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Ho Ho Ho! Santa says let's have a party!

It's the beginning of the season of merriment and magic when Stonebriar Centre welcomes Santa Claus back to town with a special Welcome Party at The ICE Saturday, November 19.

The pre-show activities start at 6:30 p.m. when Operation Sweet 16 volunteers, local firefighters and military personnel compete in a Build the Best Snowman contest. Teams will fashion Frosty-type characters out of snow brought in especially for the contest. The winners will be chosen by popular vote of the audience when the show starts at 7 p.m.

While the snowmen are taking shape, children can enjoy holiday-themed crafts, including making an ornament that will be used to decorate the 15-foot tree. As well, local choirs will be filling the air with the sounds of the season, adding a special spirit to the party.

The merriment will hit a holiday high as the Zamboni enters the rink with Santa aboard. The jolly visitor from the North Pole will make the rounds on the ice, as everyone cheers and gives him a warm welcome. As a final magic touch, Santa with a swish of his holiday wand, will light the holiday tree.

At 8 p.m., Santa will wander through the crowd, shaking hands and smiling. Everyone will be invited to parade with him through Stonebriar Centre as he makes his way to the New North Pole, located just down the way near Dillard's and Sears.

Thanks to some very busy elves, Santa's home - the New North Pole - has a special holiday sparkle. It's a winter wonderland filled with candy cane swirls and stripes, kid-friendly toys, bright white snow and lots more merriment. There's even an elf who sits up top and sends snow flurries below every now and again. Children are welcome to visit with Santa, at no charge. And, if parents/caregivers would like, his trusty elves will take a commemorative photo. Photo packages start at $23.

There is no charge to attend the Santa on Ice Welcome Party and reservations are not necessary. A limited number of reserved seats will be available for individuals who make a $10 donation per seat to Operation Sweet 16, a campaign created by Tori Pimentel, a local teenager, to raise money to help U.S. soldiers and their families. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the 501 (c)(3) organization (www.operationsweet16.org). To reserve a seat, call 972-668-6153 or stop by Guest Services located on the upper level near Barnes & Noble.