Los Gatos 'Rocks Around' Christmas Tree!

Downtown Los Gatos sparkled Friday evening after its beautiful 90-year-old Christmas tree was lit by thousands of multi-colored lights at Town Plaza Park.

Hundreds attended the event in the cold chilly weather, light rain drizzling toward the end.

The ceremony, attended by members of the Los Gatos Town Council and other dignitaries, marked the town's formal start of the holiday season.

The decades-old tradition was presided by new Los Gatos Mayor Steven Leonardis who chose a child from the crowd to turn on the magic.

Also in attendance were the Youth Citizens of the Year and former Los Gatos Mayor John Lochner lead the audience with the help of Neil Hogan in singing, "Here Comes Santa Claus."

This year, the Los Gatos High School and Fisher Middle School bands performed.

Los Gatos Music & Arts, producers of Jazz on the Plazz and Music In the Park, presented Victorian Carolers who lead holiday merrymakers in traditional holiday songs.

Santa Claus also took a break from his duties in the North Pole to join in the fun, which put smiles on many children's faces.

Like every year, the Los Gatos Community Foundation and the Town sponsored the event whose goal is to allow families to enjoy themselves in a wholesome environment.

The foundation sold kettle corn, coffee and hot chocolate and accepted donations to help fund its scholarship and philanthropic endeavors.

At 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 7, the town continues its festivities with the 57th annual Los Gatos Children's Christmas and Holidays Parade in downtown.

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