TEMECULA - Old Town Temecula welcomes Santa Claus in picturesque fashion to his workshop on Friday, Nov. 23, at 6 p.m. with a grand procession aboard a horse drawn carriage down Old Town Front Street to Main Street.

Lighting his way is more than 30,000 twinkling lights from archway to archway in trees and on light poles. It will be opening day of Winterfest and Santa will be

escorted by Dickens carolers, a giant elf, and Freckles the clown.

Santa will listen to children’s holiday wishes until 9 p.m. and while kids wait they can get free balloons from Dynamite Dave or face painting from Freckles. Participating Old Town Temecula businesses will have reindeer antlers for kids while supplies last.

Kids can visit with Santa every Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 16. The Tahquitz District Boy Scouts will take souvenir photos for a donation and help Santa in his workshop. Weekends include Dickens carolers and other family-oriented entertainment with puppet shows, music and Dynamite Dave. Santa’s Electric Light Parade brightens the evening Friday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m.

Old Town Temecula’s seasonal ice rink Advertisement

[ Pala Mesa Resort ] returns Friday, Dec. 14, with hourly sessions through Jan. 6, 2013. The 3,500 square foot ice rink will be located at Main and Mercedes. Check the website www.temeculaevents.org for times, prices and more information.

Friday, Dec. 14, also marks the day snow comes to Old Town Temecula at Pennypickles Workshop, Temecula Children’s Museum. Snow and activities begin at 5:30 p.m. See 

www.pennypickles.org for more information.

Temecula’s Town Square is also the scene of a giant New Year’s Eve Family Friend First Night Bash. Join your neighbors at Temecula’s newest tradition with the Grape Drop Countdown at City Hall. The celebration offers dancing to the Silver Beatles, Safety Orange, The Bash Band and Valley Winds.  

This is a family-friendly event with a party jump, Dynamite Dave, face painting, arts and crafts, family games, and a magician. Usher in the new year as a giant illuminated bunch of grapes descends from city hall with an East Coast (9 p.m.) and midnight countdown.

All activities at Temecula Town Square are free except the ice rink which will remain open until 1:30 a.m. New Year’s Day. See

www.temeculacalifornia.com for more information or call (951) 678-1456.