by Andrew Alonzo | calendar@claremont-courier.com

What’s Happening Claremont?

Friday, December 24 – Christmas Eve

• City holiday closures: beginning Friday, December 24, Claremont City Hall, the Alexander Hughes Community Center, the city yard and the Joslyn Center will all be closed throughout the holidays and will not reopen until Monday, January 3. Residents who need to contact the city can try calling (909) 399-5460.
• Hopefully all that’s left to do by Christmas Eve this year is to take that elusive photo with Santa Claus. Friday, December 24, between noon and 5 p.m., is the final day Santa will appear at the Montclair Place before heading back to the North Pole. Schedule your photos online to make it easier this year.
• Join the Claremont United Church of Christ, 233 Harrison Ave., on Friday at 5 p.m. for its Christmas Eve worship service. All are welcome to attend the holiday service. For more information, call (909) 626-1201.
• On page 18 of last week’s COURIER, you can view other local Christmas Eve and day church services and masses, or visit claremont-courier.com, and click ‘Print Edition’ in the top left corner.

Saturday, December 25 – Christmas

• Join St. Ambrose Episcopal Church on Saturday at 10 a.m. for its Christmas Day service. For more information, contact the church at (909) 626-7170 or visit stambroseclaremont.org.
• The COURIER wishes all who celebrate a very Merry Christmas!

 Sunday, December 26 – Kwanzaa

• On Sunday, December 26, the Rancho Cucamonga Christian Fellowship will offer its final, weekly free food distribution of 2021 between 12:45 and 2 p.m. The event will be held drive-thru style at the fellowship’s Compassion Center, 11376 Fifth Street in Rancho Cucamonga. For more information, call the church at (909) 945-5333.
• The Claremont Center for Spiritual Living is hosting an ongoing series of yoga for those with limited mobility, and its next class is Sunday, December 26. The course is led by Victoria Collett and participants can attend via Zoom and in-person. Tickets start at $15 per person. To register or for more information, visit the center’s Eventbrite
• The COURIER wishes all who celebrate a very happy Kwanzaa!

Monday, December 27

• The Claremont Unified School District’s winter break continues through the week so if you see Claremont children having unsupervised fun — don’t be a creepy Grinch — just remember they’re on vacation.
• Join Priceless Pets’ weekly dog walks each Monday as the group sets out on morning hikes at Higginbotham Park, 600 Mt. Carmel Dr., beginning at 9 a.m. The morning walks allow the animals to get much needed socialization and fresh air. For more information, contact the shelter at (909) 203-3695.
• On Monday, December 27, Claremont St. Luke’s Church, 2050 N. Indian Hill Blvd., will host a blood and power red donation drive between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Appointments must be made in advance at the American Red Cross website, redcrossblood.org, or via phone by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Tuesday, December 28

• The scheduled Claremont City Council meeting is canceled as the city and council members will be out of the office for the holidays.
• Wind down the year with a live concert from The Drums, beginning at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, December 28 at The Glass House in Pomona, 200 W. Second St. The band will be performing its fifth studio album, “On Brutalism.” Doors open at 8 p.m. For more information, visit the Eventbrite

Wednesday, December 29

• On Wednesday, December 29, Granite Creek Community Church, 1580 N. Claremont Blvd., will host a blood and power red donation drive between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Appointments must be made in advance at the American Red Cross website, redcrossblood.org, or via phone by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

 Thursday, December 30

• The Riverside Mission Inn’s Festival of Lights runs throughout the holiday season and is a great way to keep that Christmas spirit up even after St. Nick’s visit. Why feature it on Thursday, December 30? Because after that, the lights display will only be up for one more week, ending the following Thursday, January 6. The grand lighting display is located at 3649 Mission Inn Avenue. For more information, call (951) 784-0300.

Friday, December 31

• Join the party at Montclair’s That 80s Bar, 10555 Mills Ave., starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, December 31 to send off 2021. The event (21+) is an 80s themed dance party which will last until 2 a.m. Presale tickets begin at $20 and are for standing room only. Purchase tickets or table reservations online at seetickets.us. For more information call the bar at (909) 626-9091.
• A reminder to never drink and drive on New Year’s Eve or any day of the year. Don’t start 2022 off tragically. Drive sober, get a designated driver, use rideshare apps or public transportation or those with American Automobile Association (AAA) membership can call for roadside assistance if they need help getting home. There really is no excuse to get behind the wheel intoxicated. Have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve from the COURIER.

Saturday, January 1

• The annual Shoes That Fit holiday campaign asks the community for new pair(s) of athletic shoes that will benefit children and youth. Monetary contributions can also be made toward the nonprofit’s effort this year (either in person or online) and should be designated as “holiday campaign.” The deadline is December 31, but the campaign is projected to run past the final date due to community generosity. For more information, call (909) 482-0050.