Browse archives: 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995

Published on 11/23/1998 All articles from this issue

Holiday Happenings

printer friendly version

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., today.

Entrants should deliver their creations to Hillview center no later than noon, Monday. An opening reception is set for 4:30-6 p.m., Tuesday.

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, 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.

Crèche exhibit features 500 scenes

The 11th annual Christmas Crèche Exhibit will be held 1-9 p.m. this Friday through Tuesday, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3865 Middlefield Road, in Palo Alto.

More than 500 nativity scenes from around the world, loaned from private collections, may be seen at what organizers call the largest exhibit of crèches in California.

For this 11th anniversary, there will be a children's storytelling room with Christmas stories from 3-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. daily.

Also, two new collections will be on display: The Classical Room, showing 17th century Russian icons, and The World of Woods Room, including wood carvings from around the world.

Flute, harp, violin and harpsichord musicians will provide live music throughout the day. There will also be two concerts: "Carols of the Creche: With Wondering Awe" with James Welch, organ, on Saturday at 8 p.m. and "What Shall I Give Him?" featuring the Valpariso Singers, a vocal ensemble directed by Judith Stewart with organ, soloists and instrumentalists at 8 p.m., Sunday.

Parking and admission is free; the tour is self-guided and wheelchair accessible. For more information, call 494-2080.

'Spirit of Sharing' food drive 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 Mountain View-based Community Services Agency.

Foothill Disposal employees will collect new toys, games, books, canned goods and non-perishable food items curbside during the four week period. Collection will be made on residents' regularly scheduled recycling day. Fliers were delivered to residents in November to introduce the program. Residents may put canned goods and toys in a bag and attach the flyer or mark the bag with "Spirit of Sharing."

Foods in short supply are canned meat and fish, canned milk, canned soups, vegetables and juices, as well as rice, pasta and peanut butter in plastic jars.

For more information, call 903-3579.

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., 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.

Rancho Shopping Center is located on Foothill Expressway at Springer Road and Magdalena Avenue.

Hanukkah candle-lighting 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.

Visitors will have the opportunity to sample special holiday snacks and chocolate "gelt" and children can play with dredels.

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 and provide a festive ambiance during the month of December.

The Association started this annual project in 1957 to create a festive atmosphere and will continue with the project with the help of friends.

Requests are for help to finance the cost of strings, decorations and labor to install and remove the lights.

Kathleen Byrne, executive director, said $12,000 is needed to accomplish the project. She said $9,000 will be used for repairs, installation and removal of the lights, and $3,000 is necessary to pay for new strings of lights.Residents wishing to donate to the project may call Susan at 949-5282.

Festival of Lights Parade seeks financial support

The 21st annual Festival of Lights Parade, held this past Sunday, is solely supported by donations from Los Altos residents and businesses. Donations are greatfully accepted at P.O. Box 996, Los Altos, 94023.