The holidays are a special time in Saratoga Springs as the library and Civic Events departments team up to provide a variety of fun activities for our residents.

“Celebrate in Saratoga” is a multiweek event that starts the Monday after Thanksgiving. Kids in the community are invited to write a letter to Santa and put it into Santa’s mailbag at any “Celebrate in Saratoga” event or Santa’s mailbox at the library. Letter templates can be found on the city website. Letters that include the child’s address and are turned in by Dec. 16 will be answered by Santa.

The annual Christmas Tree Lighting will be held on Dec. 2. Santa arrives at 6 p.m. followed by a tree-lighting program and holiday fireworks show at 6:30 p.m.

Often, those needing special accommodations find it hard to find a time or place to visit with Santa; Saratoga Springs is excited to hold its annual Silent Santa event on Dec. 7. This event provides a time to meet Santa in a low-stress, quiet environment. 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, starting with the Children’s Visual Arts Contest. Contest submissions will accepted this year until Dec. 2. Winners will be announced at the Holiday Orchestra Concert on Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. at Vista Heights Middle School. This free, family-friendly concert is traditionally marked by a visit from Santa and a holiday gift for all the kids in attendance.

The Saratoga Springs Youth Council is 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 invite residents to join them at the Stuff the Jar Night Holiday Carnival on Dec. 11 at Westlake High School at 6 p.m. All proceeds earned will go to help families in need in Saratoga Springs.

Our holiday events end with a family movie night featuring “Home Alone” on Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. at Thunder Ridge Elementary.

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 fun family events and activities to help everyone celebrate 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 saratogasprings-ut.gov/celebrateinsaratoga.