Santa Claus is Coming to (Down)Town!

Yes, he's at the mall.  But Santa is coming to downtown Fredericksburg, too.  Many times, in fact, between now and Christmas.  Here's the latest schedule assembled by Santa's Elves. (Updated 10 a.m. Dec. 2, 2013)

Portraits with Santa at Kitt Creative: 3 - 7 p.m. Nov. 22, Dec, 12, and Dec. 13;  10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Nov. 23 and Dec. 14.  Portraits with Santa by appointment or walk-in. Refreshments and a craft available for the kids. Sitting is free. Photos packages available. Kit Creative is located at 810 Caroline St., in Fredericksburg -- above Jabberwocky.

VRE Santa Train:  Tickets for the Dec. 14, 2013, VRE Santa Trains go on sale at 9 a.m. on Monday Nov. 25.  They sell out quickly, so please read this story for all details:  VRE Announces Operation Lifesaver Santa Train Ticket Sales 

Children's Tree Lighting: Saturday, Nov. 30, 4 - 6 p.m. in Hurkamp Park, William St & Prince Edward St., Fredericksburg.  Visit with Santa and enjoy holiday music, hot chocolate, cookie decoration and holiday crafts. Free. 

Santa at the Richard Johnston Inn:  2:30 - 4:30 p.m.  Dec. 1 is photos with Santa. Dec. 8 is stories with Santa. Dec. 15 is hand bells and Santa’s Story.  Dec. 22 is “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”   The Richard Johnston Inn is at 711 Caroline St., Fredericksburg.  Free. 

An Evening Dessert With Santa:  Sunday, Dec. 1, 5 - 8 p.m. at the Inn at the Olde Silk Mill, 1707 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg.  Children's activities, photos with Santa, dessert and raffles.  All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.  Tickets are $10 fro children age 3 - 12.  Children age 2 and under and adults are free.   Children cancer survivors or currently in treatment are free.  Purchase tickets at the Inn (540-371-5666) or from Teri R. Reece, treece@mellandfrost.com, 540-760-5705.

Fredericksburg Jaycees Annual Christmas Parade: Saturday, Dec. 7, 5:30 p.m., Downtown Fredericksburg.  Santa will participate in the parade.  The route begins on Caroline Street, travels to Amelia and then along Princess Anne, ending at the reviewing stand near Wolfe Street.  It is expected to last two hours  Free. 

Special Santa for Special Needs: Dec. 8 from 3 - 5 p.m.; Dec. 14 from 4 - 7 p.m. and Dec. 20 from 5 -  8 p.m. at the disAbility Resource Center, 409 Progress St., Fredericksburg.  If you have children with disabilities who can't tolerate the sounds and crowds of the mall, call the dRC and make a reservation for Santa's lap for them and their siblings. We'll have cookies and crafts for all the kids. Be sure to bring your camera and we'll be happy to take pictures of the whole family with the Jolly Old Elf!  Call 540-373-2559 or email cdepollo@cildrc.org for reservations.

Breakfast with Santa at Eileen's Bakery and Cafe: Sunday, Dec. 8, and Sunday, Dec. 15, seatings at 8:45 a.m. and 10 a.m. at Eileen's Bakery and Cafe, 1115 Caroline St., Fredericksburg.  $10.99 - $14.99 Reservations required. 

Santa in the Museum Store: Friday, Dec. 13, 6 - 8 p.m. at the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center, 1001 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg.  Free.

Breakfast with Santa at James Monroe High School: Saturday, Dec. 14, 9 a.m. at James Monroe High School, 2300 Washington Ave., Fredericksburg.  Enjoy pancakes with Santa and make a craft.  All proceeds benefit the James Monroe High School band.  $6 per person. 

Story Time & Breakfast with Santa: Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 - 11:15 a.m. at the  Dorothy Hart Community Center, 408 Canal St., Fredericksburg. Enjoy the holiday season with a story, craft making, buffet and Santa! $6 per child.

Civil War Santa at Chatham:  Sunday, Dec. 22, 1 - 4 p.m. at Chatham Manor, 120 Chatham Lane in Stafford. Visit with Santa, make decorations, enjoy punch and cookies.  Free.

We'll be checkin' this list more than twice, so come back for updates throughout the holiday season.

For more holiday fun, see:

• A Comprehensive List of Fredericksburg Holiday Events 2013
• Holiday Volunteer Opportunities in the Fredericksburg Area
• Trees of Hope Week in Fredericksburg
• VRE Announces Operation Lifesaver Santa Train Ticket Sales
  
• Hope for the Holidays 2013