Compiled by SALLY ANN SHURMUR

Star-Tribune staff writer

Holiday activities suitable for the whole family abound this weekend, including many appearances by that fat guy in the red suit.

The Marine Corps League distributes its toys and gifts for children and teens at 10 a.m. today from the Harley-Davidson dealership on North Glenn Road. The program is designed for families that have not been served by other agencies. For more information or to donate, call 265-4579.

At Hogadon Ski Area today and Sunday, you can learn to ski or snowboard with a one-day specially priced package designed for beginners. Learn to ski is $30 and learn to snowboard is $40. Reservations are required. To check availability, call 235-8499.

The city of Casper's recreation division is hosting a festive "Santa Saturday," with appearances at three facilities. Admission is $3 per participant per facility.

Stop by the Casper Ice Arena from 1 to 3 p.m. for "Skate with Santa" and enjoy ice skating to holiday music. Santa will join in the fun on his skates as well. Kids can also take sleigh rides on the ice with Santa.

From 3 to 4 p.m., Santa will be at the Casper Recreation Center to shoot some hoops and throw the ball around while he visits with young sports enthusiasts. Refreshments will be served in the lobby. Parents are welcome to come in and take advantage of some great photo opportunities.

Santa won't be donning his Speedo, but he'll visit the Casper Family Aquatic Center on the deck and in the lobby from 4 to 6 p.m. Admission includes swimming, cookies and hot chocolate. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult in the water.

For more information on "Santa Saturday" events, call the Casper Recreation Center at 235-8383, the Casper Ice Arena at 235-8484 or visit www.casperwy.gov.

Fort Caspar Museum invites families to participate in a fun hands-on activity today. Stop by the classroom anytime between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to make old-fashioned Christmas ornaments. Choose between ornaments of trees, fish or candy canes, cornucopias, paper chains or feather stars.

All participating children must be accompanied by an adult. The program and related activities are free to participants.

The Casper Planetarium, 904 N. Poplar, features "Seasons of Light," at 7 p.m., and "Black Holes," at 8 p.m. Admission is $2.50 per show.

Dances at the Casper Senior Center with Swing Sounds have been temporarily moved to the Mills Senior/Community Center at 401 Wasatch St. in Mills. Tonight's scheduled dance is at the Mills Senior/Community Center from 7 to 10 p.m. The move is necessary until the Casper Senior Center construction project of the dance area is completed. For questions or comments, call the Casper Senior Center 265-4678 or Jim Trantham 234-7239

On Sunday, Poverty Resistance presents Ken Messmer's performance, "The Magic of Christmas," at 2 p.m., at the Natrona County High School Auditorium. Admission is $5 each or five for $20. Tickets are available at the door or at the Poverty Resistance thrift store. All proceeds support the food pantry at Poverty Resistance, 450 S. Wolcott.

St. Mark's Episcopal Church is hosting a holiday feast for members, friends and neighbors at 4 p.m. on Sunday. All are invited to the Christmas celebration featuring a roast turkey dinner and special treats for the children. Christmas carols, led by members of the "Oil City Slickers," also are on the menu.

Also on Sunday, special services from the Celtic Iona community in Scotland will be celebrated at 10 a.m.

The annual Christmas TV Mass will be celebrated at 5:15 p.m. on Sunday at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Casper. The celebrant and homilist for the Christmas TV Mass this year will be diocesan administrator, Fr. Michael Carr. The concelebrants will be Msgr. James O'Neill, Fr. Kevin Koch, and Fr. Steven Titus. Rev. Mr. Russ Humphreys, Rev. Mr. Ed McCarthy, and Rev. Mr. Don Stewart will serve as Deacons. Betty McCarthy and Brian Zook will be the Lectors. St. Anthony's Music Ministry, under the direction of Brad Zettl, will provide the music for the Mass with Fr. Kevin Koch singing "Silent Night."

The Mass will be aired on K2 TV at midnight on Dec. 25 and again at 9 a.m. on Dec. 28.

Sunrise Baptist Church, 3990 S. McKinley, will hold the musical presentation "Hope Has Hands" at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. All are invited.

The annual alumni hockey game is at the Casper Ice Arena on Sunday. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., alumni will play the Casper midgets. From 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., alumni will play alumni.

Players' fee is $5; spectators are welcome at $3 for adults and $2 for students. Questions, call 265-5479.