North Pole resident Santa Claus will be visiting National City from 2-6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12 this year.
National City Recreation Center Supervisor Juanita Castaneda said city officials have organized a mobile visit from Claus for the holiday season this year in order to preserve physical distancing efforts and limit potential spread of the COVID-19 virus.
“We’ve organized a Santa Cruise for this year. Basically, we’re going to have Santa safely driven around the city in a convertible car so everyone can wave hello while remaining distanced,” Castaneda said.
Claus, who will be escorted by officers with the National City Police Department on his cruise around town, will be stopping at 50 homes and taking photos with families who signed up ahead of time.
Castaneda said Claus will be driven around National City after taking photos at stops along the way so there are plenty of opportunities to greet him throughout the evening.
“His final destination will be National City Boulevard and Highland Avenue so anyone who did not get the chance to sign up can still plan to be there and wave hello as he passes through,” Castaneda said.
Claus said he will be bringing some of his elves along with him and, although he will not be getting out of the car that has been arranged for his visit, he is looking forward to greeting National City families at a distance.
“I Ho-Ho-hope to see some of my favorite families on the cruise through National City. I promised Mrs. Claus I’d be home for dinner so I can’t stop at every home but I am watching from a safe distance and wish every one of you very Happy Holidays,” Claus said.
In addition to the Santa Cruise, Castaneda said the city has also planned for two holiday movies families can attend in the parking lot at Las Palmas park on Dec. 11.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! and the 2020 version of Dr. Doolittle will be simultaneously shown at opposite ends of the parking lot.
The movies will be played drive-in style with large screens set up for viewers to watch the film while listening to the soundtrack through their radios. Families are expected to remain in their cars and observe public distancing rules.
There is a $10 fee for the event and “we’re hoping we have a full house” Castandeda said.
National City residents can register and pay for their entry to the movie night at: www.joinnatcity.com
Registration for the movie event opens up on Monday, Nov. 23.
