Santa Is on His Way to a Site Near You

Santa is coming to Anaheim, Buena Park, Corona del Mar, Dana Point, La Habra, Seal Beach. . . .

The jolly bearded man is offering responses to letters through a number of cities, agencies and businesses and making special appearances throughout Orange County. Here’s a sampling of his agenda:

* Santa will be riding along with Anaheim’s police officers and firefighters during their 12th annual Caroling for Cans food drive Sunday. Residents will be asked to donate canned foods as carolers pass by on firetrucks and police cars.

* Children are being invited to the Newport Beach Community Service’s “Winter Wonderland” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Grant Howard Park, 5th and Iris streets, in Corona del Mar on Saturday. A field of real snow will be available for kids to play in, and Santa will pose for photos. Information: (714) 644-3151.

* Free boat rides with Santa will take kids around Dana Point Harbor Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The boat departs from Dana Wharf Sportfishing. Information: (714) 496-1094.

* Special mailboxes posted at Fullerton City Hall, Independence Park and the Fullerton Main and Hunt Branch libraries are accepting letters to Santa until Wednesday. Letters deposited in the North Pole Express Mailboxes will be guaranteed a response from Santa himself. Information: (714) 738-6575.

* A free party filled with holiday fun for kids ages 3 to 12 will take place at Santa Ana Stadium, Civic Center Drive and Flower Street in Santa Ana on Saturday. Children will be invited to visit with Santa in his village. The party includes other activities for children. Information: (714) 571-4200.

* Old Saint Nick is available to make 15-minute home visits in Buena Park today through Dec. 19 and on Dec. 22 and 23 for $15 per visit. To register for a visit, sign up at the city’s Recreation Department, 8150 Knott Ave. Information: (714) 562-3844.

* An open house at the historic George Key Ranch, 625 W. Bastanchury Road in Placentia, will welcome Santa on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Musicians and dancers in 19th century attire will perform. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children under 12. Free parking will be available at nearby Sierra Vista School. Information: (714) 834-2400 or (714) 528-4260.

* Santa has e-mail, thanks to a Los Alamitos company in charge of his Internet service. Xenet, a company that designs Web pages, is offering the site through the holidays. It features a toy shop that links to Web sites of leading toy makers, interactive games and Mrs. Claus’ favorite recipes. The address: https://www.northpolenews.com.