Letters To Santa, Paws & Claws Drive, Magic Elf Hunt, Plus More Holiday Fun In Bel Air

BEL AIR, MD — Now through the rest of the month, Bel Air will be bustling with holiday activities for residents of all ages.

Through Dec. 17, kids can drop off their letter to Santa in the North Pole mailbox outside City Hall, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday through Sunday noon to 4 p.m. Either bring a letter from home or fill out a formatted letter available near the mailbox.

Don't forget to help the furry residents of Bel Air through Dec. 17. Donate unopened dog or cat food, cat litter, dog or cat toys, and clean blankets to the ice arena's first Holiday Paws & Claws Drive. When you leave donations at the rink's office, pick up a coupon for free admission to any public skating session.

Belair Mansion will be hosting a Magic Elf Hunt Dec. 8-10, Dec. 15-16 from noon to 4 p.m. The activity is free and no reservations are needed.

On Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon at the city gym, Santa will be present for visits along with moon bounces, live holiday music, face painting and more.

The Holiday Jingle Skate will be Dec. 9 from 1 to 2:45 p.m. at the Bowie Ice Arena. There will be door prizes, free mini-lessons, a bake sale and an ugly sweater contest.

There also will be reindeer games from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 17 at Belair Stable. Learn what it takes to be a North Pole reindeer.

Enjoy the holiday movies "The Polar Express" and "Elf" on Dec. 23 and "It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie" Dec. 27 at the Bowie Playhouse. All movies require ticketing in advance and seating is general admission. Tickets can only be obtained online through TicketLeap.