Christmas magic is coming to Mount Joy. On Saturday, Dec. 13, Santa will trade his sleigh for a fire truck as Fire Department Mount Joy escorts him through town before his annual stop at the Milanof-Schock Library, 1184 Anderson Ferry Road. Residents can follow the Mount Joy Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook and Instagram for route updates, and Santa is scheduled to arrive at 11 a.m. to greet children and pose for photos until 2 p.m.

We all know the real Santa is very busy this time of year, so Matthew Koch, team leader of Koch Garpstas Realty Group, will play the part for this event.

"I love stepping into the role of Santa each year because it gives me a chance to give back to the Mount Joy community in a really meaningful way," Koch said. "Seeing the kids' faces light up - and the families sharing that moment together - is something I look forward to all year long. Our team will be there handing out cookies and hot chocolate, and we'll have a fun giveaway for everyone who stops by. We can't wait to celebrate the season with our community!"

The Friends of the Milanof-Schock Library will again offer free crafting activities for children and host a Christmas bake sale during Santa's visit.

"We love being part of Santa's visit," said Joyce Summers, president of the Friends of the Library. "It's wonderful to see the kids' excitement, and it's a great way for the community to learn about the Friends of the Library and how we raise funds to support the library."

Each family will receive a free 5-by-7-inch photo with Santa, provided by Lanco Federal Credit Union.

"Every year, we are very excited to be involved with this opportunity and to be able to be a part of seeing the smiles on the children's faces when they meet with Santa," said Mollie Ciccone, senior commercial relationship manager at Lanco.

Noel's Cafe food truck will also be on-site for the festivities, offering coffee, tea and specialty drinks.

Michele Emenheiser, executive director of the Mount Joy Area Chamber of Commerce, invites the community to visit the library for this annual tradition.

"Last year, one of the volunteers shared that her cheeks hurt from smiling the whole event. Matthew is such a wonderful Santa, and seeing how excited the children are to visit with him definitely keeps you smiling," she said.

Emenheiser expressed gratitude to the Milanof-Schock Library for hosting the event and noted that it is made possible through the support of Chamber members. She also encouraged the community to shop and support local businesses not only during the holiday season, but throughout the year.

For more information about the Visit with Santa event and the Chamber, visit https://mountjoychamber.com.