Since 1970, Los Gatos has made it a tradition to gather downtown once a year and inaugurate the holiday season with singing, Santa, and a countdown to lighting the Christmas tree in the town plaza.

This year will be no different, except there will be even more entertainment than usual, with a balloon clown for little ones and a youth choir to add artistic styling to the festivities.

The tree lighting will be held Dec. 5, beginning with a performance by the Los Gatos High School band at 4:15 p.m. Then, while the Los Gatos Community Foundation offers holiday treats and hot chocolate, John Lochner will take to the podium to lead the ceremony.

A participant in the tree-lighting event for more than 30 years, Lochner is set to lead all the singing throughout the night. He will also be introducing Los Gatos Community Foundation President Paul Dubois at 5:40 p.m.

"This event is the start of the Christmas season for Los Gatos," Lochner says. "It's always exciting, and always fun. It's the first time Santa Claus makes an appearance and the next day is the parade. It kicks off everything."

After Dubois speaks on behalf of the foundation, which sponsors the tree-lighting ceremony, he will introduce new Los Gatos Mayor Steve Glickman. Town council members will also give their hellos to the crowd, before Glickman introduces the Youth Citizens of the Year.

Recognized for their outstanding achievements and support of town activities, three youths will be recognized this year. Nominees are 18-year-old Sally Stanton of Los Gatos High School, 15-year-old Gabriele Gray of Los Gatos High School, and 14-year-old Courtney Schembri of Westmont High School.

After being introduced, the students will sound a whistle to kick off the rest of the evening. Lochner will lead with a warm-up song of "Here Comes Santa Claus," followed by a countdown at 6 p.m. for Glickman to pull the switch to light the tree.

Not only will residents and town officials get to take part in the holiday fun, but they'll get to see Santa, too, as he rides in on a fire truck that is stocked with treats for the children. All guests can then join Lochner in caroling, which will be rounded out by Neil Hogan on guitar, the Los Gatos Christian Church choir, and youth choir Vocal Charm.

Once the town has had enough "Jingle Bells" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" for one night, Santa will take his cue and head back to the North Pole, as residents are left to enjoy the shimmering lights and brisk night air.