Victoria Gardens Kicks off Holidays with Snow and a Jolly Old Fellow

It may still be November, but the young and young at heart should prepare their Christmas lists and consider heading out to Rancho Cucamonga.

Victoria Gardens will welcome Santa Claus and the holiday season at a holiday season kickoff event scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 shopping center’s Chaffey Town Square.

The event is free will feature a fireworks show, “magical snow” in Town Square, the annual holiday tree lighting, and, of course, the arrival of the big man himself, Santa Claus, organizers said.

“The holiday season has officially arrived, and Victoria Gardens is pulling out all the stops to welcome the season, and Santa, to the center,” Melina Ferraez, Director of Marketing for Victoria Gardens through a written statement.  “Shoppers will enjoy the best of this exciting season, with fireworks, snow and plenty of holiday cheer to kick off the shopping season at the Inland Empire’s top destination for holiday shopping.”

The event is scheduled to begin with the annual lighting ceremony of Victoria Gardens’ 48-foot holiday tree, followed by a spectacular fireworks show, organizers said. After the fireworks show, Santa will make his debut as the first magical snowfall of the season falls over Town Square.

Throughout the event, the Dickens Carolers will be singing holiday favorites for guests’ enjoyment, organizers said.

Guests may bring their own chairs and blankets for lawn seating during the show, and are encouraged to visit Victoria Gardens’ various food establishments for refreshments before, during and after the event.

Santa will be a frequent guest following the kick-off event and will visit with the children every week through Dec. 24.

Santa’s visiting hours are:

Nov. 16 through Dec. 12, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday - Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Sundays.

Dec. 13 through 23, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

Dec. 24, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The annual Magical Snowfall in Town Square returns each weekend through Dec. 22.  Magical Snowfall is scheduled from 7 to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and on Sundays at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.  Each show is approximately 15 minutes long, and is free.

The Dickens Carolers appearance throughout the shopping center’s holiday celebration. Performances days and times include:

• November 15, 4 – 7 p.m.
• November 16, 4 – 7 p.m.
• November 17, 1 – 4 p.m.
• November 22, 4 – 7 p.m.
• November 23, 4 – 7 p.m.
• November 24, 1 – 4 p.m.
• November 29, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• November 30, 4 – 7 p.m.
• December 1, 1 – 4 p.m.
• December 6, 4 – 7 p.m.
• December 7, 4 – 7 p.m.
• December 8, 1 – 4 p.m.
• December 13, 4 – 7 p.m.
• December 14, 4 – 7 p.m.
• December 15, 1 – 4 p.m.
• December 20, 4 – 7 p.m.
• December 21, 4 – 7 p.m.
• December 22, 1 – 4 p.m.
• December 23, 4 – 7 p.m.

For more information on this event, organizers encourage calls to Guest Services at (909) 463-2829. They may also visit the shopping center’s website.

-- Story courtesy of Victoria Gardens