Kick off the holiday season at the City of Alameda's Hometown Holiday Celebration. Enjoy ice skating, sleigh rides, arts and crafts, music, entertainment a visit from Santa Claus and the Mayor's Tree Lighting Ceremony. All activities take place in and around the parking lot on Oak Street between Lincoln and Santa Clara avenues.
Here is a schedule of activities:
Synthetic Ice Skating Rink - 1:00 to 5:00 p.m
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Before December 1 at 3 p.m. you can pre-register for a specific 20-minute skating time slot either on-line at www.arpdeplay.com or by calling the Alameda Recreation and Park Department office at 510- 747-7529. There is a limit of 35 skaters per time slot. Skates will be provided for those age two and older. Everyone must wear socks. Walk-up skaters who have not registered in advance will only be allowed on the rink if space is available.
Free Sleigh Rides -2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
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(No need to pre-register. Rides provided on a first come, first serve basis.)
Arts and Crafts -3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Children can enjoy making reindeer puppets, jeweled crowns, ornaments, jingle bell necklaces and Popsicle stick Christmas trees to take home. The craft activities are being provided by Cindy Acker of Child Unique Montessori School and Cyndy Wasko.
Mini-Musical Performances between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m.
Enjoy the premier performance of "Musical MacBeth - A Fun Look at Classic Shakespeare" presented by the Alternative in Action's West Alameda Community Programs.
Presentation of the 2011 "100 Best Communities For Young People Award" - Award will be presented immediately before the 5:30 p.m. tree lighting ceremony
A representative from America's Promise Alliance will present the award to Alameda Youth Collaborative co-chairs, Mayor Marie Gilmore, Supervisor Wilma Chan and Alameda Unified School District board member Niel Tam.
Mayor's Tree Lighting Ceremony -5:30 p.m.
Arrive early to get the best viewing spot and enjoy entertainment provided by the Community Band, the Mistletones and the Dancing Christmas Trees. There will be souvenirs for children and a visit from Santa Claus.
All activities will be held, regardless if it rains.
