By Christine Bryant
Staff Writer
Participants in last year’s Reindeer Run in Reynoldsburg got into the holiday spirit by dressing in festive outfits.
It’s hard to believe Christmas is just weeks away, but the city of Reynoldsburg is making preparations to ensure this year’s holiday activities are festive.
Mark your calendars. Here’s a list of holiday happenings this season in Reynoldsburg.
Tree lighting ceremony
The holiday events kick off with the annual tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. Nov. 28 at Reynoldsburg City Hall, 7232 E. Main St.
The event will include carols, hot chocolate and the unveiling of the decorations that blanket the city hall grounds.
NC4K Reindeer Run
It may be cold, but that won’t stop a group of runners racing for a cause.
The NC4K Reindeer Run will take place Dec. 3, with a kids fun run beginning at 8:45 a.m., following by the start of the 5K run/walk at 9 a.m. The event will take place in Huber Park, 1520 Davidson Drive.
Reynoldsburg High School graduate Nellie Corriveau began Nellie’s Champions for Kids as a way to make life easier for kids and teens with cancer. The non-profit helps meets the needs of families as they travel through a journey in their life they never imagined.
Proceeds from the run benefit kids and teens battling cancer during the holiday season. The event includes Christmas music, giveaways, free t-shirts and hot chocolate, and participants are encouraged to dress up in holiday attire or costumes as well.
Parking is available near the old Reynoldsburg pool and at the Bingo hall off Davidson Drive. Police officers will direct traffic, and roads will be blocked off in the vicinity from 7:30-10:30 a.m.
To sign up, go to runsignup.com or nc4k.org .
Christmas on the Towne
Residents and visitors are invited to stroll through downtown Reynoldsburg and enjoy the holidays with local merchants.
Sponsored by the Reynoldsburg Community Association, the event take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 3 in Olde Reynoldsburg between Lancaster Avenue and Waggoner Road.
Businesses open their doors, providing specials and giveaways for adults and children. Other activities include visits with Santa, a secret Santa shop, carriage rides through Olde Reynoldsburg and samples of seasonal goodies offered throughout the day.
Phone calls/letters from Santa
If your little one loves Santa, the city has the perfect opportunity to get in touch with him.
Santa will make phone calls from 6-7 p.m. Dec. 7 and 8 to any child or parent who completes a form located in the Parks and Recreation Department brochure, which can be found at city hall.
Those who prefer snail mail can drop off a letter at Santa’s Mailbox anytime between Nov. 28 and Dec. 14, and will receive a letter back from Santa. Santa’s Mailbox is located on the steps of city hall.
Breakfast with Santa
A popular event every year, this season’s Breakfast with Santa will take place from 9-11 a.m. Dec. 17 at the Reynoldsburg Senior Center, 1520 Davidson Drive.
Participants must pre-register by 5 p.m., Dec. 9. The cost is $20 per family of four, plus $3 for each additional family member.
For information, call (614) 322-6806.
Fill the Cruiser for Kids
The Reynoldsburg Division of Police and the city’s Parks and Recreation Department will again collect presents for kids in need.
Now in its third year, the Fill the Cruiser for Kids event will take place from 8-10 a.m. Dec. 3 during the NC4K Reindeer Run 5K. A cruiser will be relocated at 10 a.m. to the parking lot west of Prost located at 7354 E. Main St. for the Christmas on the Towne event.
Gifts should be new, unwrapped and non-violent toys for a boy or girl, from newborns to the age of 14.
If unable to drop off the donation on Dec. 3, gifts are welcome at the Reynoldsburg Police Department now through 3 p.m., Dec. 3., or at the Parks and Recreation Department at town hall from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, through Dec. 2.
