Before his big flight on Christmas Eve, Santa Claus set up a visit at the Rudyard Community Center on Mackinaw Trail in Rudyard for Friday, Dec.1. With the assistance of the Rudyard Fire Department, Santa will join community members at a Christmas tree lighting at the community center beginning at 6 p.m. After the Christmas tree activities, Santa becomes available inside the community center to visit with children before he leaves at 7:30 p.m. to return to the North Pole. Mrs. Claus joins Santa during his visit.

The tree lighting is organized by the Rudyard Township Park Board and Santa's visit is coordinated and hosted by the Rudyard Lions Club.