Schedule of Mission Viejo Fun this Christmas

Mission Viejo has lots of opportunities to celebrate Christmas. Whether you want photos with Santa, a place to write him a letter or crafts to make for family and friends, here's a list of when, where and how:

Santa's Arrival & Celebration: Sunday, Nov. 25. Enjoy “make and take” craft projects, games and holiday stories for children of all ages. There will be music and dance programs plus snacks for purchase. Santa will arrive on a fire engine and with the help of the children, turn on the holiday lights. 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m: Festival Celebration. 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m: entertainment. 6:00 p.m: Santa Arrives

Letters to Santa: Nov. 25-Dec. 19. Santa promises to answer every letter deposited in the mailbox next to his Workshop. Please be sure to clearly print your name and return address so Santa and his elves can respond to each letter.

Santa's Workshop: Nov. 28-Dec. 19, Wed, Sat, Sun 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Children are invited to share their holiday wishes with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s Workshop. Free hot chocolate will be served. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the holiday magic.

Holiday Lighting Contest: Deadline Nov. 30, final judging Dec. 5. Winners will receive prizes in addition to a big Winner Sign for their front yard and a photo. Houses must be decorated and entries received by Friday, November 30.Cost is free. Details: 830-7066 or visit mvactivities.com for entry forms.

North Pole Calling: Dec. 3 - 7 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. It’s that time of year again for children to get that special call from Santa. Registration forms are required and available at local elementary schools, SVUSD Department of Recreation & Community Services or online after November 12. Ages 3 - 8. 768-0981, saddlebackrecreation.com. Cost is free.

Parents' Night Out: Friday, Dec. 7, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Enjoy a night out for holiday shopping, dinner or wrapping gifts. The Student Advisory Committee is planning an evening of fun, games, crafts and more. Age 3 & older at the Norman P. Murray Center. Details: 470-3062. Cost is $10 per child.

Gingerbread House Workshop: Sat. Dec. 8 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Bring the whole family and decorate a gingerbread house. Become a frosting designer, a cookie and candy architect and have fun. All toppings, candies and supplies are provided. All Ages. Norman P. Murray Center. Details: 470-3062. Cost is $60 per Gingerbread House.

Santa Paws: Sat. Dec. 8. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. You and your pet can have your picture taken with Santa for a good cause. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the animals at the MV Animal Services Center. Friendly and social pets are welcome. Santa’s Village at the Civic Center: 470-3045, cmvas.org. Cost is $20.

A Christmas Carol: Sat. Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. “A Christmas Carol” is a faithful telling of the familiar story with traditional Christmas songs and music. Play adapted for a large cast of young performers by Kathryn Schutz Miller. Norman P. Murray Center. Details: 470-8440 or visit outoftheboxarts.com. Cost is free.

The Spirit of Christmas: Sun. Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. Enjoy traditional and international melodies to delight young and old. Goodies and hot Wassail Cider will be served. Norman P. Murray Center. Details: 470-8440. Cost is $15.