Santa Claus is making an early trip south this holiday season to give Pacific Beach children the opportunity to share their wish lists and celebrate Discover PB and the Crystal Pier Hotel’s fourth annual “Christmas on Crystal Pier” event amid family, friends and neighbors on Saturday, Dec. 1. “This is a great opportunity for Pacific Beach families — or all families — to take their holiday photo on the iconic Crystal Pier overlooking the Pacific Ocean,” said Sara Berns, executive director of Discover Pacific Beach. “This event embraces the ultimate Southern California holiday season, the beach and the holidays.” From 2 to 5 p.m., children of all ages can enjoy free ornament decorating, games, hot chocolate from Kono’s Café and live holiday music by local school bands. Santa will also be on hand to collect letters and wish lists in his North Pole mailbox and make himself available to families for professional holiday photos for $10. At 5 p.m., a beautifully decorated evergreen — donated by Doug Irwin of Christmas Tree Country — will be lit up next to the Crystal Pier Hotel while District 2 City Councilman Kevin Faulconer delivers a holiday message just as the sun sets over the Pacific. Local businesses can also help bring some vibrant holiday cheer to the pier throughout the month of December by purchasing an unadorned wreath from Discover PB for $20 and bringing it to life with décor that highlights their specific business. The funds raised from the wreath sales help pay for event supplies so organizers can continue to offer free activities to the children as a gift to the community. “This event really is to show our appreciation for the kids of Pacific Beach,” said Berns. “From our volunteers — from the PB Woman’s Club, Mission Bay Rotary and Mission Bay High School to the businesses — we all get together to create a great family event.”