December 3, 2008 > Local events usher in the holiday spirit Local events usher in the holiday spirit The holidays are officially upon us, and a host of annual events are taking place to keep traditions alive and growing. From breakfast with Santa and Ronald McDonald to tours of local historical sites, there's enough fun to keep the whole family entertained this holiday season. Children's Holiday Breakfast with Santa Claus and Ronald McDonald The Trees of Angels Hospice hosts this annual event, which features breakfast for your little ones, a special visit and picture with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Ronald McDonald, and a toy. The event is part of the Washington Hospital Foundation's partnership with McDonalds, which also includes tree lightings throughout the area. Breakfast is donated by the Bernardin Family McDonald's for the first 300 people, and local high school students will man craft and activity stations to make the morning relaxing for parents and engaging for children. For more information and to make reservations, call (510) 791-3428. Saturday, December 6 8 a.m. Registration; 8:30 a.m. Breakfast 2500 Mowry Avenue, Fremont at the Conrad E. Anderson, M.D. Auditorium, Washington West Building (510) 791-3428 $10 per person Patterson House: Christmas at Ardenwood Each year the Patterson House celebrates the holiday season in Victorian style. In addition to viewing the historic home decorated in all its holiday glory, you can participate in a variety of holiday activities including singing Christmas carols, searching for the Yule log, and visiting Father Christmas. Aspiring pastry chefs can also enter the Cookie Baking Contest by submitting a dozen of their favorite homemade cookies and a copy of the recipe by 11 a.m. A panel of judges randomly chosen from the event participants will pick 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prize winners. Winners will be announced at noon. Prizes include a Family pass to Ardenwood Farm, an antique serving tray, and an Ardenwood Farm apron. For more information, call 1 (888) 327-2757. Christmas at Ardenwood & Cookie Baking Contest Saturday & Sunday, December 6-7 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Ardenwood Historic Farm 34600 Ardenwood Boulevard, Fremont (510) 796-0199 www.ebparks.org $8/adults, $6/seniors (62+ years), $5/children (4-17 years), children 3 years and under are free Shinn House Christmas Each year the wonder of Christmas is revisited at the historical Shinn House. The Shinn family's long-standing tradition of holiday decorating has now become a tradition for area residents. Take a tour of the home and participate in holiday arts and crafts. For more information, call (510) 795-0891. Shinn House Christmas Tours Saturday, December 6 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.); Sunday, December 7 (12-4 p.m.); Friday,December 12 (7-9 p.m.) Shinn House 1241 Peralta Boulevard, Fremont (510) 795-0891