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After Black Friday madness, the 35th annual lighting of the Old Danville Oak Tree allowed for a more peaceful and traditional way to celebrate the holiday season.

For over two hours, friends and families bundled in scarves and warm coats to meander along the streets of downtown Danville and anticipate the tree lighting which began at 6 p.m.

Local choruses serenaded the crowd before the Danville Snow Angel sprinkled fairy dust on the 350-foot-tall oak tree which lit up in glorious illumination. Bringing the magic to life, Father Christmas and the Snow Angel made their way through the crowd, escorted by the Reel Blondes cabaret troupe, with the community following behind.

“We see new generations of families here every year enjoying our town and visiting our merchants and restaurants, who stay open late and really go all out and put on their very best,” said Shelby McNamara, president and CEO of the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Merchants such as the breakfast and brunch nook, Father Natures’, handed out free cups of pumpkin soup and coffee. Across the street, the chocolate shop offered a small taste of the holiday season with peppermint bark samples.

The lighting of the Oak Tree held on Nov. 25 was made possible by the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce and the town of Danville.

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    San Ramon Valley High School Chorus and the Danville Girls Chorus serenaded the crowd. Photo by Amelia Arvesen.
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    The 35th annual lighting of the old oak tree. Photo by Amelia Arvesen.
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    Father Natures owner Tae Pak and family members generously handed out cups of pumpkin soup and coffee. Photo by Amelia Arvesen.
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    Downtown Danville merchants decorate their stores and rooflines for the holiday season. Photo by Amelia Arvesen.
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    A table for “Chachi” Corral gave residents the opportunity to write prayers and thoughts and donate to the family. Photo by Amelia Arvesen.
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    Children were entertained by balloon animals as intricate as a reindeer. Photo by Amelia Arvesen.

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2 Comments

  1. Being a 17 year Danville resident, this is truly my favorite town event. My family has enjoyed this as it marks the beginning of the holiday season. There is a magical feel to this event as we close our eyes during the countdown and then opening them to a beautifully lit tree.

    Thank you to our Chamber of Commerce for continuing such a wonderful tradition.

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