STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Santa’s going to be burning the candle on both ends Wednesday evening as he attends tree lighting ceremonies in Ketchum and Bellevue.

The jolly ol’ fellow is expected to drop into Ketchum shortly after 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 4, with his live reindeer in tow The tree lighting will follow at 5 p.m.

There’ll be free treats and cocoa, along with hot toddies for purchase. Carolers will fill the night air with music, there’ll be photo opportunities with Santa and fire pits for warming.

There also will be an opportunity to mail letters and lists to Santa via a special Santa Mailbox on a fast track to the North Pole. Include your return address and Santa will write you back.

As soon as Santa’s done in Ketchum, he’ll whiz down to Bellevue, his sleigh zipping above the traffic jam on Highway 75.

The festivities, at the Coffee Corner, 120 Main St., start at 5:30 p.m. There’ll be carolers, a bake sale, hot chocolate and cookies, a silent auction and “A Very Merry Book Giveaway.” And, of course, a visit from Santa Claus.

Want to know more? Call Kristin at 208-788-4503.