Annual Halle Santa Event Delivers Cookies, Crafts, and Sweet Children’s Laughs 

Nothing gets Halle Plantation residents in the holiday spirit like the annual Cookies with Santa event, which welcomed more than fifty families this year (2023) for cookies, crafts, community, and a jolly visit with Santa on December 7.

“There’s something about this Santa visit that brings out novel gift ideas from my kids,” said Halle resident Tiffany Hill, who also volunteered and helped organize this year’s event. “My five-year-old, Millie, asked for a unicorn she can take care of like a daughter. This was all news to my ears! Fortunately, Santa’s elves still have time to tackle the last-minute wishes.”

The big man in red* – who donned his authentic, velour Santa suit and rocked his pure white, pull-proof beard – offered nothing but warm smiles and baritone laughs (“ho-ho-ho”) when providing his warm lap and a listening ear to Halle’s children.

“This is one of my kids’ favorite events of the year,” said Jill Campbell. “My first grader Cooper told Santa he wants a zip line, and our five-year-old Mia is asking for a jewelry box filled with jewelry. I’m hoping she’ll get her wish and share. Mom can always use some new bling.”

Fifty-five families were able to share their Christmas wishes with Santa and enjoy treats, cocoa, crafts, and a holiday photo booth under a balloon arch. 

This year, Halle’s resident entrepreneur Krissy Drake, owner of a mobile coffee shop called Cafe 127, was able to bring her new coffee truck to the event and serve up coffee and hot cocoa for the event’s guests. 

“We love this event, and I’m always grateful to have my coffee truck invited and welcomed,” Krissy said. “We’ve always loved this event as a way to bring the neighborhood together and keep the Christmas spirit alive for both the younger and older kids of Halle.” 

In addition to indoor activities, Jaime Bastidas helped set up the movie Rudolph to play on a large outdoor screen, giving guests outdoor entertainment while they waited for their coffee and cacao. 

His wife, Kelli, who organized the event, had nothing but praise for this year’s volunteers. “We know every year gets busier and busier with pre-holiday activities and events. We can’t thank our volunteers enough – whether they donated cookies, or participated in the labor-intensive process of setting up and breaking down the event. We look forward to continued participation in the years ahead – because without the giving spirit of the community, there is no event.” 

Kelli’s daughter, Mila, and one of her best friends, Livi Hill, acted as Santa’s helpers – dressed as little elves – for the third year in a row.

About 15 volunteers participated in 2023, setting up crafts, including a holiday keychain and Buddy the Elf snow globe; donating cookies; creating the balloon arch; and decorating the lodge for Santa’s visit.

Event volunteer and resident Lauren Baker said, “Cookies with Santa is one of my family’s favorite and most magical nights of the year. How lucky are we that Santa makes this special stop to visit our fabulous neighborhood? We love kicking off the spirit of the season with a Santa visit, an outdoor bonfire and movie, and coffee and hot cacao (thanks, Krissy!). As a parent, there’s truly nothing better than seeing the magic in your kids’ eyes when they talk to Santa. It’s truly the best night ever.” 

In addition to Cookies with Santa, the neighborhood collected two giant boxes of gifts for the annual Toys for Tots drive, including large items like bicycles, tricycles, and accompanying helmets – underscoring the giving spirit of the community. 

*Affectionately known locally as Santa Rick, the neighborhood’s special guest can also be found during many December weekends at the Collierville Town Square when he’s not managing toy production and keeping his elves on task at the North Pole.