Christmas Concert Kicks Off Weekend of Holiday Fun

The holiday season began in earnest with a Christmas concert at Friday night.

Presented by the Shoreline Church of San Clemente, the concert featured various local recording artists. This is the second year they have gotten together to record a CD and .  

On Saturday, the city is gearing up for its annual tree-lighting ceremony. The event kicks off at 4 pm at with music by  and  schools' orchestras setting the stage for a performance by students from the Musical Theater University of Laguna Beach. Before that, the citizens' 50th Birthday Committee will honor town Patriarch Happy Hunn and Matriarch Helen McMullen for their contributions to the community.

The official lighting of the tree follows at 5:45 pm with an array of holiday activities following.  will welcome visitors for a nominal fee to enjoy fun-filled activities. will host a petting zoo, tractor pull and hay and train rides for a nominal fee. Look for a city-sponsored, free train ride at ; tamales and a bake sale at the ; and much more.

Face painting and strolling entertainment will be featured at various locations throughout downtown. Many local businesses will stay open late, offering refreshments, goodies and special discounts.  And don't miss free photos with Santa from 6-8 p.m.

On Sunday, the pulls into the train station. A spectacular display of holiday cheer, the 450-ton train will twinkle with 50,000, arriving at 7 pm.

The Metrolink's Holiday Toy Express is a 15-year tradition to help collect toys for the "Spark of Love" toy drive, an effort of several fire departments throughout Souithern California. Community members are encouraged to enjoy the holiday spirit by bringing unwrapped toys to the train station.

The "A Christmas Together" tour will return to San Juan Capistrano on Dec. 22 at the . Tickets are $15.

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