RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., (November 5, 2013) – Every Inland Empire resident on this year’s “nice” list is invited to welcome Santa Claus and the holiday season to Victoria Gardens at a special holiday season kickoff event Friday, November 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the shopping center’s Chaffey Town Square.

Free for all Inland Empire shoppers, this year’s event will feature a fireworks show, “magical snow” in Town Square, the annual holiday tree lighting, and, of course, the arrival of the big man himself, Santa Claus.

“The holiday season has officially arrived, and Victoria Gardens is pulling out all the stops to welcome the season, and Santa, to the center,” explained Melina Ferraez, Director of Marketing for Victoria Gardens.  “Shoppers will enjoy the best of this exciting season, with fireworks, snow and plenty of holiday cheer to kick off the shopping season at the Inland Empire’s top destination for holiday shopping.”

The event will begin with the annual lighting ceremony of Victoria Gardens’ 48-foot holiday tree, followed by a spectacular fireworks show. After the fireworks show, Santa will make his debut as the first magical snowfall of the season falls over Town Square. Throughout the event, the Dickens Carolers will be singing holiday favorites for guests’ enjoyment.

Guests who would like to attend the event are invited to bring their own chairs and blankets for lawn seating during the show, and are encouraged to visit Victoria Gardens’ various food establishments for refreshments before, during and after the event.

Following the event, Santa will be available for visits with local children every week through December 24.

Santa visiting hours are as follows:

• November 16 through December 12

o   Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

o   Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

o   Sundays from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

• December 13 through December 23

o   From 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. daily

• December 24

o   From 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The annual Magical Snowfall in Town Square will also return each weekend through December 22.  Magical Snowfall will take place on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., as well as Sundays at 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Each show is approximately 15 minutes long, and is free for shoppers.

The Dickens Carolers will continue to make appearances at Victoria Gardens to sing for shoppers throughout the Holiday season.

Performances days and times include:

• November 15, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• November 16, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• November 17, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• November 22, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• November 23, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• November 24, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• November 29, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• November 30, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• December 1, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• December 6, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• December 7, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• December 8, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• December 13, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• December 14, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• December 15, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• December 20, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• December 21, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• December 22, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• December 23, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

For more information on this event, please contact Guest Services at (909) 463-2829.

About Victoria Gardens

Victoria Gardens is a 1.5 million square-foot, open-air, regional town center located in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., at the intersection of I-15 and Foothill Boulevard.  The shopping center is anchored by Macy’s, JCPenney, AMC Theatres 12, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World and the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center, and features more than 170 premier shops and restaurants.  In addition, the center features the unique Rancho Victoria Food Hall, as well as 40,000 square feet of Class-A office space.  For hours of operation, directions or other information, visit www.VictoriaGardensIE.com.