Tyler families create lasting memories at Breakfast with Santa

Published 1:00 pm Sunday, December 15, 2024

The magic of the North Pole came alive in Tyler on Saturday morning as Santa greeted pajama-clad children at the Polar Express-themed Breakfast with Santa.

“This is our third time hosting the event here at the Glass Recreation Center,” said Staci Laura, Glass Recreation Center supervisor. “It’s a way for families to come together and enjoy Christmas festivities, all at no cost.”

Families gathered at the Glass Recreation Center, indulging in pastries, warm drinks, crafts and the joy of sending letters to Santa. Attendance has grown steadily, with more families discovering the community-focused events offered at the Glass Recreation Center.

This year’s turnout was so large the event expanded into the gymnasium. Laura said about 250 people attended the event. Sponsors like Tyler Parks and Recreation, Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin-Robbins, Lourdes Marie Bakery, Hiland Dairy, Community Coffee and more supported the event.

It’s wonderful that the city hosts events like this, Tyler resident Lakeshia Hill said. She has made the event a tradition for her twin granddaughters, Lyrical and Harmony Worth.

“We’ve been bringing the girls here every year for the past three years,” Hill said. “The girls lit up and couldn’t stop talking about it, so we knew we had to come back.”

The event provided families an opportunity to create lasting memories, enjoy time together and get into the Christmas spirit. With free donuts, hot cocoa and plenty of holiday fun, organizers were thrilled to touch the hearts of attendees and achieve their goal of spreading joy.

All ages were welcome, from infants taking pictures with Santa to teenagers participating with their families. It’s heartwarming to see teenagers get involved, making the event a truly inclusive experience for everyone, Laura said.

“Not every city does, so it’s beautiful to see Tyler offering these opportunities for families to come together and celebrate. It really touches my heart, and I hope they continue doing it for years to come.”