ceremony Dec. 15
The third annual celebration of Hanukkah will be a part of this year's downtown Los Altos seasonal celebration activities starting at sundown (approximately 5:30 p.m.) on Dec. 15 in the Community Plaza.
The ceremony celebrates the third night of the Festival of Lights and will include group singing and dancing, and a taste of some of the foods that make Hanukkah special.
Children from Congregation Kol Emeth and the Jewish Community Center will light a new giant menorah. The "Fiddler on the Roof," Vvi the Fiddler and his Klezmaniacs, will fill the Plaza with music and dancing from 6-8 p.m.
Participants needed for gingerbread showcase
If you like building houses and have a sweet tooth as well, the Los Altos Recreation Department may be looking for you. Participants are being sought for the city's annual gingerbread showhouse exhibit, held Dec. 7-11 at Hillview Community Center, 97 Hillview Ave.
Gingerbread house creations must be no larger than 2 feet square, and be constructed of all edible materials (although not necessarily in edible form).
Entry forms, along with rules and regulations are available through the Los Altos Recreation Department by calling Debby Maynard at 941-0950, ext. 300. Entry forms are due by 5 p.m., Dec. 2.
Entrants should deliver their creations to Hillview center no later than noon, Dec. 7. An opening reception is set for 4:30-6 p.m., Dec. 8.
Holiday carriage rides in downtown Los Altos
Tickets are now on sale for the new, one-half hour carriage rides around downtown Los Altos for the holiday season. Rides will be offered 5-9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays, starting Nov. 28, and continuing through the end of the year.
The turn-of-the-century carriages comfortably seat four adult passengers and meet modern safety requirements.
Sponsored by the Los Altos Village Association, tickets are $40 per ride and riders are encouraged to make advance reservations by calling 949-5282.
'Spirit of Sharing' through Dec. 11
Foothill Disposal is holding its annual "Spirit of Sharing" curbside food and toy drive through Dec. 11 in Mountain View. The event will benefit needy families served by the Community Services Agency.
Foothill Disposal employees will collect goods curbside during the four-week period. Collection will be made on residents' regularly scheduled recycling day.
Residents should put canned goods and toys in a bag and attach the flyer or mark the bag clearly with "Spirit of Sharing."
For more information, call 903-3579.
Los Altos tree lighting ceremony Nov. 27
The Los Altos Village Association will host the traditional downtown Los Altos tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m., Nov. 27, in the Community Plaza, Main and State streets.
The special event will usher in the holiday season with lights and music, including a performance by the Los Altos Town Choir. The choir comprises a group of singers from neighborhood churches. Members of the choir will be dressed in holiday attire.
The choir will perform familiar sacred and secular Christmas carols. A special welcome will be administered by Fred Sischka, president of the Los Altos Village Association.
At 6:30 p.m., Los Altos Mayor Lou Becker will begin the tree lighting countdown. Once the tree is lit, the choir will sing Handel's "Hallelujah."
Santa daily in Los Altos
A 40-year tradition continues this year, as Santa Claus sets up shop at Rancho Shopping Center in Los Altos daily from noon to 4 p.m., beginning Nov. 27. His visits will continue through Christmas Eve.
Rancho merchants invite the public to "bring the kids and camera." There is no photo concession at Rancho, but nearby Rancho Camera Center can provide photo services a day ahead of the visit. Call 948-7456 for details.
Sponsors needed for Los Altos tree lighting
The Los Altos Village Association is asking residents and businesses to help support the cost of providing street decorations and twinkle lights that adorn many of the trees in downtown Los Altos during the month of December. For more information, call 949-5282.