Pleasanton's Christmas celebration set for Saturday

Last year's Christmas parade in Pleasanton featured decorated floats like this one. (Journal file photo)

Journal staff report

An evening of Christmas delights and celebrations awaits Pleasanton-area residents on Saturday evening beginning at 4 p.m. at the city’s community building at Ninth and Main streets. Activities are expected to last well into the evening.

Even before the evening events begin, the HIVE Library on Main Street will have Christmas activities from 3 to 6 p.m. A magician, dancers, gingerbread house decorating, food and gift-wrapping are on the agenda for Saturday afternoon.

The evening begins with a soup and chili dinner, a live Nativity, build-a-bear kits, a stocking decorating contest, a photo booth and vendors. While most people will be soaking up the warmth at the center, participants in the parade will begin lining up near Sixth Street for the lighted parade that will start at 6:30 p.m.

This young boy didn't quite know what to make of Santa during the Pleasanton event last year. (Journal file photo)

Pleasanton was the first community in the county in recent years to start the lighted Christmas parade, which has vehicles and floats festooned in Christmas lights and decorations. “Winter Wonderland” is the theme event promoters have used, and while the forecast calls for temperatures likely in the 20s, no snow is forecast.

As usual, Santa is expected to arrive in the parade, and immediately following the parade the Jolly Old Elf will be in the community center for a last minute check with kids on Christmas wishes and photo opportunities for their parents.

Organizers will also have gifts for each child who attends.

The Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting will commence after the parade, and parade entry winners, children chosen to be Little Jack Frost and the Snowflake Princess will be announced as will the winners of the stocking decorating contest.