European Santas Due to Arrive in Pleasant Grove for Old World Christmas"

Traditional Christmas figures from 5 European countries to visit Pleasant Grove, UT for the first annual "Old World Christmas" celebration during the week of December 2-6.

Pleasant Grove, UT (PRWEB) November 28, 2003 -- During the week of December 2-6, 2003, as part of the first annual "Old World Christmas" celebration, The Historic Pleasant Grove Business Association and the City of Pleasant Grove are preparing for traditional Christmastime visitors from 5 different European countries. Each evening, a celebration will take place on Main Street illustrating the traditions of a different European country.

Children of all ages will enjoy fun and culturally enriching experiences that will include old-world traditions, choirs singing traditional songs and Christmas story readings from each country. Wassail and hot cider will be served to help everyone keep warm, and there is even a walking tour of the "Night Before Christmas" story by Clement C. Moore. All of the festivities will be presided over by Miss Snowflake 2003, 10-year-old Madison Jensen of Pleasant Grove.

Beginning on Tuesday, December 2, the week will kick off with a visit from La Befana, the traditional Christmas witch from Italy. Wednesday, the Three Kings will arrive from Spain with their gifts, followed by St. Nicholas and Knecht Ruprecht from Germany on Thursday night. On Friday night, the same night as the traditional celebration in Holland, Sinterklaas, wearing his traditional costume, will arrive from the Netherlands on his white horse, accompanied by his assistants. Then on Saturday, Father Christmas will arrive from the British Isles to celebrate the customs of England, Scotland, and Ireland. All of the visitors will be bringing special treats for the children. Festivities will start at 5:30 each evening, with traditional stories at 6:00, and our visitors arriving shortly after the story time each night.

Following this weeklong celebration, the traditional American Santa Claus will be in downtown Pleasant Grove to hear children's wishes on Saturday, December 13. That day there will also be lots of free traditional activities and crafts for the children to complete, including a Dutch Christmas windmill and a German Christmas tree. Finally, at noon on Saturday, December 20, all of the traditional Santas and visitors will come together on Main Street for a final celebration and to visit with the children before they begin their Christmas duties.

About Historic Pleasant Grove Business Association -- Founded in 2003, the Historic Pleasant Grove Business Association is a non-profit association of businesses and merchants dedicated to the preservation and promotion of historic Pleasant Grove.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Jim Hammons
Executive Director
Historic Pleasant Grove Business Association
801-358-4376

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