MALDEN — It’s that time of year and Santa Claus has already begun making his rounds.
One of his favorite stops for nearly 70 years has been to Pine Banks Park.
Another stomping ground for Santa has been his annual visit to greet the children in Ward 7, complete with sleigh and reindeer.
Santa Claus will be coming to his workshop at Pine Banks Park on Saturday, Dec. 16 and Sunday, Dec. 17 from 3 to 6 p.m. to see who’s been naughty or nice.
“It’s been part of the holiday tradition for many years for residents in the nearby neighborhoods and throughout the city,” said Malden Ward 5 City Councilor Barbara Murphy.
She and Pine Banks Superintendent Andrew Walsh helped plan and coordinate Santa’s visit.
Along with holding court at the festively lighted indoor workshop where he meets with each child and passes along Christmas wishes, Santa and his helpers make sure everyone gets free hot chocolate and cookies. Children may give Santa letters and also have their photo taken with him.
Ward 7 City Councilor Neal Anderson is bringing Santa to the crowd with the second leg of his Newland Street-Bowdoin Street-Lincoln Commons tour Saturday, Dec. 9.
The Ward 7 Christmas Sleigh, complete with Santa Claus and some of his elves, will tour Ward 7, Precinct 2 Saturday from noon to dusk. Children along the route will receive holiday treats and candy. They can also meet Santa aboard the sleigh and have photos taken.
“We love bringing Santa Claus to Malden to visit the residents of Ward 7 each year,” Anderson said. “It is a great way to help make the holiday season memorable and the children look forward to it each year.”
