Santa’s arrival and tree lighting on Dec. 1

Word from the North Pole is that Santa’s definitely coming to Woodinville but the question is how. He’s expected to arrive on Dec. 1 in time to kick off the 2006 Woodinville Light Festival and assist Mayor Cathy VonWald with the Tree Light Ceremony at 6:30 p.m., at City Hall. Guests can enjoy holiday caroling, puppetry performances, arts and crafts and local art activities happening from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Carol Edwards Center, Woodinville City Hall and Brittany Park Retirement Community, all located on NE 133rd Avenue NE.

New to this year’s event are Valentine’s Performing Pigs and Gingerbread House Contest. Favorite traditions include the Elf Express lighted train, photos with Santa, Santa’s Workshop and Teen Art Show.

Light displays at the Carol Edwards Center, including the Crystal Courtyard, will shine on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 6 to 9 p.m. through Dec. 23.

The holiday fun continues on Dec. 2 with Tim Casey and The Bluescats performing at the ‘Tis the Season to Swing Dance, 6 to 9:30 p.m. with dance lessons by Eastside Swing Dance.

Skate free with Santa on December 3, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Kingsgate Ice Area, 14326 124th Avenue NE, Kirkland. Donations of non-perishable food items benefit Hopelink.

Make plans for a special evening on Dec. 8 and attend the Special Recreation Holiday Dance, 7 to 9 p.m.

Event information, performance schedules, and admission information are available on the City Web site at www.ci.woodinville.wa.us or by calling the Special Event Hotline at (425) 984-2346.

The City wishes to thank its major sponsors Brittany Park Retirement Community, Olympic Nursery, and Sunbelt Rentals and its event supporters - Buyer’s Choice, Ruby’s Diner, Snohomish Flying Service, Sno-King Hockey Association, Woodinville Lions Club, Woodinville Fire & Life Safety District, Woodinville Police, Woodinville Senior Center, and The Woodinville Weekly.