Open house kicks off holiday season in Saratoga Village
Downtown Saratoga kicks off the holidays Friday, Nov. 24, with the Village Open House. It’s a family event with something for all ages. The traditional tree-lighting ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. in Blaney Plaza.
Before the tree lighting, kids can find lots to do in the Candy Cane Lane, 3-5:30 p.m. at 14460 Big Basin Way. There will be pictures with Santa and his elves, arts and craft tables, a visit from the Grinch, hot cocoa, food to purchase and live music geared toward children. All this is free thanks to Star One Credit Union and the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce. www.saratogachamber.org
After tree lighting, adults can sip pours from area vintners at the wine stroll. Tickets are $65 at the door. You’ll be able to taste some of the best wines in the area along with small bites courtesy of Saratoga merchants.
And throughout the night, music and performances will keep visitors in the holiday spirit. Businesses will extend shopping hours. The Saratoga History Museum will be hosting a special holiday exhibit, and there will be free horse-drawn carriage rides around the decked-out downtown, featuring wreaths decorated by the Village Gardeners.
A Celebration of Light is set for Dec. 9 at 5:30 p.m. in Blaney Plaza. Hosted by the City of Saratoga and the Saratoga Ministerial Association, the event celebrates the diversity of Saratoga through light, symbolizing hope, joy and faith across cultures.
Silicon Valley Shakespeare’s annual performance of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at Montalvo Arts Center has an immersive twist this year. Audiences can expect to travel through the historic villa, elegant courtyards and trails. The show runs Dec. 4-17. Other holiday performances you may want to check out: Christmas with the Celts (Dec. 2), David Benoit’s Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown (Dec. 3) and the Clairvoyants Holiday Spectacular (Dec. 8). www.montalvoarts.org
Remembering that this is the season of giving, the Santa Clara chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is throwing support to the U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots drive. Last year’s successful drive-through collection will be repeated this year, with the Saratoga Civic Center parking lot as the drop-off point for new and unwrapped toys for children up to 13 years old. Suggested items include educational toys, board games, sports balls and dolls.
The annual Wreaths Across America Day is set for Saturday, Dec. 16, at Madronia Cemetery, 14766 Oak St., 11 a.m.-noon. It’s a time for the community to come together to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and their families and teach the next generation about the value of freedom. There’ll be patriotic music and a message from Maj. Gen. Tracy Smith, commander of the 63rd Readiness Division at Moffett Field. Attendees will be invited to take a wreath and place it on a veteran’s grave. www.saratoga.ca.us
If you have business or social news about Saratoga, please let me know: debby@debbyrice.com.