Holiday Cheer
Get into the spirit of the holidays with decorated floats, roaring fire trucks and dancing horses in the downtowns of Gilroy and Morgan Hill during their holiday parade and tree lighting on Saturday, Dec. 3. Gilroy starts with a Doggie Dress Up contest, vendors and entertainment beginning at 2:30 p.m. on Monterey Street at Fifth Street. Parade begins at 5:30 p.m. and runs from Fourth to Seventh Streets. For Morgan Hill, get your chairs set up along Monterey Rd. between First and Fifth Streets and experience the spirit of the holidays with their traditional Lights Parade beginning at 5:30 p.m. Don’t miss Santa’s Magic Ship as it leads the crowd to the ceremonial tree lighting. For more information visit gilroywelcomecenter.org or morganhillkiwanis.org.
Honoring Vets
Volunteers across the country come together in all 50 states to remember our fallen, honor those who serve and teach our children the value of freedom. You can participate by volunteering to help place wreaths on our Veterans final resting sites or sponsor a wreath at a cemetery near you. Ceremonies will be held in Hollister and Gilroy on Saturday, Dec. 17 beginning at 9 a.m. To learn how to donate a wreath and find listings of participating cemeteries visit sanbenitocountychamber.com or gilroy.org. For more information regarding the organization founding this national event go to wreathsacrossamerica.org.
GILROY
Omelet and Pancake Supper
It’s time to break all the rules and pamper your palate with an Omelet and Pancake Supper prepared especially for you by self-trained, madcap Gilroy Lion cooks. Enjoy custom-made omelets using ingredients such as ham, sausage, cheese, onions, tomatoes and mushrooms. Get your stack-on with golden, fluffy all-you-can-eat pancakes. You can treat yourself knowing that you are supporting the Lions’ sight conservation project. Come together on Friday, Dec. 2 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Gilroy Presbyterian Fellowship Hall on 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids. For tickets contact Bill at (408) 310-2915.
Lumination
Don’t miss the final month of ‘Lumination: Chinese Culture Celebrated in a Whole New Light,’ Gilroy Garden’s extraordinary light display representing over 2,000 years of Chinese history and culture, shown with brightly lit sculptures of iconic structures such as the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven, and Terracotta Warriors, each artistically woven into the park’s 26 acres of natural beauty. ‘Lumination’ extended through Jan. 8, 2017. Visit Gilroy Gardens Friday, Saturday or Sunday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $30, or $20 when buying four or more. Parking is $14. Save $5 by buying online. Daytime park admission is $34 online. For additional information go to luminationgilroy.org/index.
LOS GATOS
Fantasy of Lights
The South Valley has been waiting for Vasona Park’s transformation into a winter wonderland with its annual Fantasy of Lights. You can enjoy this unique light display in the comfort of a vehicle or on foot as you, the kids or someone special stroll through the park at night. Enjoy the magical sights, sounds and flavors of the holidays including, carolers, holiday music and hot cocoa. Bring the kids and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The fantasy begins on Friday, Nov. 25 through Saturday, Dec. 31 for the drive through version, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly. The walk-through is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3 or Sunday, Dec. 4 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Vasona Lake County Park, on 333 Blossom Hill Rd. Advanced tickets only. $10 for 13 years and up, $5 ages 4 to 12. Call (408) 355-2201 or visit losgatos.com.
MORGAN HILL
Guglielmo Holiday Faire
Guglielmo Winery’s Annual Holiday Faire is definitely worth gathering friends together and making a day for upgrading your holiday décor or finding a unique gift for that special someone. As you peruse the wonderful display of decorations, ornaments, stocking stuffers and home decor items and gifts you can sample a great selection of wines and enjoy tastings of gourmet morsels. If that is not enough you can always visit the Gift Shop during the week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, Dec. 23. Come out and shop ‘til you drop on Saturday, Dec. 3 and 10 or Sunday, Dec 4 and 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1480 East Main Ave, Morgan Hill. Visit guglielmowinery.com.
Art walk
Valle del Sur Art Guild of Morgan Hill presents First Friday Art Walk. Enjoy a self-guided tour through downtown restaurants and shops to see the latest art exhibits. New artists every other month. This event makes the perfect date night. Stop by just one or two spots or visit them all. Stroll through downtown shops, get a bite to eat, stop for drinks, and enjoy art from local artists along the way. Venues are free and open to the public. If you see something you like, the artwork is for sale too. Begin your walk anywhere, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Meet the artists at a reception at GVA Cafe from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information morganhillartgallery.com
California Chorale
Symphony Silicon Valley Chorale presents the 12th Annual ‘Carols in the California,’ a delightful holiday concert directed by Elena Sharkova. Experience the tradition of unusual holiday pieces from many cultures and new arrangements of familiar pieces. Join in on the traditional sing-along of favorite carols including the return of “12 Days of Silicon Valley Christmas.” Delight in both the familiar and the new at this exciting, festive event on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. in the warm glow of the California Theatre on 345 South First St, San Jose. Tickets are $36 for adults and $26 for juniors (under 26) and can be purchased online at symphonysiliconvalley.org.
