Belong: Holiday Magic at North Pole Village

$15,000 to keep North Pole Village free for approximately thousands of children and their families.

WHAT OUR COMMUNITY TOLD US

Social isolation was the senior issue respondents most wanted improved. Residents repeatedly described CRRC as a place where people gather, volunteer, make friends, reconnect, and feel part of something. One community member observed that CRRC creates gathering opportunities ‘in a community with no real town square.’

“The North Pole Village brings families together for the holidays.”

— Community member

WHAT BELONGING LOOKS LIKE

North Pole Village welcomed more than 2,000 attendees last year. Approximately 1,000 children participated free of charge. Children choose a stuffed animal from Toyland, select a library book and bookmark, decorate cookies at the Bakery, write to Santa at the Post Office, visit Frosty’s Ice House, enjoy giveaways at the Fire House, and make holiday memories close to home.

Adults pay $5, with free adult-entry tickets available when cost is a barrier. The goal is simple: no child should miss the experience because their family cannot afford admission.

WHAT IT REALLY COSTS

Even with community donations and discounts, each child’s giveaways cost approximately $15. That does not include closing the Recreation Campus to rentals, classes, and other revenue opportunities for 29 days; staff planning and construction time; volunteer registration materials and name tags; merchant fees; additional electricity and plumbing use; cleaning; or facility supplies.

The $15,000 Belong goal directly reflects the approximate giveaway costs of this beloved community event, where thousands of individuals of all ages find a warm place to BELONG. It helps preserve a tradition where teachers reunite with students, families celebrate close to home, volunteers create magic together, and neighbors make memories in their own backyard.

A gift of $15 supports the approximate cost of one child’s North Pole Village giveaways.

CALL TO ACTION

Help keep North Pole Village free for children and part of Canyon Lake’s shared story. Choose Belong during Big Give 2026.