Ready to ring in the holidays? Enjoy local celebrations,
including holiday light parades, visits with Santa and tree
lightings
Unrestrained holiday cheer will blanket the South Valley Saturday as three communities ring in the season with parades and tree lighting ceremonies.
San Juan Bautista, Gilroy and Morgan Hill will each celebrate the winter holidays this weekend with dance performances, visits from Santa and marching bands. Hollister had its downtown lighting ceremony the day after Thanksgiving.
Get your kinara, menorah, jingle bells, mistletoe or Christmas tree ready and then have your fill of festivities at these locations:
San Juan Bautista Holiday in Lights Parade
The parade celebrating the season will head down the historic downtown streets during the Merchant’s Holiday Open House weekend at 5pm.
Gilroy annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
Join friends and community members for the annual holiday parade, featuring marching bands, dancers, baton twirlers and Bonfante Gardens costumed performers. The parade starts at 5pm and will travel from Sixth to Fourth streets, along Monterey Street. Santa will be on hand for the holiday tree lighting as well.
Morgan Hill Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
Kick off the holiday season with an old-fashioned parade through downtown. The parade starts at 5:30pm at First Street, traveling down Monterey Road and ending at Fifth Street. St. Nick will be on hand to talk with children. The mayor will light the city’s holiday tree and dance performances from Lana’s Dance Studio will provide entertainment.
Are you busy on Saturday but still want your share of holiday parade fun? Visit Bonfante Gardens.
Bonfante Gardens
Holiday Lights
This event features two new additions this year: a festive “Home for the Holidays” parade and special appearances by Snoopy, the lovable beagle from “Peanuts.”
Holiday Lights includes millions of dazzling lights around the park, an all-you-can-eat holiday feast, ice skating under the stars, holiday themed rides and visits with Santa.
The new parade begins at 8:30pm on weekends and runs through Dec. 23.
Information: Call (408) 840-7100 or visit www.bonfantegardens.org/holidaylights. Tickets range from $22-$40.
