The city's fourth tree lighting ceremony will be held on Nov. 26 at 5:30 p.m. in Blaney Plaza where the Memorial Arch is located.

Mayor Ann Waltonsmith will give a short speech during the ceremony before starting the countdown to the tree lighting.

Since last year, Saratogans have had more of a reason for celebrating the ceremony. Last year, Saratoga residents Phil and Susan Boyce donated the money for the city to buy a blue spruce holiday tree. The gift replaced a metal tree that the city had been using for the celebrations before.

"There will be live music from a Bay Area a cappella group called Flying without Instruments," said Danielle Surdin, the city's economic development coordinator, who is in charge of the ceremony.

Like previous years, the tree lighting ceremony will be followed by the annual holiday open house in the Village. This event is put together by the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce and the Village merchants as they stock up on merchandise for the busy holiday season ahead.

Kristin Davis, executive director of the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce, said that the ceremony draws bigger crowds every year. "More than 2,000 people showed up for the open house last year," she said.

The open house will be held between 6 and 9 p.m. Two horse-drawn carriages will provide rides on Big Basin Way. The rides are $5 a person.

The Saratoga Community Band will be playing at the event. Strolling carol singers will add another musical touch to the evening. The Saratoga Federated Church Hand Bell Choir and the Redwood Middle School Choir will also be performing. Kids will have a chance to meet with Santa Claus, who will be hanging out near Big Basin Chiropractic. The Saratoga Historical Museum and the Book-Go-Round will also have open hours during the event adding to the excitement.

For more information about the Village Open House, call the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce at 408.867.0753.