Youngsters look on with anticipation as Santa reaches into his bag of treats. Photos 250News

Prince George, B.C. – Youngsters by the carload took full advantage of the opportunity for an outdoor skate and a visit with Santa on Sunday afternoon.

The moment you hopped out of your vehicle at the community rink on Ridgeview Drive in the Hart you instantly noticed the enticing aroma of chili wafting through the air.  Chili and donuts and hot chocolate and other treats were all there to be enjoyed at the Hart Community Association’s 8th annual Skate with Santa.

It ran from 1 to about 3 pm and this year Santa Claus arrived near the beginning of the two-hour get together, thrilling the wide-eyed children who quickly darted off the two ice surfaces for the chance to meet Santa up close, chat with him for a while, jingle the bells that adorn his reindeer and be treated to a candy cane.

Then it was time to go skating with Santa.  A great start to the week leading up to Christmas Day.