Los Gatos Lights Christmas Tree!

Downtown Los Gatos sparkled Friday evening after its beautiful 88-year-old fir Christmas tree was lit by thousands of multi-colored lights during an official ceremony at Town Plaza Park.

An estimated 1,500 people attended the event—the town's formal start of the holiday season.

The decades-old tradition, which now uses eco-friendly lights, was presided by who chose a kid from the crowd to turn on the magic.

This year, the Los Gatos High School band, the Stars on Stage dancers and guitar playing were part of the celebration.

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 collected toys for the Toys for Tots Foundation toy drive at a special refreshment booth where it also raised funds to help provide projects to better enhance our community.

At 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, the Town continues its festivities with the 55th annual Los Gatos Children's Christmas and Holidays Parade in downtown.