Santa Claus is coming to town Saturday night, Dec. 12, on a big red fire truck.

In the Patterson tradition, the jolly old elf will make his appearance at the end of the city’s electrical parade.

The entire family is invited to the Patterson-Westley Chamber of Commerce Christmas Downtown Open House from 3 to 8 p.m. on the Circle and downtown streets. There will be plenty of activities for the young and young at heart.

Judy Testa and Jan Camp of Bellissima are chairwomen for the event, which includes entertainment, arts and crafts, decorated trees in the park, the electrical parade and photos with Santa.

“All of our chairpeople are working extremely hard to get the downtown Christmas ready for our community,” Testa said.

Children under 10 can make various crafts at Santa’s workshop on South Third Street at 3 p.m.

The entertainment stage, between the North and South Parks on Las Palmas Avenue, will begin its acts at 4 p.m. Among the acts will be Trinity Dance Center, Curtain Call Dance Studio, Patterson Gymnastics and the combined community choir. Strolling carolers will be on hand throughout the evening, which ends at 8 p.m.

Mayor Becky Campo will light the city’s tree at 5:45 p.m., and the electrical parade will begin at 6 p.m. and go around the Circle.

Meanwhile, more than 40 trees will be decorated by community members and will be on display in South Park beginning Saturday.

Juanzette Hunter, chairwoman of the tree decorating, has been getting various organizations to pitch in and get in the Christmas spirit by decorating a tree.

“It was nice last year — the kids really enjoyed the different types of trees,” Hunter said. “We are looking forward to having twice as many trees this year, and hopefully we’ll get the churches more involved with the tree decorating.”

Meanwhile, families can purchase snacks at the event starting at 4 p.m. Hot dogs and chips will be served, along with other treats such as brownies and Rice Krispy treats and soda, water, hot chocolate and coffee. Local banks will also serve popcorn.

To cap the evening off, there will be free photos with Santa on the City Hall front porch after the parade.

“I’d like to thank everyone who donated to the event, whether it be time, money or product,” Camp said.

For information: Bellissima, 892-6645.

• Contact Maddy Houk at 892-6187 or maddy@pattersonirrigator.com.