All day event includes parade, Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, tree lighting & more
Also – don’t miss other December events like Breakfast with Santa, Gingerbread House Building, & Cookie Decorating.
ROCKWALL, TX (Dec. 2, 2014) The City of Rockwall is presenting a flurry of holiday activities and events this year.
And what better place to be than Downtown Rockwall on Saturday, Dec. 6th for a joyous, daylong celebration, where the entire family can catch an abundance of Christmas cheer.
Starting with a morning Christmas parade and ending with an evening tree lighting ceremony, this event marks Rockwall’s first time for the ultimate Christmas gathering – a host of holiday festivities wrapped up into one day.
Bethany Browning, City of Rockwall Main Street Manager, said business owner and Downtown Merchants Association board member Tammy Sharp long had a vision of offering families a fun, one-day celebration.
“She felt it would ease some of the stress for families by combining events,” Browning said. “She wanted people to enjoy as many activities as possible. It’s a win-win for event organizers and for families.”
Sharp’s vision and the help of city and county officials, local organizations and downtown participants helped create the Dec. 6th event, which combines the 45th Annual Kiwanis Christmas Parade and downtown festivities (usually held on a Saturday); the 31st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall (usually held on a Thursday); and the county’s ‘Tis Christmas Time (usually held on a Tuesday).
The parade kicks off at 9 a.m, followed by arts and crafts, a toy drive and carolers, a photo booth, Find Frosty (a game sponsored by the Old Town Shoppes for patrons), a game trailer and more, including free carriage rides. The tree lighting tops off the festivities.
As an added bonus, attendees can do their holiday shopping at the unique downtown retail shops and enjoy downtown restaurants that offer some of the best dining in Rockwall.
But bringing residents and events together on the same day wasn’t enough for Sharp – she also wanted to offer the elaborate holiday celebration at a low cost, so events are free. The Life House is sponsoring free coffee; face painting, arts and crafts and other events are planned for kids; and Mr. and Mrs. Santa have accepted an invitation to be there from Rockwall County and the Rockwall County Historical Foundation.
Coming together to plan the event were Kiwanis of Rockwall; Rockwall County and the Rockwall County Historical Foundation; the Downtown Merchants Association, Rockwall Main Street and Friends of Downtown; and the City of Rockwall Parks and Recreation Department. They will be assisted by the National Charity League girls that will volunteer throughout the day.
Santa and Mrs. Santa are making a list and checking it twice, so be sure you’re there!
By Blue Ribbon News contributing writer Judy Evans.
Don’t miss these holiday activities in December, too!
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16
GINGERBREAD HOUSE BUILDING
Design your gingerbread dream house! Houses are already upright, so all you need to do is bring creativity, holiday cheer and a bag of candy to share with friends as you decorate your special holiday house.
Location: The Center
Date: Tue, Dec 16, 2014
Time: 5:30 – 7:30pm
Fees: $23 / $15 (Discounted Resident Fee)
Age: 3 – 12 yrs
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Santa Claus is coming to town. Come tell Santa what you want for Christmas.Pancakes, sausage, bacon, orange juice, candy canes, and activities will be provided.Bring your camera for a picture perfect moment. *Limited tickets available, pre-registration required.
Location: The Center
Date: Sat, Dec 13, 2014
Time: 8:15 – 9:45am & 11:15 – 11:45pm
Fees: Per plate $15 / $9 (Discounted Resident Fee)
Age: ALL
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23
REINDEER FOOD & COOKIE DECORATING
Stockings hung with care…check. Christmas Tree decorated…check. Santa’s cookies and Reindeer food…OH NO! Kiddos will make reindeer food to help guide Santa’s sleigh to your house and then they garnish Christmas themed cookies for the Jolly Ol’ Elf.
Location: The Center
Date: Tue, Dec 23, 2014
Time: 5:30 – 7:30pm
Fees: $15 / $9 (Discounted Resident Fee)
Age: 2 – 8yrs
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