Santa Claus is making his list, checking it twice and coming to Los Altos to celebrate the city’s Festival of Lights this weekend.
Now in its 48th year, the Festival of Lights has delighted community members with twinkling bright lights, intricate float displays and delightful performances since 1977. Far from its meager beginnings, which included four to five push-floats created by volunteers, this year’s festival – scheduled for 6 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 30) – includes 60 entries.
The theme for the 2025 event is “A Child’s Holiday Fantasy.” The lineup includes 24 floats, 10 bands that will play holiday songs and dance groups among other special entertainment – all adorned in twinkling lights. Put on by the Los Altos Festival of Lights Association, the hour-long event is set to be streamed live by KMTV on channel 15.
New this year is an animated dragon named Bertha, who will be perched atop the circus train. The Stuart Highlander Pipe Band, joined by the Santa Clara Sheriffs and Macintosh band of Marin, will kick off the festival with bagpipe performances. The Snow Queen – presiding over the festival – and toy soldiers (all who have been part of the festival for 15 years or more) and other floats follow.
As always, Santa Claus and his herd of reindeer will close out the event.
The Los Altos Festival of Lights Association is always looking for volunteers and donations. While the event is classified as a “Heritage Event,” allowing for some city services and police department aid, expenses for costumes and floats are funded by donations and grants.
To learn more, visit losaltosparade.org.
