Santa shares a laugh in Mars at a former Christmas event. Santa will arrive at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 1 for this year's holiday event.

MARS — A familiar face will arrive in the borough next week, and he’ll be bringing a guest with him.

Santa Claus will make his annual stop to meet with children and throw the switch on the borough’s Christmas tree Dec. 1 in downtown Mars. This year, he’ll be accompanied by Mrs. Claus.

In a letter to borough residents, Santa Claus said he always feels welcomed by Mars residents, and Mrs. Claus will join him this year, “to experience your welcoming hospitality.” He also noted he’s been told there will be hot chocolate and cookies.

Mayor Gregg Hartung said due to scheduling issues, borough officials took over planning the event from the Adams Area Fire District. He estimated the department and it’s predecessors had been involve with the event for 15 to 20 years.

Hartung said Santa will arrive around 3:30 p.m. on his sleigh. There will be no parade this year, though, as construction on Route 228 has increased traffic through the borough, and officials wanted to ensure safety.

“It’s a little safer and a little less of a burden to close so many streets,” he said.

Once he arrives near the famous spaceship, Santa will meet with children and listen to their Christmas wish lists, all the while enjoying cookies, hot chocolate and other refreshments.

At 5 p.m., he will light the borough’s tree, which was donated by Mars Bank and decorated by the borough’s Public Works Department.

Hartung said it was an easy decision to assume planning the event, as hundreds of residents show up every year to participate. He said it’s a community endeavor unique to the borough, down to the lights and decorations on the spaceship.

“It becomes more of a Mars type of Christmas event,” he said.