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Let there be light! And there was as Danville lit up the Old Oak Tree on Diablo Road on Friday evening. A full moon contributed to the setting, as residents filled the streets for music and holiday cheer.

The holiday season officially began with the 31st annual tree lighting, sponsored the Town of Danville and the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce. The celebration included carols by the San Ramon Valley High School Choir and the Danville Girls Chorus, and businesses offered hot beverages and treats.

Father Christmas and the Snow Angel lit the tree around 6:15 p.m., then the crowds headed downtown to enjoy more snacks and entertainment.

The Museum of the San Ramon Valley held a Holiday Open House to launch this year’s exhibit of “Christmas Memories,” with decorated trees from the 1890s, 1930s and 1950s.

The tree lighting in Alamo will take place at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 2, at Andrew H. Young Park, at the corner of Danville Boulevard and Jackson Way. The event is sponsored by the Alamo Merchant & Professional Association (AMPA), and will feature choirs from the schools in Alamo as well as hot chocolate, cider, coffee and cookies.

The YMCA will have a craft table for children to decorate frames for their photos, taken that evening, plus there will be other activities for the children to enjoy. Santa will arrive with a pack on his back and collect all the unwrapped toys that people bring to the Sheriff’s Station booth to distribute to boys and girls for Christmas.

By Staff reports

Dolores Fox Ciardelli

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    The lights go on as people look on in awe – and the moon provides the perfect backdrop. Photo by Natalie O’Neill.
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    Ken Abrams leads the Danville Girls Chorus in holiday songs. Photo by Natalie O’Neill.
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    Photo by Natalie O’Neill.
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    Father Christmas visits with the crowds. Photo by Natalie O’Neill.
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    Mayor Mike Shimansky enjoyed mingling at the tree lighting and open houses downtown. Photo by Natalie O’Neill.
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    A family gathers to wait for darkness and the lighting of the Old Oak Tree. Photo by Natalie O’Neill.
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    Crowds lined Diablo Road, waiting for darkness and the tree lighting. Photo by Natalie O’Neill.

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1 Comment

  1. Wonderful event!!!! I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. I was so elated with joy and emotion that tears started pouring down my face. The family. The kids. The bright lights. And of course, that glorious tree. I love that tree.

    Cheers to the Danville Weekly for covering such an important event!!!!!! 🙂

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