Santa Claus
arrives in a fire engine in downtown Huntington Beach, California
during the annual
Light a Light of Love Parade. The procession of kids, bands and
Santa head along Main Street to the Huntington Beach pier to turn
the switch and light the artificial snowflake lights that are
sponsored by individuals and corporations.
 Ho-ho-ho, Merry Christmas!
That's the word on the street from Santa Claus, who rides in a fire
engine in Huntington Beach each year. Usually pulling up the rear on
a small town parade that lasts about 10 to 20 minutes, Santa Claus
often wears a Hawaiian shirt and sunglasses in HB. The beach city
celebrates the Christmas holiday much like other Southern California
beach towns. The parade weather often hits a low of 60 degrees ad
people get extremely cold. Wearing their Ugg boots, winter coats,
scarves and mittens, you'd think it must be snowing!
It is snowing, say some, who
wait for the snowflakes to be turned on. A countdown from 10 to 1
occurs after a Santa appearance and some kids stage shows. Then the
snowflake lights that line Main Street and the pier are illuminated,
and everyone is happy.
 Santa appearances in
Huntington Beach number in the dozens. In a single season, Santa may
appear at three malls, he appears downtown, and through the Parks &
Recreation department of the city he'll even show up at your house.
At the parade his appearance
is a welcome as the sirens of the fire engine sound. What better way
to greet one of his favorite stops than to ride in with a lot of
fanfare and noise? There are only two parades in Huntington Beach
each year--the 4th of July Parade and the Light a Light of Love
parade.
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