For the 8th year, River Santa and his team of elves will be welcoming the real Santa Claus when he arrives by boat at the village of Alexandria Bay, NY, on Saturday December 16th.

There will be an official escort and hundreds of children will be able to watch Santa come across the River by boat with his escort and arrive at the Scenic View Park Pavilion.

This is the first time that the event will have a roof over the heads of all the children, Santa, and the gifts. The new curtains will be in place on the pavilion and neither rain nor sleet nor snow will dampen the spirits of the attendees.

There will be free cookies and hot chocolate. There will also be a Christmas movie playing on a jumbo screen, hay wagon rides, and a petting zoo. There is absolutely no charge for admission, everyone is welcome, and all children 12 and under will receive a present that will be age and gender specific. Santa is a great shopper!

In 2022 Santa was able to deliver over 650 presents.

Additionally, the charity was able to donate over $33,000 to Backpack programs, food pantries, and other nonprofits.

Festivities begin at 10 AM with Santa arriving promptly at 11 AM. Scenic View Park Pavilion is on the hill next to the hospital, facing the river. There will be some merchants open for Christmas shopping and some restaurants open for dining.

More information can be found on social media by searching 1000 Islands River Santa Festival or at https://www.iloveny.com/event/river-santa-festival/63957/.