Holiday carriage rides, hosted by the Town of Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by many local businesses, will take place again for the 12th year. Elegant carriages drawn by horses will take residents and visitors alike on scenic rides through the streets of Los Gatos.

The rides begin near the U.S. Post Office and town plaza, winding through festively decorated historic homes in the Almond Grove district and then coming back down N. Santa Cruz Avenue for views of the spirited storefronts. Rides last for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

"There are people who have been doing this as a family tradition for years," said Ronee Nassi, Chamber of Commerce executive director.

The rides will take place during the evenings, beginning after the Los Gatos tree-lighting ceremony on Dec. 5 and running through Dec. 23. Nassi said it is the perfect romantic ride for two or a picture-perfect opportunity for Christmas cards.

"It's just one of those old-fashioned kind of family-friendly seasonal things to do. It's a novelty," Nassi said. "It's not like we have snow or anything."

Brenda Hammond, of Creative Flavors Catering and chair of the major events committee for the Chamber of Commerce, said the rides often remind participants of the rich history of the town.

"It gives you the experience of what ancestors in our community were once doing," Hammond said.

She added that many of the homes in the Almond Grove area don't have built-in garages because carriages were probably once used in this neighborhood. She also said the homeowners in this district always make sure their residences look gorgeous for the holidays.

"They go absolutely wild for Christmas," said Hammond. "The people who live there are really into the spirit of the season."

Hammond added that Los Gatos High School volunteers—coordinated by student and equestrian enthusiast Lauren Shepherd—gain community service by checking in participants, collecting payments, helping riders onto the carriages and serving hot cider and cookies. Hammond said the students also spend some of the time standing by heaters, which are provided to keep them warm.

Hammond advised that even if all the rides are booked, interested residents should check with the Chamber of Commerce for canceled reservations.

The rides are run by Mel Silva, of Silva Enterprise, based in both Fremont and Livermore. Silva said the double-drawn carriage will feature a pair of Hackney horses, and single-drawn carriages will be drawn by horses that are a mix of Percheron and Belgian breeds. The carriages have covers like those of a convertible, so the rides will run rain or shine, unless the weather makes conditions dangerous for the horses.

"Couples have gotten engaged [on the rides] over the years," Silva said. "The same people usually come back every year."

Silva said the carriages do not feature jingle bells anymore because the piece that dangles inside the bells often falls out or wears out after two rides per hour and 10 rides a night, per carriage.

"I'd like to have the bells on, but they just don't hold up," Silva said.

Jeanne Ottinger and her 3-year-old granddaughter, Devon Ottinger-Alberts, have their reservation booked for the carriage rides. Jeanne, who lives in Monte Sereno, said she loves having an activity that she can participate in every year with her family.

"It's very unique," Jeanne said. "It's something that Los Gatos does that other towns don't. It feels a little old-fashioned."

She said her granddaughter, who lives in Los Gatos, is truly "a little Los Gatos girl." Devon knows the names of the streets, the shops, parks and town activities by memory. Jeanne said she has been taking her granddaughter on the carriage rides for the past three years, since she was born.

"She just loves it," Jeanne said.

Rides take place starting Dec. 5 after the tree lighting from 7­9:30 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 18, 5­9:30 p.m.; Fridays, Dec. 12 and 19, 5­9:30 p.m.; Saturdays, Dec. 6, 13 and 20, 5­9:30 p.m.; Sundays, Dec. 7, 14, 21, 3-7:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 22. and Tuesday, Dec. 23, 5­9:30 p.m. Prices vary. The rides depart every half-hour on the half-hour. Participants are advised to arrive 15 minutes before departure to allow time for checking in.

For more information or to make a carriage ride reservation, call the Town of Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce at 408.354.9300 or visit http://www.losgatosweb.com.