Xenia, Ohio---Bring the entire family for Greene County Parks & Trails’ Annual Santa’s Holiday in the Park beginning nightly at 6:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 5, 6,12,13,19 and 20, and ending at 9 p.m. at James Ranch Park, 177 Fairground Rd., Xenia.
“All of us at Greene County Parks & Trails (GCP&T) love hosting Santa’s Holiday in the Park,” says agency director Chrisbell Bednar. “It’s so rewarding to see how many local families enjoy the event and look forward to it as part of their holiday traditions.”
In addition to visiting with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, the three consecutive weekends also features an amazing light show that can be view during a wagon ride through the park.
“James Ranch Park will be glowing this holiday season,” she adds.
truemodern SALON, Greene Memorial Hospital/Soin Medical, betterImages Portrait Studio, Shawnee Heating and Air, Apple Country Farm Market and Collett Propane, Inc., help sponsor the Greene County Parks & Trails event, says GCP&T Events Manager Robin Gregory.
Apple County Farm Market will be showcasing one of their holiday trees as well as providing live greenery for the home, front porch and wagons.
The event is free but a $1 donation per person is appreciated to help support the event, Gregory says. All proceeds are reinvested into the event for future growth.
Participants will have the opportunity to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus within the brick 1800s home at James Ranch Park, as well as take a wagon ride through the park with more than 100,000 holiday lights illuminating the park and bridge that leads to the paved trail. Holiday music is piped throughout the park and adds to the festive mood.
Back by popular demand, children are invited to either bring their letter to Santa for mailing or write their own letter with assistance from Greene Memorial Hospital volunteers.
“It was great seeing the youngest visitors either mail their letter to Santa,” says Gregory, “or actually write their letter at the GMH booth. The hospital volunteers were on-site to help as needed.”
Children can also receive free holiday face tattoos after visiting with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus can be purchased for a nominal fee from betterImages or families may bring their own cameras or video devices.
For more information about Greene County Parks & Trails or Santa’s Holiday in the Park, call (937) 562-6440, email [email protected] or visit