The elves are running around in their puff jackets preparing for the slew of seasonal events that are about to unfold.
This year’s holiday kicks-off in earnest this Friday with “Los Gatos in Lights,” at the Los Gatos Town Plaza Park. The event will begin at 5pm with the tree-lighting at 6pm. If you are bringing young children, be sure to get there early. This is a gathering that delights people of all ages. The Plaza already has some magnificent lights up, and the lit tree will add to the brilliance. This tree was planted by the Los Gatos History Club in 1923.
Fisher Middle School Strings and Encore Choir will perform as well as the Harker School Downbeat Show Choir. Mayor Matthew Hudes will provide a holiday message—one of his last duties as our mayor. (On Dec. 9, he will hand off his mayoral position to Rob Moore, our current vice mayor.) By the way, Santa will also appear for the first time this season as part of the event. A safe, fun community evening. Bundle up everybody!
(Dinah Cotton / Los Gatan)
On with the Parade!
Our annual holiday parade is sponsored by the Los Gatos Lions Club, Los Gatos Saratoga Parks and Recreation and the Town of Los Gatos. The parade, which is always held on the first Saturday of December, takes place rain or shine—this year it looks like a shine (with cool temperatures prevailing). The scramble for parking begins bright and early.
This is the 69th edition and Kurt Kroesche is the Grand Marshal. The beloved Los Gatos High School teacher states, ”It is a thrill to be this year’s Grand Marshal.” Students report that he has an uncanny ability to make them feel valued, thanks to his skill of helping students of all levels relate to the curriculum—leaving a positive impression even decades later.
Speaking of our annual parade, Los Gatos Lions Club Parade Co-chair Morgan Lopez said, “It’s the biggest event of the year.” He added, “It just brings the community to one spot.”
Los Gatans have a certain pride about our annual parade. Many adults who will cheer on this year’s parade from the crowd have been in it in prior years.
There are 172 confirmed units in the parade, with total participants at 6,743, according to the online interactive program. To be comfortable, bring chairs, blankets and hot drinks—and your holiday spirit.
PARADE BY THE NUMBERS
Unit Types:
Business/For-Profit Organization 35 Units (20%)
Dignitary 15 Units (9%)
General/Non-Profit/Individual 39 Units (23%)
Marching Band 36 Units (21%)
Police/Fire/Emergency 8 Units (5%)
Scouts – Boy/Cub 5 Units (3%)
Scouts – Girl/Brownies 2 Units (1%)
Service Group/Association/Church 11 Units (6%)
YMCA Expedition 5 Units (3%)
Youth/School Group 16 Units (9%)
Unit Travel Modes:
Float – Self-Propelled 1 Unit (1%)
Float – with Truck 25 Units (15%)
Vehicle – Single (Bus) 3 (2%)
Vehicle – Single (Car) 32 Units (19%)
Vehicle – Single (Truck) 32 Units (19%)
Vehicle – Tractor/Trailer 6 Units (3%)
Walk/March 68 Units (40%)
(Dinah Cotton / Los Gatan)
The afternoon after the parade, Dec. 6, the Holiday Trolley will run 4-8pm—no reservations needed.
Santa will be in his workshop in Old Town (by Salt & Straw) the following Friday, Dec.12, 4-7pm. There will be a ribbon-cutting prior to visiting time, at 3:45pm with (soon to be mayor) Rob Moore officiating. This will be his first ribbon cutting—with those big scissors—in the top job.
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 Sat. Dec., 13, 1-6pm, and Sunday Dec. 14, from noon-5pm. 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.
Now we are all stuffed with turkey. Or was it the prime rib, tofu-turkey, or possibly honey-glazed ham? Possibly side dishes of sweet potatoes with marshmallows, or green beans casserole with slivered almonds, or jello mold, cranberries and or all of that gravy? Or could it have been dinner rolls or all of that stuffing? Or how about those pies, cherry, mince meat, pumpkin, apple, apricot or perhaps a taste of each? Hopefully all of that will digest nicely along with some serious local shopping. Why wait in traffic jams, fight crowds—or even get shot at (see P8)—when you can shop locally. (See our Gift Guide on P14 for some tips)
Then, Dec 13-14, 10am-5pm, our 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.
