Santaland brings magic to Christmas

Written by Tracie Sullivan
December 3, 2016
Cedar City children snuggle up to Santa as Christmas comes alive at Santaland Friday held at the Aquatic Center in Cedar City, Utah, Dec. 2, 2016 | Photo by Tracie Sullivan, St. George / Cedar City News

CEDAR CITY – Christmas came alive Friday night as the Cedar City Aquatic Center was transformed into a magical reproduction of the North Pole made just in time for a visit from Santa Claus.

Christmas comes alive at Santaland Friday held at the Aquatic Center in Cedar City, Utah, Dec. 2, 2016 | Photo by Tracie Sullivan, St. George / Cedar City News
Christmas comes alive at Santaland Friday held at the Aquatic Center in Cedar City, Utah, Dec. 2, 2016 | Photo by Tracie Sullivan, St. George / Cedar City News

This Santa however, flew in not from the top of the world but from Southern California exchanging his shorts and warm temperatures for the freezing 20-degree weather endured in Iron County this time of year.

Justin Vierela’s grandfather plays Santa every year throughout San Diego, California, but this time he came to Cedar City excited to bring some Christmas joy.

“He’s played Santa for 30 years,” Vierela said. “This is seriously his favorite time of year. He’s the biggest kid at heart. He just absolutely loves Christmas and playing Santa for the kids.”

And it’s obvious too as his eyes twinkle when the children come up to say hello just like in storybooks leaving the adults to wonder – is he real?

Vierela, a Cedar City resident, was one of many who worked with Cedar City Mayor Maile Wilson and her mom Linda Wilson the past three weeks to organize and put together “Santaland.”

The group turned the inside lobby area of the Aquatic Center into a winter wonderland complete with an igloo that houses the jolly old elf himself.

While the event was a lot of work, Linda Wilson said it was well worth it to see the magic of Christmas bring smiles to the children and their parents as they enjoyed the winter display and a visit with Old Saint Nick.

“Santaland” is a free event that runs through Dec. 12 during the following days and times:

  • Saturday Dec. 3 from 10 a.m.-noon and again from 4-6 p.m.
  • Monday Dec. 5 from 6-8 p.m.
  • Friday Dec. 9 from 6-8 p.m.
  • Saturday Dec. 10 10 a.m.-noon and again from 4-6 p.m.
  • Monday Dec. 12 from 6-8 p.m.

Children receive a one-day pass to the Aquatic Center.

In addition to the visit with Santa – who gives each child a candy cane and a free swim pass they can use anytime – children can make an ornament and write their Christmas wish list in a letter to the North Pole.

Cedar City Aquatic Center is located at 2090 W. Royal Hunte Drive.

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Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @tracie_sullivan

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2016, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tracie is an award-winning investigative reporter. She has been published in several publications including the Salt Lake Tribune, Deseret News, Spectrum and Daily News, Elan Woman, and New West. During her career, Tracie has covered various beats including education, politics, crime, courts, cops, government, lifestyle, arts and entertainment, and environmental issues. She is known for her fairness and integrity as a reporter.

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1 Comment

  • .... December 4, 2016 at 1:52 am

    This was absolutely amazing and such a great event for the community to have a place like this to let the children have a grand time. and I would like to thank all those involved in making this possible. Praise the Lord !

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