Christmas is in the air in Reynoldsburg as the city kicks off its popular holiday events.
Reynoldsburg will begin its holiday season with its annual Christmas tree lighting at 7 p.m. Dec. 1.
The tree, which will be decorated in a medley of holiday colors, is located outside the Reynoldsburg Municipal Building, 7232 E. Main St.
Winter revelers can continue the holiday tradition by attending the city’s Christmas on the Towne event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6 in Olde Reynoldsburg.
Activities and entertainment include carolers, businesses open for perusing, a secret Santa Shop and visits with Santa.
Carriage rides will once again be offered from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in front of Cotner Funeral Home, said Mary Hudson, director of the Reynoldsburg Visitors Bureau.
Cost of the rides is free with a donation to Reynoldsburg Helping Hands.
Also at the event, a DARE officer will be at the visitor’s bureau offering fingerprinting for children, and the Reynoldsburg Community Association will be outside the visitor’s bureau giving away popcorn.
Christmas on the Towne has been a popular event with Reynoldsburg residents since it first began more than 15 years ago, Hudson said.
"Most of the businesses give away hot chocolate and those types of things," Hudson said.
Kids also will enjoy a walk through the fire department’s safety house, she said.
While in town, children wishing to personally hear from Santa may write a letter and drop it off at Santa’s special mailbox located at the municipal building.
Santa’s elves will pick up the letters throughout the beginning of December, with the last pick-up date of Dec. 22.
Each child will receive a letter in return, thanks to Santa’s elves that work for the city of Reynoldsburg.
The Parks and Recreation Department also offers several activities toward the end of the year and into 2009.
The department will release its new brochure during the first week of January. Residents who pay a Reynoldsburg water bill will have a copy mailed to them, said Jason Gandee, recreation supervisor for the City of Reynoldsburg.
The first brochure will include activities during the months of January through July, with the second brochure including activities for the second half of the year.
The brochures will be available for download in a pdf format on the city’s Web site at www.ci.reynoldsburg.oh.us.
