The Bristol Press – Bristol has a full range of holiday programs including ‘Scuba Diving’ with Santa Claus

On December 2, the Bristol Department of Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services is collecting letters to Santa from the parks. They can be dropped off at Federal Hill Green Lookout, Page Park Playground, and Mrs. Rockwell’s Pavilion at Rockwell Park. Children who send letters to the North Pole will receive a letter from Santa, Mrs. Claus or one of Santa’s elves in return.

Santa Claus will then come to the Dennis Malone Aquatic Center on December 3 and 4 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for “Scuba Santa”. Participants will be able to take underwater photos with Santa Claus. Those wishing to participate can register at bristolrec.com. The event, sponsored by the Region 5 Dive Team, is free to the community. Santa will also be collecting unwrapped toys to benefit the town’s holiday gift program.

The Community City Tree Lighting will take place on December 6 from 6-8 p.m. at Page Park Pool. There will be a holiday light display for visitors to enjoy while they count the tree lighting on the top deck of Page Park Pool. Hot chocolate will be served and there will be many festive activities, including Christmas carols and visits with Santa Claus.

Santa will also visit families at the 36th annual Winter Wonderland, which will be held Dec. 8-11 at Mrs. Rockwell’s pavilion. Winter Wonderland hours of operation are 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday and Saturday-Sunday 12-4 p.m.

“Let us transport you to Bristol’s most magical destination,” said Josh Medeiros, Superintendent of Bristol’s Department of Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services. “This free family event is open to all ages and will allow the whole family to explore several winter holidays celebrated in our city.”

Medeiros said families can expect to see crafts and activities around the holidays of Christmas, New Years, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa and more. Children are encouraged to pick up a free candy cane, work on crafts in the workshop and enjoy the festive displays. They can also visit Santa and help “stuff the sleigh” by bringing new, unwrapped toys and gifts to local families in need.

Brian M. Johnson can be reached at 860-973-1806 or bjohnson@bristolpress.com.