Olivia Cruz, 2, watches volunteers sort through gifts before giving her one during the annual holiday brunch in Anaheim on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Three-year-old Dalton Pham catches raindrops after receiving gifts, including a set of Hot Wheels, at the annual holiday brunch at West Center Street Promenade in Anaheim on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. Rain didn’t dampen the event. It was moved inside to a parking garage. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Guest to the annual holiday brunch at West Center Street Promenade in Anaheim try to keep dry during a storm on
Wednesday, December 24, 2025. The event, usally outside, was moved into a parking structure. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Two-year-old Olivia Cruz enjoys a pancake breakfast during the annual holiday brunch in Anaheim on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Camila Ulloa, 3,gets a new teddy bear during Anaheim’s annual holiday brunch at West Center Street Promenade on
Wednesday, December 24, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Nine-month-old Wesley Griffin meets Mr. and Mrs. Claus during Anaheim’s annual holiday brunch at West Center Street Promenade on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Sisters Kawena Maae, 3, left, and Pualena, 2, stay close together before their visit with Santa during the annual holiday brunch at West Center Street Promenade in Anaheim on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Julia Santana waits at the buffet line with her dog, Sol, during Anaheim’s annual holiday brunch on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Three-year-old Dalton Pham concentrates on opening his Hot Wheels gift during the annual holiday brunch at West Center Street Promenade in Anaheim on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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Olivia Cruz, 2, watches volunteers sort through gifts before giving her one during the annual holiday brunch in Anaheim on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The rain wasn’t going to dampen the Christmas magic.
As the skies darkened ahead of Christmas Eve, volunteers shifted and set up for the annual community brunch hosted on Anaheim’s West Center Street Promenade in a nearby parking structure instead.
For years, families and those in the community in need of some holiday cheer have attended the brunch. There is breakfast and activities, Santa Claus makes a visit and presents get handed out the children.
It is a tradition that was started by K&A Cafe and Catering owners Kathy and Art Cervantes nearly two decades ago and has grown with the help of community sponsors and volunteers.
In recent weeks, volunteers gathered for two different wrapping sessions and on Wednesday, children eagerly opened the presents. They also took pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, munched on pancakes and, bundled up against the wet, played in the rain.
