Wade into holiday fun during Everett’s Wintertide

When you see Santa being brought in on a bright red Everett Fire Department truck and a bonfire blazing and a big holiday tree bright with lights, you’ll know that you’ve arrived at Wintertide on Monday.

Wintertide is the city of Everett’s new community and holiday celebration with free festivities for the whole family at the Everett Performing Arts Center.

Events include top-notch arts offerings such as professional Christmas carolers, including the lead male singer from the upcoming Village Theatre musical, “Meet Me in St. Louis.”

The creativity is wild, and glitter reigns at the kids’ craft table where Village Theatre’s Pied Piper manager Erica Weir and Raniere, creative arts manager for Imagine Children’s Museum, will help children put together fine holiday crafts.

Also, the model railroading layout lets the kids be conductors and run three tracks of trains. The layout is hosted by the Pacific Northwest Region 4th Division Model Railroad Club.

Two free movies will also be shown starting at 4 p.m. with “Elf,” starring Will Ferrell, about Buddy the Elf who leaves the North Pole to find his true family in New York City. Then at 7 p.m. “It’s a Wonderful Life” airs, the holiday classic about an angel who helps George Bailey realize his importance to his community.

Wintertide visitors also get treated to free cookies and hot chocolate provided by Pave Specialty Bakery, and snow flurries, provided by the Everett-based CITC who manufactures snow machines.

Monday’s activities in and around the Everett Performing Arts Center kick off with the 4 p.m. showing of “Elf.” The theater is at 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett.

“What I think is really great about this event is that it is a place for people to come together and celebrate the season,” said Carol Thomas, the city’s cultural arts manager. “A little bit of cheer when so many families are out of work or facing budget cutbacks.”

Theresa Goffredo: 425-339-3424; goffredo@heraldnet.com.