The season got off to a great start when the 35th annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony went off without a hitch on Dec. 5. The town plaza was filled to the brim with strollers, as families gathered to sing traditional carols, drink hot chocolate in the brisk evening air, and count down to the lighting of the town's Christmas tree.

After Mayor Steve Glickman flipped the switch to bring the tree to life, Santa Claus came zooming in on the back of an historic fire truck. Pandemonium struck as soon as the children glimpsed the red and white suit, flocking to the line where Santa was to listen to each child's Christmas wish and give them a treat in return. After several more rounds of singing and cheeks properly red and rosy, families dispersed to do some downtown shopping and dining.

With clouds threatening rain the next day, the turnout for the 47th annual Los Gatos Children's Christmas and Holidays Parade was less than in years past, but those in attendance thrived on the entertainment, which included nearly 200 marching groups.

Lined up on N. Santa Cruz Avenue and E. Main Street, families bundled in blankets, eager to catch a glimpse of the elaborately decorated floats, enthusiastic school groups, and assortment of animals marching with service clubs.

As usual, the Italian Gardeners' Association Cucuzza Squash Drill Team was in top form, proudly displaying their veggies and hailing their Cucuzza Queen in Jim Zanardi's Cadillac. Jiffy Market provided one of the most eye-catching entrants with X Games medallist Ryan Nyquist leading a pack of bikers through flips and jumps over a ramp-covered car. And the Stanford Band gave a lively performance, dressed in their traditional pajama gear. Dozens of Boy and Girl Scout troops also delighted the crowd, as did the school marching bands, local businesses, and dozens of community organizations, including the Los Gatos Lions Club, Los Gatos Yacht Club, Los Gatos Camel Herders, Los Gatos Educational Foundation, Kiwanis Club of Los Gatos, and Los Gatos Millennium Foundation.

The excitement continued throughout the parade, which culminated with the yearly visit by Santa Claus. Waving with a jolly smile, Santa gave just the right closing to the two-day holiday activities, leaving townspeople with a full-plate of inspiration to take home with their families.