Special to the Daily News

Wilderness Road State Park will be presenting a magical view of the holiday season with the annual Christmas at Karlan celebration from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 15.

Highlighting this year’s festivities is a tree lighting ceremony that will take place at 6 p.m. Church choirs will provide live music, with the park offering snacks and drinks.

Ewing First Baptist Church will begin singing at 5:45 p.m. leading up to the tree-lighting ceremony. The Ewing Church of the Brethren will offer Christmas songs and other holiday favorites immediately following the tree lighting. Everyone in attendance will have the opportunity to join in song during the actual tree lighting.

The jolly-ol’-elf himself, Santa Claus, will be also be on hand during the event. Children ages 10 and under are welcome to visit Santa from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Karlan Mansion. The 1878 house will feature a Victorian theme, complete with a Christmas tree.

Each child will have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus and friends for a magical evening as he prepares for his Christmas journey ‘round the World. They can have their picture taken with Santa and enjoy light refreshments provided by the Friends of Wilderness Road State Park.

“Santa will grant each child an early gift to hold them over until Christmas,” explained park concession manager Mike Brindle. “He is really looking forward to meeting all the local children and the park is especially excited to have him visit us.”

Throughout December, Christmas trees decorated with handmade ornaments from the local elementary schools will be on display at the park’s visitor center, open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

The Powder Horn Gift Shop will be conducting the annual Christmas sale which will feature a discount on all items in the store, as well as a small Christmas Shop adorned with holiday gifts and ornaments.

Handmade Christmas crafts from local artisans will also be available for purchase from noon to 7 p.m. in the Karlan Mansion.

“This time of year, people get an extra bounce in their step, knowing Christmas is ‘just ‘round the corner,’” stated Brindle. “We were able to contact Santa Claus at the North Pole and he has agreed to take time from his busy schedule to make a special visit to the park. Although his stay will be short, he wanted to give the local children a chance to meet him and allow them to tell him firsthand what they would like for Christmas.”

For more information, contact the park office at 276-445-3065 or visit the Friends of Wilderness Road State Park official website: www.friendsofwildernessroad.org.