Summerlin kicks off the holidays

Summerlin's calendar of community events is never lacking in options and the holiday season is especially robust. Community schools, houses of worship, cultural centers and local businesses host a variety of seasonal celebrations and philanthropic opportunities, which are open to the public.

"There's an undeniable surplus of holiday spirit in Summerlin," said Kevin Orrock, president of Summerlin and executive vice president of master-planned communities for The Howard Hughes Corp. "We invite valley residents to visit the community and attend one of the many planned seasonal events to experience life in Summerlin. It's a great place to spend the holidays, and an even better place to live."

■ Summerlin Hospital Medical Center hosts the Children's Medical Center Holiday Snowpile Toy Drive. Donations of new toys and games are accepted throughout the month and distributed to parents with children enduring lengthy hospital stays during the holiday season. Gifts for infants to 16-year-olds can be dropped off at the hospital's human resources department, the pediatric unit or information desk before Dec. 19. The hospital is at 657 N. Town Center Drive.

■ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosts a complimentary breakfast with Santa today from 8 to 10 a.m. at 10550 Alta Dr. and special holiday services Dec. 23 at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

■ Palo Verde High School, 333 S. Pavilion Center Drive, will present a holiday-themed orchestra concert Monday, a collaborative concert Dec. 14 and a band concert Dec. 18. All concerts start at 6:30 p.m. in the school's theater.

■ The choir from The Adelson Education Campus performs at Temple Sinai, 9001 Hillpointe Road, at 6 p.m. Monday. The lower school hosts a Hanukkah Festival at 8 a.m. Dec. 14 in the school's auditorium, 9700 Hillpointe Road. The festival features a student art show and traditional holiday treats.

■ St. Andrew Lutheran Church hosts a Christmas concert, featuring traditional holiday favorites performed by the St. Andrew Chorus and local musical talent at 3 p.m. Dec. 16 at 8901 Del Webb Blvd. The church's Christmas Eve Candlelight Services are Dec. 24 at 5, 7 and 9 p.m.

■ Desert Spring United Methodist Church holds its first service in its new sanctuary Dec. 23 with a Cantata presented by the Chancel Choir at 8 and
9:30 a.m., followed by a contemporary service at 11 a.m.

■ Faith Community Lutheran Church's special family Christmas Eve service is 3:30 p.m. at 2700 S. Town Center Drive. Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols will be held at 5:30, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Dec. 24 and a festive Christmas celebration is set for 10 a.m. Dec. 25.

■ Summerlin Community Baptist Church, 2100 Snow Trail Drive, hosts its special Christmas Eve service at 6 p.m.

Visit www.summerlin.com for information on other community events scheduled in Summerlin.