Santa, reindeer and Grinch come out for Christmas fun

On Saturday, several local businesses from the Shoppes at Sun Mountain got together to host a free community Christmas event just in time for the holidays.

And while the temperatures were a little frosty, the wind a little nippy, the snowy backdrop provided a picture-perfect setting, while Santa a few of his reindeer, a horse-drawn sleigh, and even the Grinch were on hand to visit shoppers and meet with the children.

Kids were able to participate in a scavenger hunt, and once they checked off the boxes, they had a chance to win prizes.

The reindeer, Blizzard and Snowflake, were visiting from the Williams Reindeer Farm and graciously let children of all ages pet them and take selfies, too.

Lincoln, a 14-year-old Belgian Draft Horse from Alaska Horse Adventures in the Butte, was just one of the charismatic horses providing sleigh rides in a slower, more relaxed area of the event, giving everyone a chilly but fun respite.

Of course, the Grinch was spotted roaming the shops and sneaking up on unsuspecting visitors, but this Grinch brought more smiles and giggles and didn’t steal anyone’s Christmas spirit.

“My son and I have been enjoying all the different Christmas events, and this was great,” said Antonia Commack, who had her active son, as they took a break by frolicking in the snow.

And what was his favorite part? “The sleigh rides, and seeing the Grinch, too.”