by Mary Pope-Handy | Dec 1, 2022 | Downtown Los Gatos, Equestrian, Events
The annual Los Gatos carriage rides are in December, to the delight of many in and near town to celebrate the holiday season. To me there are few things so festive as seeing and hearing the horses clippity-clop down Main Street and North Santa Cruz Avenue each December.
The dates run from Dec 9 to Dec 23, but not every single night:
December 8-10, 5:00-9:00pm
December 14-18, 5-9:30pm
December 20-23, 5-9:30pm
What do the Los Gatos Carriage Rides cost?
This year, the horse drawn carriage ride will set you back $125 for a regularly sized carriage (4 adults, 2 kids under age 8 max) or $150 for a larger one that accommodate up to 6 adults.
Where to book a reservation & pay for the Los Gatos Carriage Ride
This fun experience is sponsored by the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce, and you can purchase your tickets and read all the requirements and rules on this page.
Downtown Los Gatos is adorned with holiday lights and décor, and I’d encourage everyone to enjoy some time there, even if it’s just a socially distanced drive through the business district and nearby historic residential districts. If you can manage the horse drawn carriage rides, so much the better, but all visitors are in for a visual treat no matter how they see the area.
by Mary Pope-Handy, Clair Handy | Nov 12, 2022 | Events, Los Gatos Events
The annual Thanksgiving Interfaith Service is a longstanding holiday tradition here in Los Gatos, and this year it’s both in person and virtual.
Thanksgiving Interfaith Service in Los Gatos: key info
Date: Thursday, November 17, 2022
Time: 7 – 8 p.m.
In Person Location: Los Gatos United Methodist Church
111 Church Street – Los Gatos, Ca. 95030
Live stream link for the service.
Attendance is free.
A charity or worthy cause is always supported at these events. In the past they’ve included food and clothing drives as well as cash. This year’s recipient is Recovery Café – more on that below.
This lovely event is organized by the Los Gatos Interfaith Clergy Association. All are welcome!
Recovery Café
The worthy cause being supported this year is Recovery Café. There will be a message shared about the vital work that they do during the service. Donations can be given in person or online. Here’s the link to donate to them. It’s not too early to chip in!
“A healing community for those traumatized by addiction, homelessness, and mental health challenges.”
Learn more about Recovery Café in San Jose here.
Participating Congregations Include
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Congregation Shir Hadash
Jewish Silicon Valley
West Valley Muslim Association
The Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception (Catholic)
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Skyland Community Church UCC (United Church of Christ)
The Terraces of Los Gatos
Los Gatos United Methodist Church (Hosting)
The participating communities change a little from year to year. In the past, this also included Faith Lutheran Church (ELCA), The Baha’i Faith of Los Gatos, chaplains from Good Samaritan Hospital, and Stanford Health Care.
Many thanks to all of you: those on the committee, the volunteers at the houses of worship who make this possible each year, everyone who donates, and everyone who prays with a grateful heart this season and always.
I wish each and every one of you a very Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful holiday season!
Related reading
See other Los Gatos events (or nearby) written about on this site
by Mary Pope-Handy | Nov 25, 2019 | Los Gatos Events
December is almost upon us, and with it comes all kinds of holiday events and activities in beautiful Los Gatos.
Keeping up is half the battle with so much happening this December! To make your season a little less stressful and a little more jolly, I have organized a list of holiday events and activities going on in Los Gatos. Below you will find two lists – one with unique events you might only have a day or two to enjoy, and a separate list of ongoing events you can join in all December long. These lists do not include religious services, so please check your preferred place of prayer for those schedules.
So get ready for carriage rides, the Fantasy of Lights, the tree lighting ceremony, the Los Gatos holiday parade, crafting, caroling, cookies and more! (more…)
by Mary Pope-Handy | Feb 1, 2011 | Los Gatos Businesses
February 01, 2011
Need to buy goodies for Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, St Patrick’s Day, Halloween, birthdays, retirement parties or any other special event? The best place in Los Gatos for party favors, decorations, pinatas and fill is Affordable Treasures.
If you have never been to Affordable Treasures, let me tell you, it is aptly named. The prices are fabulous.
It is the ideal place to purchase balloons, streamers, paper plates and inexpensive trinkets. If you’re filling a pinata for a birthday or goodie bags for kids, it’s a great place to see things that are truly affordable and in non-Costco sizes. There are also some gag gifts and costumes to be found as well.
Whether you’re having a party or just looking for low-cost gift items, this is a super place to go. There are some fun things in there which make great “care package” items for college students too. Just beware: it gets really crazy in there just before any major holiday!
Affordable Treasures is located at 15795 Los Gatos Boulevard and you can find them on the web at AffordableTreasures.com.
(This is not a paid advertisement or endorsement. Just sharing my positive experience with my readers.)
