Nothing says Christmas like Santa Claus, lights and time with friends. This year Kingwood residents can come celebrate Christmas with their community at the 10th Annual Christmas in the Park Festival and Tree Lighting, and they can enjoy the first annual “Cookies and Tea Under the Tree” cookie exchange, between shopping and visiting Santa Claus.

This year’s Christmas in the Park Festival and Tree Lighting will take place at Kings Crossing Town Center on Saturday, December 5th, 2009 from 10am-7pm. This event is free and open to the public, and provides a family friendly venue where residents of all ages can enjoy some good food, some great performances and even greater company – even the presence of the jolly man himself, Santa Claus. After you make those Christmas wishes you can peruse the vendor booths to buy gifts for friends and family, or take some time to enjoy the performances every half hour, and let the children play at area booths. Then, to close the evening on the bright side the lighting of the Christmas tree will take place at 6pm. (See below for a complete list of performances and vendors.)

Many area charities and volunteer organizations will be present, and this year’s event will host the 1st Annual “Cookies and Tea Under the Tree” – a cookie exchange and cookie decorating event that will take place throughout the day. This community fundraiser was started by Kingwood Community Leaders to raise money for a number of charitable organizations. The proceeds from this first annual event will go to benefit Family Time, with other organizations benefitting on a rotating basis for different events.

To take part in the cookie exchange, bring 2 dozen cookies and $5, or if you are not bringing a cookie donation the entry fee (donation) is $10. For each donation, participating families will receive an empty cookie box to fill with one dozen cookies as well as hot beverages to sip, and cookies to sample. For those bringing cookies they will be entered into the Cookie Contest, and you can get some tips on cookie decorating throughout the day by Pastry Chef, Glenna Artripe.

Many volunteers will be needed to help with this event, and sponsors are needed for the hot cider, hot chocolate, and the as well as the cookie boxes. If you are interested in helping please contact Denise Krieger at denise@mykingwood.com; if you are interested in sponsoring please contact Cherrie Ledoux at “A Grand Affair” at 832-527-2237 or at agrandaffair@gmail.com.

The sponsors for the Annual Christmas in the Park Festival and Tree Lighting are Humble Area Chamber of Commerce, Remax NorthEast, and Embody Fitness Center.

For more information on the event please contact Angela Griffing at 713-305-2239.