Old Town Temecula Very Merry Christmas Celebration Underway This Week: What To Know When You Go

TEMECULA, CA — The Old Town Temecula Association, together with Visit Temecula Valley and the City of Temecula, is hosting a bit of Christmas magic for residents this week.

The city is not hosting the ice skating rink this year (look to Peltzer Farms for area ice skating!). In its absence, the roads will be open, and there is a Very Merry Christmas planned from one end to the other.

On Wednesday, Dec. 10, head to Old Town for Holiday Bites & Festive Sights:

That night, celebrate the season by strolling the many photo opportunities outside of City Hall and around town. Taste offerings from Temecula Chilled restaurants, serving up specialty winter treats. The casual event is drop in, during business hours. See the list of participating Old Town businesses and restaurants at www.TemeculaChilled.com.

On Thursday, Dec. 11, head to Old Town to Shop Small, and Shine Bright:

From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Old Town Temecula shopkeepers are hosting a Boutique Crawl. Carolers will perform from 1 to 3 p.m., and from 6 to 8 p.m., and Santa will be in Old Town from noon until 2 p.m.

This is a full day of shopping at local boutiques for unique finds, gifts, and exclusive promotions. Fun activities will also be set up at locations near the Old Town Christmas Tree, including Cookie Time at the Christmas Tree at 2 p.m.

On Friday, Dec. 12, Cruisin' and Cocoa-ing On Old Town Front Street:

Car clubs across Temecula are heading out for a good old-fashioned cruise; no street closures are expected. "Cars will be decked out with holiday lights, and will cruise from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free cocoa will be available at candy and coffee shops while supplies last, and the carolers will perform from 6 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 13, Holiday Fun Unlocked at Old Town Square Park And Beyond:

On Saturday, from noon until 1:30 p.m., head to the Town Square Park with the kiddos to ride decorated bikes, trikes, wagons, and scooters for a contest judged by none other than Santa Claus himself! Bring your holiday-decorated wheels or stroll around the park.

Following the roll and stroll, hang out for Santa Visits from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Enjoy old-fashioned holiday activities led by local nonprofits. Bring your camera, and wait for your turn for a photo with Santa Claus. Stay in town for dinner, as the carolers will perform from 6 to 8 p.m.

Patch spoke with Old Town Temecula Association President Julie Ngo about the activities that are different this year but even more endearing than in years past. She suggested that when you want to get out and see the Christmas lights, remember to head to Old Town, already dressed in its holiday finery.

"Come out, grab a hot chocolate, and stroll from one end of Old Town to the other," she said. "I love strolling or driving through Main Street at night. I love the feeling of Old Town during Christmas, the music is on, and if you roll down the windows, you can hear it. It is a small-town feel, and with 30 boutiques to shop inside, you can support local while you're holiday shopping in Old Town."