Waltonsmith introduced the other members of the Saratoga City Council, and then highlighted the evening's festivities. She mentioned Open House events being held at the Historical Museum and at Saratoga Federated Church, which was having a celebration with holiday crafts, children's storytelling, caroling and refreshments. She also invited those in the crowd to enjoy late-night shopping along Big Basin Way, with most of the stores offering extended hours that night, and some giving away free treats.

Mayor Waltonsmith then asked the children in the audience to help her count down to the lighting of the massive city Christmas tree. After the lights came on, the crowd was treated to a special first-time event—live music to close the ceremony. Flying Without Instruments, an a capella ensemble hailing from the San Francisco area, entertained the crowd with harmonious holiday tunes, which appeared to be a big hit with passersby, many of whom stopped and listened for a while.

"I think they really liked it. Both council members and residents were clapping and enjoying it," said City Economic Development Coordinator Danielle Surdin. "This is the first year we've had live music and entertainment [as part of the tree lighting ceremony]."

Following the ceremony, the Village Open House got under way, with even more entertainment for the hundreds of residents and visitors who filled Big Basin Way, which was closed to cars for the occasion. Members of Saratoga Federated Church gave several performances up and down the street; a group played songs by ringing special golden bells at one location, and a choir sang religious favorites at another spot. Longtime Saratoga resident Helen Kosmata says this is one of her favorite parts of the annual event.

"We come here every year for the music and festivities," she says. "It's great."

Kosmata has lived in Saratoga since 1967, and says she was happy when the city began this tradition 12 years ago. However, she says she loves visiting the downtown street all year round.

"Big Basin Way has great restaurants; we love them," she says. "I also love the fact that you can go into the stores, and the merchants know your name. You know you're really doing business with your hometown people."

Many of the businesses on Big Basin Way offered free treats to the holiday visitors. Specialty wine store Uncorked had gingerbread man cookies, La Fondue handed out free containers of fruit and cookies dipped in their famous milk chocolate, and the International Coffee Exchange gave a free muffin or cookie to those waiting in line to see Santa Claus, who was at the top of the ramp next to their store, flanked by his brightly-dressed elves. This year, Santa's corner had a bit of 1950s flair, playing holiday favorites by Elvis Presley in the background.

The Nahmens family children could barely contain their excitement at the sight of Santa Claus in the flesh. Three-year-old Codey Nehmens had thought long and hard about what to ask Santa Claus when his parents told him they would be visiting him that night.

"A dump truck!" Codey said as he sat on Santa's lap, indicating the exact size model he wanted with his little hands. Codey also wanted his older sister Courtney to be happy on Christmas morning, so he asked Santa to please bring her a drum set, if he could.

Nearby, another large crowd was lining up for horse-drawn holiday carriage rides, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. The line of families eagerly awaiting a ride up and down Big Basin Way in the festively decorated carriages stretched far down the street.

Blocks away, there was even more entertainment, both modern and old-fashioned. The Caroliers, an a capella trio, brought visitors back to the days of Charles Dickens with their traditional period costumes, and the Coram Deo children's choir impressed many in the large audience with their singing abilities. Uniquely, the Coram Deo choir is an ensemble of children of various ages—as young as 4 and as old as 17—who are all home-schooled. The choir's administrator, Andrea Schwartz, says families typically learn of the choir's existence through word of mouth, and that they welcome any child who wishes to join, with no audition. The group performs several concerts throughout the Bay Area every year.

"They work really hard, and they practice every day," says Schwartz. She says the choir is affiliated with Emmaus Christian Fellowship.

Miki Michlich of San Jose, who was visiting Saratoga for the Village Open House, says she was especially moved by Coram Deo's performance.

"These are exceptional children," she said.

A first-timer to the city's holiday event, Michlich said she was definitely glad she came.

"I'm just enjoying this night so much."

For more information on city events, visit www.saratoga.ca.us. For the Flying Without Instruments ensemble, visit www.flyingwithoutinstruments.com. For the Coram Deo children's choir, visit www.emmauschristianfellowship.org and click on Coram Deo Choir.