Santa makes a splash in Eden Prairie

The Swim with Santa event at the Eden Prairie Community Center was a lively and charming experience for families.

Held on Friday evening, Dec. 20, this holiday-themed gathering brought a festive touch to the pool, leaving attendees smiling ear to ear. While the Community Center bustled with families attending hockey games near the rinks, the pool area offered a tucked-away and inviting setting, perfect for holiday magic.

The swimming area was bubbling with energy as children gleefully enjoyed the pool’s features under the watchful eyes of lifeguards dressed in holiday hats and accessories. The festive outfits and warm smiles of the lifeguards added to the magic, making the children feel extra special. Nearby, parents relaxed in lounge chairs, soaking in the festive atmosphere while keeping a close eye on their little ones.

For many families, the event was the perfect way to kick off their children’s holiday break from school and set a cheerful tone for the season. Off to the side of the pool, a cozy room was set up for photos with Santa.

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Amazingly, there was no line when I arrived, making the experience stress-free and seamless. Santa was warm and engaging, chatting with each child and spreading joy. The photo space was adorned with adorable holiday decorations, including festive props that created a magical backdrop for family memories. To top it off, every child received a gift box containing a packet of hot cocoa, a craft project to enjoy at home, and a surprise treat – an extra touch that added to the festive fun.

The evening’s most unforgettable moment came when Santa joined the kids in the pool, fully dressed in his red suit. Watching him wade through the water, beard and all, was delightful, but the real hilarity ensued when he took a turn down the slide. Santa got stuck partway down, prompting a chorus of laughter that echoed through the pool. It was a shared moment of joy that brought everyone together, perfectly embodying the holiday spirit.

At just $15 per child, the event offered fantastic value, including open swim, exclusive access to Santa, and thoughtful holiday extras. Families left with smiles on their faces, ready to embrace the rest of the season with a renewed sense of cheer.

Looking for more fun at the pool? The Eden Prairie Community Center has exciting events ahead, including a Dive-In Movie featuring “The Little Mermaid” on Saturday, Jan. 4, for all ages, and an Inflatable Obstacle Course on Saturday, Jan. 6, for kids ages 8 and older.

Check out the Recreation Pool Schedule or explore the Aquatics Center for a full schedule of aquatics programs and upcoming events.

Editor’s note: This is the latest installment of Rachel’s Reviews, where Rachel Engstrom, a contributor to Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN), reviews various aspects of Eden Prairie and beyond. Do you have ideas for reviews? Reach out to Rachel Engstrom at rachel.engstrom@eplocalnews.org.