November 26, 2010 > A season of lights A season of lights Winter festivities take advantage of short days and early nights to fill the darkness with cheerful activities. The hustle and bustle of shopping for the holiday celebrations is enhanced by bright colors and lighting on homes, businesses and trees that have come to symbolize the season. As Thanksgiving dinners settle in full stomachs, the switch to tree lighting reminds all of us that this is a time to be thankful for what we have, share with others and enjoy a festive spirit. Whether considered a religious occasion or simply time to gather with family and friends, the month of December is busy. Communities, districts and cities join in ceremonies lighting trees, singing together and creating fun activities for kids of all ages. Each of these occasions celebrates with its own special character. It's a time for enchantment, wonder and fun. Parades, the appearance of Santa Claus and lighting majestic trees is all part of a kaleidoscope of activities that await residents. It's time to bundle up and enjoy! The following represent some of the tree lighting events scheduled for the Greater Tri-City area. "It's A Date" includes many additional holiday season events. Fremont Friday, November 26 Niles Festival of Lights and Tree Lighting 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Storybook characters, parade and Santa Claus! Niles Blvd., Niles District (510) 792-8023 www.nilesmerchants.com Monday, November 29 Trees of Angels Tree Lighting 6 p.m. In support of local hospice care McDonald's Restaurant 42800 Mission Boulevard (at I-680), Fremont (510) 791-3428 www.whhs.com/treesofangels Saturday, December 4 Warm Springs Tree Lighting 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Music, entertainment, games, pictures with Santa Warm Springs Plaza Warm Springs & Mission Blvd., Fremont (510) 870-6366 Saturday, December 4 Mission San Jose Tree Lighting 5:30 p.m. Santa Claus, balloons and face painting Old School at Mission Blvd. & Cedar Street, Mission District (510) 873-7701 www.msjchamber.org. Saturday, December 11 Irvington Tree Lighting 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Christmas on Bay Street and Tree Lighting Caroling, refreshments and the tree lighting Bay Street and Fremont Blvd., Irvington District (510) 366-8130 or (510) 656-5375 www.irvingtonbusiness.com Hayward Thursday, December 2 Light up the Season 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Ice skating and a tree lighting City Hall Rotunda 777 B Street, Hayward (510) 537-2424 www.hayward.org Saturday, December 4 Santa Paws Parade 9 a.m. Pet parade, prizes, fundraiser for Hayward Animal Shelter Municipal Parking Lot 2 Foothill Blvd. and B St., Hayward (510) 293-7200 ext 7 www.firstgiving.com/santapawsparade2010 Registration $10 per pet or $15 for two or more pets (before December 4) Registration $12 per pet or $17 for two or more pets (on Day of Parade) Milpitas Wednesday, December 1 Tree Lighting and Community Sing-Along 7 p.m. Milpitas Community Center 457 E. Calaveras Blvd. (408) 586-3210 Newark Monday, December 6 Tree Lighting Ceremony 6 p.m. Newark City Hall 37101 Newark Blvd., Newark (510) 791-3428 Union City Wednesday, December 1 Tree Lighting and Chamber of Commerce Mixer 5:30 p.m. Trees of Angels will host in support of local hospice care. Nakamura Clinic 33077 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union City (510) 791-3428 www.whhs.com/treesofangels