By Jane Bartnett

On Saturday afternoon, November 30, jolly old St. Nick will make a special appearance at the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center, 5223 Avenida Navarra.

Santa will be at the new Siesta Key Chamber from 2 – 4 p.m. to meet with children and to hear their Christmas wish list. Parents are welcome to take pictures of their boys and girls with Santa. Beach Bazaar will provide gift bags to the first 250 children who arrive to meet Santa.

At 4 p.m., Santa and his elves will need to get ready for his starring role at the annual Siesta Key Light Up the Village & Holiday Parade. Because Santa’s reindeer had to stay behind at the North Pole to get ready for their big trip around the world, Santa has had to factor in a bit more time to get to the parade.

This annual parade, which marks Siesta Key’s kick off to the holiday season, will step off at 5:30 p.m. sharp from the intersection of Avenida del Mare and Beach Road.

After traveling north on Beach Road, the parade will turn onto Ocean Avenue and into Siesta Key Village. Many local businesses and groups will join Santa in this treasured Siesta Key holiday tradition.

The Siesta Islander Trolley will provide free public transportation between Turtle Beach and Siesta Key Village for those who want to watch the parade.

Floats will be judged during the parade. To register to join the parade with a float or to become an event sponsor visit:

Dates and times to remember:

• 
  Saturday, November 30, 2-4pm – Santa meets children at the new Siesta Key Chamber and Visitor’s Office, 5223 Avenida Navarra, Siesta Key. FREE
  
• 
  Saturday, November 30 Siesta Key Holiday Parade – 5:30 p.m. registration deadline: Friday, Nov. 22, 5 p.m.