Downtown to Mark Holidays with Events Including Music, Parade

By Hacienda Network Staff Writer

Revelers will be able to enjoy music, entertainment, decorations and a traditional holiday parade as the Pleasanton Downtown Association joins with other local sponsors to create a festive atmosphere for all as the year winds down.

The holiday events begin on Friday, November 18 as the Downtown Association joins with its members to celebrate a "Magical Holiday Evening" from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. Local merchants will put on their holiday best with wreaths, lights, and other decorations as well as beautiful window displays. Musicians and carolers will fill the night with song. Entertainers Dana Smith and his performing dog Lacey will add to the spectacle with juggling, acrobatics, and other antics.

The Magical Holiday Evening will also feature an appearance by Santa's elves, who will be on hand to gather children's letters to Santa for delivery to his North Pole workshop. A number of merchants will also have special treats for holiday celebrants.

The next big downtown holiday event is the Pleasanton Hometown Holiday Celebration, which takes place on Saturday, December 3. The event, whose sponsors include the Pleasanton Downtown Association and the City of Pleasanton, begins with a Downtown Open House at 4:00 pm which continues until 8:00 pm. Downtown merchants will once again provide entertainment and fun activities like face painting. Santa himself will make a visit for photos with children.

People will line the streets to watch the Hometown Holiday Celebration parade, which has a theme this year of "Creating Hometown Memories." The parade begins at 5:30 pm as floats and marching bands travel down Main Street and ends an hour later to make way for a special Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Museum on Main Street (603 Main Street between St. Mary and Division streets). Santa will be there again as Pleasanton Mayor Jennifer Hosterman lights the tree, after which a special community sing-along will be held.

For additional information on Downtown Pleasanton's Magical Holiday Evening on November 18, contact the Pleasanton Downtown Association at (925) 484-2199 or visit www.pleasantondowntown.net.

For details on the December 3 Pleasanton Hometown Holiday Celebration, call (925) 931-5352 or access www.hometownholiday.com. Applications for parade entrants and event volunteers are available on the web site and must be returned by Friday, November 18.

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