Singing Santa & Holiday Shopping at the O.C. Market Place November 24, 2012

--- Santa Claus has taken up singing since last year’s holiday season, so when he makes his annual three weekend stop at the Orange County Market Place in Costa Mesa this year, in addition to posing for photos and listening to wishes, he will arrive singing, lead sing a-longs as well as do short musical greetings to record and send. Bring your cameras and video cams for these opportunities, which are free, starting Thanksgiving Weekend, Nov. 24 and 25, and continuing the weekends of Dec. 1, and 2, 8 and 9. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Santa, who will be performed by Dennis Skiles of Fullerton a Kenny Rogers tribute artist and member of the Fraternal Order of the Real Bearded Santas, will be joined by one of his elves “Twinkie” aka Mimi Becker of La Habra who has had some of her own stage time.

Becker, who works full time at a Target store in Fullerton the rest of the year, takes advantage of her 4’ stature by elfing during the holiday season, which started about 20 years ago. She has had elfing roles at celebrity Christmas parties including those held by Jim Carrey and Pamela Anderson. She has appeared in the movies El Matador (2003) and Tip Toes in 2002 and on television on CSI: Criminal Scene Investigation and Man vs. Beast in 2003. A few years back, Becker played Theodore in an Alvin and the Chipmunks stage show at Universal Studios.

“Being little definitely has its advantages and its disadvantages. So why not enjoy the advantages and make people smile while doing it,” Becker says.

Becker greets and visits with the children as they await their time with Santa, as well as poses in photos upon request.

Bring your camera, family and friends as well as a canned food donation to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County for free admission for ages 13 years and older. Children 12 and under are always free. Regular operating hours during the holiday shopping season at the Market Place remain at 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The swap meet features an array of gift ideas including art, handmade items, clothing, jewelry, gourmet food to go, collectibles, toys and much more.

The Orange County Market Place entering its 44th year is held every Saturday and Sunday, except during the annual summer fair and Easter Sunday. Admission is $2 and kids 12 and under are free. Free parking is also available. Preferred parking is $5. For more information on the Orange County Market Place and its events visit www.ocmarketplace.com or call 949-723-6660.