Sights and sounds of the season
A guide to some holiday highlights
Here's a look at some holiday activities in the area. Some local suggestions are listed below (for the most up-to-date listings, or to submit your own, check out our community calendar).
Photos with Santa
What: Santa will be at Stanford Shopping Center daily through Christmas Eve to take photos with children.
When: Through Sunday, Dec. 24. (A special breakfast with Santa will take place on Dec. 2.)
More information: bit.ly/SantaPhotosStanford
Live holiday music
What: Stanford Shopping Center is hosting a variety of free musical performances during the holiday season, including performances by Holiday Festival Strings, Dickens Carolers, Steel Pan Band, Musical Toy Solider Guard and Merry Mariachi Band.
Where: 660 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto.
When: Afternoons, Saturdays and Sundays through Christmas Eve.
More information: bit.ly/StanfordHolidayEvents
Small Business Saturday
What: Those who shop at small retail stores in downtown Palo Alto will receive discounts or other perks as part of the annual nationwide "Small Business Saturday" event that American Express launched in 2010 in the hopes of reminding people to "shop small" and support local businesses during the holiday shopping season. American Express gives cardholders a $10 credit when they spend $10 or more at participating stores, and some retailers are offering additional discounts.
Where: Small retail stores in downtown Palo Alto.
When: Saturday, Nov. 25.
More information: To find participating stores, go to bit.ly/PaloAltoShopSmall
Madeline's Christmas: A Musical
What: Madeline and her friends embark on a Christmas adventure in this musical adapted from Ludwig Bemelmans' book.
Where: Main stage, Palo Alto Children's Theatre,1305 Middelfield Road, Palo Alto.
When: Nov. 30 - Dec. 17.
Cost: $12 - $14.
More information: bit.ly/MadelineTickets
Tree-lighting Ceremonies
Palo Alto
What: The City of Palo Alto's annual celebration of the lighting of its 60-foot-tall tree with bands, choirs and art activities. Hot drinks and treats available.
Where: Lytton Plaza (University Avenue at Emerson Street), downtown Palo Alto.
When: Friday, Dec. 1, 5:30 - 7p.m.
More information: 650-463-4900.
Mountain View
What: The City of Mountain View's annual tree-lighting celebration will feature live music, refreshments and the arrival of Santa Claus.
Where: Civic Center Plaza, 500 Castro St.
When: Monday, Dec. 4, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
More information: 650-903-6331.
Menlo Park
What: The City of Menlo Park's annual tree-lighting celebration will feature live entertainment, free hot cocoa and the lighting of the holiday tree.
Where: Fremont Park, 500 Castro St.
When: Friday, Dec. 1, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
More information: 650-903-6331.
Festival of Lessons
What: Stanford University's Department of Music, Office for Religious Life will hold its annual Festival of Lessons and Carols service this holiday season. This free service of Advent and Christmas readings and music is based on the famous service held annually at King's College in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Memorial Church Choir and Stanford Chamber Chorale will perform.
Where: Stanford Memorial Church, 450 Serra Mall, Stanford.
When: Friday, Dec. 8, 7:30-9 p.m.
More information: events.stanford.edu/events/710/71077/
Gingerbread house decorating
What: Executive Pastry Chef Eric Keppler teaches parents and their children how to decorate a gingerbread house like a pro during "Quattro's Perfect House." A festive candy bar, light bites, coffee, tea and soft drinks will be available to enjoy throughout the event.
Where: Quattro at the Four Seasons, 2050 University Ave., East Palo Alto.
When: Sunday, Dec. 10, 10:30 a.m.
Cost: $110 per family of four (two adults,two children).
More information: 650-470-2889.
Holiday Family Day
What: Free art-making and performances for participants ages 5 to adult.
Where: Palo Alto Art Center, 1213 Newell Road, Palo Alto.
When: Sunday, Dec. 10, 2 - 4:30 p.m.
More information: bit.ly/HolidayFamilyDayPaloAlto
Christmas Tree Lane
What: Christmas Tree Lane has been a Palo Alto yuletide tradition since 1940, when homeowners spontaneously decided to decorate two blocks from Embarcadero Road to Seale Avenue with Christmas trees and lights for the community to enjoy. Visitors can park on adjacent neighborhood streets and stroll down the street's sidewalk or turn off their car headlamps and drive slowly down the street.
Where: Fulton Street (off Embarcadero Road) Palo Alto.
When: Lights are displayed from 5 - 11 p.m. nightly for two weeks during the holiday season, starting approximately the week before Christmas.
More information: christmastreelane.org
What: Hanukkah celebration with free musical performances, arts and crafts for children, face painting, dreidel games, candle lighting and a special Hanukkah puppet show and sing-along.
Where: 660 Macy's Plaza, Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto.
When: Thursday, Dec. 14, 5:30 - 8 p.m.
More information: bit.ly/StanfordHolidayEvents
Winter concert
What: The Choral Project performs its annual holiday concert, "Winter's Gifts: Family," with the San JosÈ Chamber Orchestra.
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 1140 Cowper St., Palo Alto.
When: Saturday, Dec. 16, 8 p.m.
Cost: General admission: $35; senior admission: $25; student/alumni: $10.
More information: brownpapertickets.com/event/3090404
'The North Pole Review'
What: The Fratello Marionettes perform "The North Pole Review." The 30-minute holiday variety show will feature high-kicking antics of the Russian Trepak Dancers, the graceful ice skater Crystal Chandelier and the dazzling acrobatic penguins. There also will be arts and crafts, refreshments and goody bags for children.
Where: Gamble Garden Carriage House, 1431 Waverley St., Palo Alto.
When: Sunday, Dec. 17, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Cost: Members $30 child/$25 adult; non-members $35 child/$30 adult; $40 day of show.
More information: Tickets available at gamblegarden.org or 650-329-1356.
