Santa Stops In Cathedral City For Holiday Kick-Off

The spirit of Christmas was celebrated a few weeks early Thursday in Cathedral City.

Santa Clause joined the mayor and city council for the annual tree lighting ceremony in Town Square.

Hundreds showed up to ring in the holiday season.

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Volunteers handed out free hot chocolate and popcorn for the kids.

The parents warmed up with coffee and the smiles on the faces of all the young ones.

Brianna Garza, 11, showed up with her mom and younger brothers.

“They’re really excited because they get to see Santa Clause,” she said.

Santa stole the show.

He arrived the only way jolly old Saint-Nic could. He stood tall on a Cathedral City fire engine before he was embraced by the children in awe.

“I had lots of fun,” said Michael Garza, who is 7-years-old.

The big kids also had a blast.

Florine Marchal is an exchange student visiting from Belgium and this was the first time that he’s celebrated the holidays in America.

Marchal was impressed by the special concert hosted by the Desert Winds Freedom Band.

“I like the music over there, because we don’t have that there,” he said. “The tree is pretty nice — completely different than Europe. So, I liked it.”

“That’s why we produce these events,” said Allen Howe, a city spokesperson, “To build that sense of community for Cathedral City.”

Mayor Kathy DeRosa and members of the city council illuminated the Christmas tree with bright lights and a single star at the very top.

“It’s really nice,” said Porsia Smith, who is visiting with a friend. “I like how the tree looks.”

“The thing I like about Christmas is we get to spend a lot of time with each other and its just fun,” said Brianna Garza.

After the tree lighting ceremony, Santa was perched on top of his thrown.

Kids sat on his lap, and each one brought their wish list for christmas day.

Admission wasn’t free.

Visitors were asked to bring a canned food item or new toy.

The U.S. Marine Corp. was accepting donations for its ‘Toys for Tots’ program.

The F.I.N.D. (Food in Need of Distribution) Food Bank collected non-perishables for needy families.

“It’s just a great way for the community to come together,” said Howe. “Kick off the Christmas season, or holiday season, and give a chance to give back to other people.”

The Boys and Girls Club also held it’s first annual wreath auction at the Pickfair Promenade and raised money for the organization.