This year’s San Marino Chamber of Commerce “Christmas Around the Drive” will be held on Friday, Dec. 2 from 5-8:30 p.m. along Huntington Drive, between Del Mar Avenue and Bedford Road. Santa Claus is scheduled to arrive at San Marino Fire Station on Old #1 at 6 p.m. Community members are invited to hop on one of the trolley cars to take a magical trip around Huntington Drive, where there will be stations with attractions, refreshments and entertainment provided by participating merchants.
The chamber has been hosting “Christmas Around the Drive” since the mid-1990s when then-Chamber of Commerce Managing Director Peggy Class – along with the Chamber Board of Directors – spearheaded an evening of fun and festive celebration to kick off the holiday season. They encouraged businesses along Huntington Drive to stay open late on the first Friday in December, showcasing their own “Holiday Open House,” and inviting residents in for a festive treat.
The event grew throughout the years and trollies were added, compliments of the City of San Marino, to help transport attendees along the Drive, adding to the festivities. The chamber added strolling carolers, and businesses started adding entertainment, such as a petting zoo, puppet show, balloon artists, face painting and cookie decorating.
The San Marino Fire Department began serving hot dogs and gave the chamber a ‘home’ for Santa, even providing him with a quick spin on Old #1 to give him a grand entrance as eager children awaited his arrival.
This evening now known by all as “Christmas Around the Drive” has become a San Marino tradition, and is funded by the Chamber of Commerce, participating Huntington Drive businesses and the City of San Marino.
