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The Lincoln Historic Depot was
packed with excited families Thursday evening as Santa and Mrs.
Claus made their long-awaited arrival for the city’s annual Hot
Chocolate & Cookies with Santa event. Although the holiday parade
planned for earlier in the night was canceled because of extremely
cold temperatures, the community still came out in full force for
the standalone celebration.
Santa was escorted to the depot
promptly at 6:30 p.m. by a Lincoln Fire Department truck, drawing
the immediate attention from the crowd of children who had filled
the decorated space. Inside, young visitors lined up eagerly for hot
chocolate and cookies served by Alderwoman Robin McCallen, Alderman
Steve Parrott, and Mayor Tracy Welch.
This year’s event was organized as a team effort through the City of
Lincoln Department of Tourism. Director of Tourism Scott McCoy said
the success of the evening came from widespread staff involvement.
“With tourism taking it over this
year, it was really a big team effort, and Ashley really spearheaded
it in the administrative offices,” McCoy said, praising
administrative assistant Ashley Metelko for her work. He also
highlighted the contributions of Alexis “Lexi” Groves, whose
decorations filled the depot. “All the decorations you see in here
are her decorations, and she put [them] up… A lot of the city was
involved. A lot of the staff was involved.”
McCoy added that city crews had
been out earlier clearing snow to make the area safe and welcoming
for families. “It was a lot of fun, and I think the kids really
enjoyed it. I think everybody enjoyed it,” he said.
Mayor Tracy Welch echoed that gratitude, especially noting how
quickly the city pivoted after the weather forced the parade
postponement.
“When the weather was going to hit tonight, it was extremely cold.
We were able to pivot, and the parade is going to be next week,”
Welch said. “Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Claus for still coming in
tonight and doing this. I think we had a tremendous turnout.”
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Welch also praised the city
staff who worked behind the scenes to make the event possible.
“Scott McCoy with tourism, and Lexi Groves and Ashley Metelko,
they really kind of spearheaded this and did all this work, and
I think the community really appreciates that,” he said.
The mayor expressed appreciation as
well for the council members who participated. “Alderman Parrott and
Alderwoman McClellan were here tonight, and they were serving the
cookies and hot cocoa and stuff. And I think it’s just great that
the council came out and was a part of this as well.”
Even without the parade, organizers said the turnout exceeded
expectations. “I just think it ended up being really successful,
even without the parade and it being a standalone event,” one staff
member said. “Something that’s free… it was a great turnout.”Groves
said.
Santa and Mrs. Claus — portrayed in
Lincoln tradition by Terry and Wendy Bell, who remain fully in
character during appearances — visited with children throughout the
evening as families took photos, enjoyed treats, and admired the
festive decorations inside the historic depot at 101 N. Chicago
Street.
Welch noted that the Hot Chocolate & Cookies event has been part of
Lincoln’s holiday season for well over a decade. “I’ve been at the
city for 10 years, and I know it’s been going on long before that,”
he said.
Despite the weather challenges, the night delivered everything
families hoped for: warm drinks, sweet cookies, and a joyful moment
with Santa to kick off the holiday season in Lincoln.
[Sophia Larimore]
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