With the Tree Lighting Ceremony and the annual Children’s Christmas/Holidays Parade in the record books, the December events season is now in full-swing. There’s still plenty to look forward to, what with trolley rides, Santa in Old Town and eating, drinking and shopping in Los Gatos. What could be better? (Maybe New Year’s festivities—but that’s another story.)
Winter in our corner of the West Valley is wonderful (though technically it doesn’t start until December 21). The hi-tech Silicon Valley pressure cooker is far enough away, and we can chill-out, in mind and body. The few remaining leaves continue to fall from the deciduous trees, and deep winter is coming in softly—in foggy mornings with bright cool afternoons.
Los Gatos is a place where the holiday events flow seamlessly. At Friday’s tree lighting ceremony (“Los Gatos in Lights”) Mayor Matthew Hudes provided a joyful message, with a bit of history—one of his last duties as mayor.
It was just days away from the Dec. 9 hand-off of the mayoral duties to Rob Moore (who will also serve for one year).
“Our community has gathered at this very spot for over 100 years to celebrate this time of the year,” Hudes said. “This event really emphasizes the promise of our youth in this community.” Youth Citizen of the Year awards were presented. They blew whistles to signify the countdown to the next morning’s parade.
Mayor Hudes also introduced John Lochner, soon to celebrate his 97 years at the end of this month, and presented him with a memento of service to the Town. Lochner recalled how “back in the day” the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce office was right nearby. He would help with the tree lighting then, too.
Mayor Hudes acknowledged the youth citizens of the year, who blew whistles to signify the start of the parade activities.
This is a gathering that delights people of all ages. Fisher Middle School Strings and Encore Choir performed Christmas medley songs, and the Harker School Downbeat Show Choir entertained all who attended. Youngsters sat on the grass in the very front with parents and interested onlookers filling up the Plaza. Candy cane balloons, glow in the dark bracelets and hot chocolate were provided. By the way, Santa appeared here for the first time this season.
A safe, fun community evening. Many stayed in town to enjoy a meal out, catching up with old friends and making new ones. A walk along Santa Cruz Avenue is in order in the evenings, given all the beautifully decorated shop windows.
Everybody loves (or was in) the parade
The Children’s Christmas/Holidays Parade is sponsored by the Los Gatos Lions Club, Los Gatos-Saratoga Parks and Recreation and the Town of Los Gatos. Their coordination and staging paid off, and the event went off without a hitch. The Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department provided a sense of peace and safety, with Disaster Aid Response Team assisting. Both contingents used drones.
This year, around 7,000 participants walked, marched, danced, drove bicycles, rode in and on vehicles, were carried, or cruised along in wheelchairs and on skateboards. The Billy Jones Wildcat steam locomotive train, with its distinctive whistle filling the air, hitched a ride on a flatbed trailer. They all made it look easy, despite the detailed logistics involved. And Mother Nature did not disappoint—though there were cool temperatures, the sun was out.
‘Magical Memories’ in the making
Santa will be in his workshop in Old Town (by Salt & Straw) Friday, Dec. 12, 4-7pm. There will be a ribbon-cutting at 3:45pm, with Mayor Rob Moore officiating.
To help Santa to get back to the North Pole on schedule, time with him will be kept brief. If the queue wait time reaches 30 minutes prior to the posted closing, the workshop may close early.
Visits with Santa will also be offered on Saturday, Dec., 13, 1-6pm, and Sunday, Dec. 14, from noon-5pm.
Bring your cameras (and cell phones) as Los Gatos Rotary elves will be on hand to help take photos. Enjoy live entertainment that will include holiday characters and music. Goodie bags, one per family, will be offered. Check their website for more info. All is complimentary, with no reservations needed.
(Dinah Cotton / Los Gatan)
Arrive early to ensure your place in Santa’s workshop. Last year over 800 families and 1,300 children were served.
Holiday Market: Dec 13-14, 10am-5pm, Civic Center Lawn on Main Street becomes a European-style holiday market. Expect children’s activities, entertainment and free popcorn. Proceeds benefit the Live Oak Senior Nutrition Center. This unique artisan market is sponsored by the Los Gatos Kiwanis Club. Bundle up and ride the complementary trolley around town.
And coming in this week’s mail: the catalogue-style LGS Recreation Guide (Winter/Spring 2026). It will feature almost 50 pages of things to learn, classes, sports, boating, senior activities, tennis, dance, music, AI education opportunities and more.
What a great place to live, raise families and make lifelong friends.
Happy Holidays Los Gatos!
