12/12/2025 update from Greg Hom: Another fantastic holiday gathering tonight. Here is the link for the photos : https://ghom.zenfolio.com/p113210525
As always, they are set up for free downloads. When viewing the photos individually, there will be a menu above the photo where you can find the download icon. Please feel free to share. Thank you and Have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season!
All are welcome to join us on Friday, December 12 for the annual Dinner with Santa, holiday music, and Christmas Tree and Menorah lighting at Standley Park, 3585 Governor Drive. The event is sponsored by the University City Parks Council, Standley Recreation Center, and University City Community Association.
The Rec Center staff will have an Arts & Crafts room open at 4:45pm inside Standley Rec Center. Dinner with Santa starts at 5:00pm. Boxed dinners from Lorna’s Italian Kitchen are $10 each, cash and Venmo accepted.
The entertainment and holiday lighting schedule is as follows:
- 5:30 pm – University City High School Jazz Band kicks off the entertainment.
- 6:00 pm – Welcome and Announcements, Greetings from Councilmember Kent Lee
- 6:05 pm – Key of She Chorus
- 6:15 pm – Our Mother of Confidence Children’s Choir
- 6:25 pm – Mission Bay Montessori Academy Children’s Chorus
- 6:40 pm – Menorah Lighting and the Hanukkah Song by Tom Ventimiglia
- 6:45 pm – Countdown to the Christmas Tree Lighting
Santa will be visiting children during the dinner, and will then come outside to take photos throughout the evening. After the entertainment, attendees will be treated to cookies and hot chocolate. Everyone is welcome to attend. Bring family, friends, neighbors to this highly anticipated University City holiday event.
Thanks to the committee for planning, especially Darlene Ventimiglia and Barry Bernstein from UCCA, and Carol Parham from the Standley Parks Council. Volunteers are also needed for decorating and help the night of the event.
Holiday Helpers Needed – The volunteer ‘elves’ at Standley Park need help with Holiday events.
- Monday, December 8 from 9-11am, about 2 hours – decorate the front of Standley Recreation Center.
- Friday, December 12 from 10-12am, about 2 hours – decorate the rooms for Dinner With
- Friday, December 12 at 4:45-6:45pm, about 2 hours – help in the Dinner with Santa rooms with serving and clean-up.
Proof of Volunteer Hours will be available, if requested. Thank you for your kind consideration. Questions, please contact Carol Parham at: cjparham@gmail.com
December is the Season for Holiday Events throughout our community:
- 12/12 – Doyle Park and Recreation Center – Senior Lunch Party – Friday, December 12, 2025
- 12/12 – Standley Park and Recreation Center – Dinner with Santa, Holiday Entertainment, Tree and Menorah Lighting – Friday, December 12, 2025
- 12/13 – Doyle Park and Recreation Center – Breakfast with Santa – Saturday, December 13, 2025
- 12/17 – Nobel Park and Recreation Center– Cookies with Santa – Wednesday December 17, 2025
Give Back and Receive with these local resources:
- 12/11 – Standley Park – Toys for Tots Donations – through Thursday, December 11, 2025
- 12/14 – Standley Park – Warm Up Winter JFS – Donation Drive – Sunday, December 14, 2025
- Ongoing – Food Assistance – Feeding San Diego, SD Food Bank, 211 San Diego
See also Calendar at : https://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/event-calendar
See also PDF Winter Event Flyer at : https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2025-11/2025-2026-winter-event-flyer-11-26-25.pdf
