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Mayors of Utah Valley: Celebrating the holidays in Saratoga Springs

By Jim Miller - Special to the Daily Herald | Dec 10, 2022

Courtesy photo

Jim Miller

The holidays are a special time in Saratoga Springs as the library and civic events departments team gear up to provide a variety of fun activities for our residents. Celebrate in Saratoga is a month-long event that started right after Thanksgiving. The event kicks off with two activities that can be done at home. Families can help the City decorate the City Hall Christmas tree by picking up an ornament craft that can be turned back in to be placed on the tree for all visitors to see. Kids in the community are invited to write a letter to Santa and either put it in Santa’s mail bag at the Christmas Tree lighting or Santa’s mailbox at the Library. Letter templates can be found on the city website. Letters that includes the child’s address and are turned in by December 16 will be answered by Santa.

The annual Christmas Tree Lighting had to be postponed this year due to a winter storm. Traditionally it is held on the Monday after Thanksgiving, as the first event to kick off the holiday season. Santa arrived at 6 p.m. ,followed by a tree lighting program at 6:30. The mayor shared a message after local youth performed holiday songs. A small winter fireworks show was added to celebrate Saratoga Springs’ 25 year celebration.

Often those needing special accommodations find it hard to find a time or place to visit with Santa. Saratoga Springs was excited to hold the third annual Silent Santa event. This event provides a time to meet Santa in a low stress, quiet environment. Silent Santa is usually held on the first Saturday of December. Attendance at this event is by registration only. Registration opens in November each year.

The Saratoga Springs Arts Council hosts multiple holiday events each year, while starting a new holiday tradition this year. The first ever Children’s Visual Arts Contest accepted submissions till the end of November. The winners were announced at the Holiday Orchestra Concert on December 5 at Vista Heights Middle School. This free, family-friendly concert is traditionally marked by a visit from Santa, and a holiday gift for all of the kids in attendance. The Holiday Home Decorating Contest runs from December 1-26. An interactive map and a link to vote for your favorite home are available on the city website.

The Saratoga Springs Youth Council was proud to partner with the Westlake Student Council again as a sponsor of the Christmas Jars Program. The Youth Council and the Miss Saratoga Springs Royalty participated in the Stuff the Jar Night, Holiday Carnival on December 7 at Westlake High School. All proceeds earned will go to help families in need in Saratoga Springs.

Many of these fun activities have become family traditions for our residents. We are pleased to continue to work with other groups in the community to provide family friendly events and activities to help everyone enjoy the holiday season. Events that bring the community together help make Saratoga Springs a great place to live, work and play and ensure that Life’s just better here.

For more information on these events go to: www.saratogaspringscity.com/celebrateinsaratoga

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