The Yucca Valley Council meeting on December 17, 2024, highlighted the success of the recent winter holiday celebration, which drew significant community participation. Mayor Bob Stephenson reported a well-attended event featuring Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a festive atmosphere that included a holiday craft fair with over fifty local handmade vendors. The celebration also featured an impressive snow play day, utilizing 80 tons of snow on the North lawn of the community center, where 1,255 wristbands were issued for children to enjoy the winter activities.

The event lasted five hours and was bustling with families and visitors, showcasing the community's enthusiasm for holiday festivities. The museum played a key role in the celebration, successfully hosting over a thousand visitors in the Natural History Room to meet Santa.

Celeste, a museum staff member, shared updates on ongoing projects, including an upcoming exhibit titled "Wondrous West," set to open on January 4, 2025. She also mentioned a collaborative effort with Yucca Valley High School's Spanish department, where students engaged with the museum's exhibits for extra credit opportunities. This initiative aims to foster educational connections and will continue with the new exhibit.

Overall, the meeting underscored the community's vibrant participation in local events and the museum's commitment to educational outreach, setting a positive tone for future activities in Yucca Valley.