This weekend marks the official beginning of the holiday season here in the Island City with the official Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting set for 4:30 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 3. The event coincides with the debut of “Christmas Tree Lane” that same evening. 

Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place at Alameda City Hall, 2263 Santa Clara Ave. Live entertainment begins at 4:30 p.m. featuring Alameda Adaptive Arts, the Alameda Community Band, Alameda Miracles Youth Chorus, the Tap Dancing Christmas Trees, Temple Israel of Alameda and The Mistletones Rockin’ Holiday Special. The tree lighting itself starts at 5:30 p.m.

Kids will be able to enjoy free candy canes and a visit from Santa Claus. 
This event will be held rain or shine and is sponsored by the Alameda Recreation and Park Department, City of Alameda Public Works and Alameda Municipal Power.

Christmas Tree Lane
Known as Thompson Avenue for the other 11 months of the year, Christmas Tree Lane (between High Street and Fernside Boulevard) will open this Saturday, Dec. 3, for visitors to check out the street lined with elaborate holiday decorations and visit with Jolly Old Saint Nick.

Residents of the otherwise sedate Thompson Avenue really get into their holiday decorations. Some begin planning months in advance and feature animatronics, hot chocolate for sale and other holiday surprises. The streets surrounding Thompson Avenue tend to be congested with traffic during the season, so be prepared to take your time and drive slowly since there’s lots to look at and many small children likely distracted by all the holiday fun.

Saturday marks the first night of lights and the festivities continue through New Year’s Eve, Saturday, Dec. 31.