Do you still need a jump start on your holiday spirit? Stop by Apple Valley Civic Center Park on Saturday for the Winter Wonderland and Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Holiday cheer will abound at this family friendly event featuring train rides, inflatables, crafts, pictures with Santa, information and giveaways, live entertainment and falling snow. The activities start at 2 p.m., with the tree lighting promptly at 6 p.m. The new live tree is located within Civic Center Park, near the south side of the amphitheater.

Community organizations will be on hand to provide free treats to visitors including candy, muffins, coupons, pencils, gift packages, hot beverages, cotton candy, crafts, kids fingerprinting, and more. Citizens can also give back this holiday season by bringing toys to the Apple Valley Fire Protection District for their Spark of Love Toy Drive, and Girl Scout Troop 357 will be collecting bottled water, non-perishable snacks, toiletries and emergency supplies to make “Kits of Compassion” to give to the needy.

Other participating groups include High Desert Relative Caregivers, Apple Valley Police Department Citizens On Patrol, Mimi’s Café, Four Square Church, and the High Desert Mavericks and their mascot, Wooly Bully.

The event will culminate with the lighting of our new LIVE Christmas tree donated last spring by The Home Depot. Admission and parking are free. For more information please call (760) 240-7000, x 7071 or visit www.AppleValleyEvents.org.