments at four major intersections will come aglow with decorative lights.

Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available for $2 per person, except for children 3 years or younger, who may ride for free on a lap of an adult.  For a $3 fee, children 5 years and older, as well as adults, can glide on ice skates across a 2,400-square-foot synthetic rink.  Children will be able to confide their wish lists to Santa.  Professional photos with the jolly guy will be available for $10.

Title sponsor for the event is Waste Management.  Other sponsors include Santee Trolley Square, Welk Resorts, Daphne's California Greek, Fireworks America and MTS.

Information about the event is available by calling the Santee Special Events Hotline at (619) 258-4100 ext. 201 or visit the city's website.