Community Corner

Los Gatos 2012 Holiday Event Guide

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NOW THROUGH DEC. 24

Free valet parking is available 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays in the parking lot between Elm Street and Grays Lane in downtown Los Gatos until Dec. 24. Tipping is optional.

NOW THROUGH JAN. 2

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The three-hour public parking lots downtown have had their time limits extended to four hours until Jan. 2, 2013. Street parking limitations remain the same as posted. Take advantage of this great way to park and enjoy Los Gatos during the holiday season.

NOW THROUGH DEC. 14

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NOW THROUGH DEC. 31

The 14th annual Fantasy of Lights show continues every evening 6-10 p.m. through Monday, Dec. 31, including holidays, at Vasona Lake County Park, 333 Blossom Hill Rd. The event consists of a 1.5-mile drive-through holiday lights and display entertainment extravaganza. According to organizers, the show is the premier holiday lights spectacular in Northern California. Details: 408-355-2201.

NOV. 30

First day of Holiday Carriage Rides, 7 p.m. To make reservations visit www.losgatoschamber.com and click on the picture of a carriage.

THROUGH DEC. 23

The Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad presents The Holiday Train 6-9 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, starting Dec. 1 through Dec. 23 at Oak Meadow Park, 233 Blossom Hill Rd. The train rides through Vasona Lake County Park allowing a view of the Fantasy of Lights show and a W.E. "Bill" Mason Carousel ride. Details: 408-395-7433.

DEC. 5-30

Artisan Live Holiday Marketplace! Featuring Bay Area Etsy sellers benefiting The Museums of Los Gatos. Opening weekend Dec. 8-9, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Art Museum of Los Gatos, 4 Tait Ave. Event includes mini workshops, complimentary gift-wrap and holiday refreshments. Details: 408-395-7386.

DEC. 8-20

Saratoga resident Cheryl Bailey and Los Gatos residents Judy Stanley, Jennifer Croll, Flying Lizard, Lori Cali host a holiday boutique 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Bailey's home, 14601 Wild Oak Way in Saratoga. Goodies will be served along with wine at night! There will be lots of fun things to choose from featuring many vendors showing items from stocking stuffers, hostess gifts to fun and unique gifts for all. Details: 408-838-1603

DEC. 14

Congregation Shir Hadash, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, hosts a Chanukah family service 7:30-9 p.m.in its sanctuary. Join Rabbis Aron, Lobel, and Levenberg and Cantor Felder-Levy and the junior choir in celebration of Chanukah. The junior choir will perform Debbie Friedman play, "Miracles Aren't Just Magic." Bring your chanukiyot and candles to help light up the sanctuary on this seventh night of Chanukah. Spin the dreidel and enjoy Sufganiyot (jelly-filled donuts) at the Oneg following the service. Everyone is welcome!

DEC. 19

Los Gatos Saratoga Recreation presents its Holiday Sing-A-long 1-3 p.m., Los Gatos Adult Recreation Center, 208 E. Main St., Los Gatos. Enjoy a holiday sing-a-long filled with love, friendship and music! Songbooks will be distributed and you can sing from your seat or steal the stage with a solo. Cookies, cider, coffee will be served! All are welcome (bring the grandkids!) Recommended donation of $5 per person. Details: 408-354-8700

COMPLETED EVENTS

DEC. 1

56th annual los Gatos Children's Christmas and Holidays Parade starts at 11 a.m. Hosted by Los Gatos Lions Club and the Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation Department.  WATCH THE VIDEO HERE.

Peacock Tree Farm donates 50 percent of proceeds to the Loma Prieta Public Education Fund, 8 a.m to 4:30 p.m. 17950 Mountain Charlie Rd. Make getting your Christmas tree be a fun family outing. Free apple cider, hot chocolate and other holiday treats.

Girl Scout Troop 60337, made up of Blossom Hill Elementary School fourth-graders, will have barrels for toy donations along Los Gatos Children's Christmas and Holidays Parade route on N. Santa Cruz Ave.

NapaStyle, 32 No. Santa Cruz Ave., is donating 10 percent of all sales purchased between 1-5 p.m. after the Los Gatos Children's Christmas Parade to The Museums of Los Gatos.

DEC. 2

Hanukah Palooza festival, 12 noon-4 p.m. The public is invited to the Jewish Community Center, 14855 Oka Rd., for its annual free extravaganza that includes games, arts and crafts and bounce houses for kids, holiday vendors for your Hanukah shopping needs, food for sale, and more. Details: Jason Goldstein at jason@svjcc.org or 408-357-7497.

DEC. 2-3

Shop for holiday gifts at the annual Holiday Boutique in the Addison Penzak Jewish Community Center auditorium, 14855 Oka Rd., 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2 and 8 a.m.-12 noon, Monday, Dec. 3. Details: diana@svjcc.org, or 408-357-7402.

NOV. 30-DEC. 2

More than 80 dancers from Los Gatos and Saratoga perform in San Jose Dance Theatre's and Los Gatos Ballet's The Nutcracker at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, at the Center for the Performance Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd. in San Jose. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1 and 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. Details: Miriam Watson, 650-283-9030.

DEC. 7

Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Town Plaza Park, corner of Main Street and Santa Cruz Avenue, at 4:30 p.m., lighting of tree at 6 p.m. Santa arrives at 6:01 p.m. Hosted by the Los Gatos Community Foundation.

DEC. 8

Santa Paws at Old Town Center, 50 University Ave., 1-4 p.m. Photos with your pet for $20 per pic. Benefits Humane Society Silicon Valley. Bring your four-legged friends (cats and dogs only) to Old Town Center for a keepsake photo with Santa Claus. Details: 408-551-4600.

DEC. 10

The Doves Club hosts its second annual holiday luncheon at 11 a.m., 115 N Santa Cruz Ave. Tickets are $55. The mission of Las Palomas/The Doves Club is to introduce local women to local charities and to inspire their involvement through leadership, volunteerism and giving. Details: 408-402-5200, or jennifer@­jenni­fercroll.­com

DEC. 11

Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce Holiday Mixer at Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Rd., Saratoga, 5:30-7 p.m. Reservations strongly requested and carpooling suggested. Details: 408-354-9300.


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