December 2, 2009 > Christmas tree lighting festivities Christmas tree lighting festivities Holiday spirit sparkles Saturday afternoon and evening By Suzanne Ortt Warm Springs celebrates its sixth annual Christmas Tree Lighting gala on Saturday, December 5, hosted by the Warm Springs Business and Community Association. Holiday entertainment includes: pictures with Santa Claus, musical performances by Warm Springs Elementary Choir and After School Band, Horner Jr. High Choir and Advanced Symphonic Band, and the Irvington High School Choir and Band. Demonstrations by the Warm Springs Little League and Choi Martial Arts add to the pleasure and enjoyment of the afternoon. Before the climatic tree lighting, there are activities to participate in such as children's inflatable games, raffle drawings with fabulous prizes and great food. Later that evening, Mission San Jose's spectacular Tree Lighting takes place, sponsored by the Mission San Jose Chamber of Commerce. Highlights feature magical snow (It Snows), Santa, caroling, hot chocolate, plus face painting and balloons for children. Gathering around the Old School tree begins at 5:30 p.m. Star Struck Theatre and the Canyon Band will delight the crowd from 5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. This year's tree lighting begins at 6 p.m. with the arrival of a Special Guest. Throughout the event, refreshments will be served. Canned food donations for Tri-City Volunteers' Food Bank and toys for Toys for Tots are welcome. Show your holiday spirit and make merry at Warm Springs or Mission San Jose or both! Warm Springs Tree Lighting Saturday, December 5 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Warm Springs Plaza (Warm Springs and Mission Boulevards), Fremont (408) 821-8107 www.warmspringsonline.com Mission San Jose Tree Lighting Saturday, December 5 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Old School, Mission District Mission Blvd. and Cedar Street, Fremont (510) 873-7701 www.msjchamber.org