Santa and Mrs. Claus made a festive return to Bowie, greeting families at the Senior Center with carols, cookies, and a chance to share gift wishes, all while collecting donations for local charities.
Here are the highlights:
- Santa and Mrs. Claus returned to Bowie to greet children and parents ahead of the holidays.
- They arrived in a Bowie Volunteer Fire Truck to the song ‘Here Comes Santa Claus’.
- Sixty residents participated in the event at the Bowie Senior Center, enjoying carols and holiday spirit.
- Council Member Michael Estève thanked the Senior Center staff and emphasized the city’s diversity and services.
- Santa’s visit was part of the annual city tree lighting ceremony, which has moved locations in recent years.
- Residents donated canned goods to the Bowie Food Pantry and gifts for Toys for Tots.
- Participants enjoyed arts, crafts, cookies, and hot chocolate while sharing their gift requests with Santa.
- Nineteen kids were confirmed to be on the Good List at the end of the evening.
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Santa and Mrs. Claus Return to Bowie
Santa and Mrs. Claus returned to Bowie to greet kids and parents ahead of the holidays.
Arriving in their customary Bowie Volunteer Fire Truck to a chorus of "Here Comes Santa Claus", Mr. and Mrs. Claus greeted dozens of excited youngsters and their families at the Bowie Senior Center Sunday night.
Sixty residents warmed hands and held kids on their shoulders on the frigid evening as city staff led rounds of carols ahead of Santa's arrival. Council Member Michael Estève gave brief remarks thanking Senior Center personnel for spending their weekend with residents and opening the center to the community.
"As a lifelong resident, I'm most proud of this city's diversity, great services, and wonderful staff," Estève remarked. "Whatever your faith or creed, I wish you a happy and restful holiday season, especially after these tumultuous few years for our city and country."
"I also ask you keep us in your thoughts and prayers this season as the city works to keep up the great services we all love," the councilman added.
Santa's visit capstones the annual city tree lighting ceremony, traditionally held at the Belair Mansion. The event has in recent years moved to different locations to highlight different neighborhoods and amenities around the city.
Last year's tree lighting was held at Bowie Veterans Memorial Park in Old Bowie. Next year's location is yet to be determined, but will likely be in South Bowie.
Residents gathered canned goods for donation to the Bowie Food Pantry and brought gifts for the Toys for Tots collection. Arts, crafts, cookies, and hot chocolate awaited participants in the Senior Center Hall while Santa and Mrs. Claus held court and listened intently to gift requests.
At the evening's end, the final tally was nineteen kids on the Good List.