| | Published December 11th, 2019
| Lamorinda rings in the holiday season
| | | By Jennifer Wake |  | | A weekend of Holiday celebrations. Anna and Olaf came to Orinda Theatre Square and performers including Lafayette Kid's Cottage entertained at Lafayette Plaza Park. Photos Sora O'Doherty and Andy Scheck |
The holidays are in full swing, with events over the past weekend showcasing the wonder of the season - especially for the littler Lamorinda residents on Dec. 8 who enjoyed close encounters with beloved characters like Anna and Olaf from the popular "Frozen" movie series for photo opportunities at Orinda's Theatre Square and jolly interactions with Santa at the "It's a Wonderful Life" event in Lafayette.
Tons of toddlers and parents filled Lafayette's Plaza Park, enjoying pizza by the slice, hot cocoa and wine for the adults as they listened to performances by members of the Lafayette Nursery School, Lafayette Kid's Cottage and many others. Lafayette residents Dean Powell and Holly Jackson brought their 5-year-old puppy, Scrabble, to the event and he loved all the excitement and posing for photos. One of the sponsors, Lafayette realtor Dana Green, said she was happy that organizers decided to move the date to Sunday, noting how more families were able enjoy the festivities together and visit with "the big guy" since the event wasn't held on a work day.
Two more opportunities to visit with Santa in Lamorinda will be happening Dec. 14 and 15. While advanced reservations are required for the Lafayette Historical Society's annual Breakfast with Santa benefit Dec. 15 at Sideboard in Lafayette (see story Page B6), children can visit with Santa at Moraga's 5A-Rent-A-Space during its annual free holiday event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 14 which will include crafts and treats.
Crafts will also be center stage at the Second Annual Girls Crushing It pop-up shop from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 at the Lafayette Community Center. The Winter Pop-up Shop will showcase 60 local "girlpreneurs" proudly presenting everything from their homemade bath products and pet treats, to original works of art to handmade jewelry (see story on Page B4).
Looking for something to enhance your holiday cheer? Don't miss the free screening of "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 at the Orinda Theatre. Interested in something more traditional? The singing and ringing choirs of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Lafayette will present their annual Christmas concert at 4 p.m. on Dec. 15. "Faith, Fun, and a Feast," includes a little religious Christmas music, a lot of popular Christmas music, and ends with "A Feast of Carols," composed by Randol Alan Bass for the Dallas Symphony and Symphony Chorus. While admission is free, a freewill offering will be taken, with half the proceeds going to Contra Costa Interfaith Housing, helping the homeless find permanent homes.
Finally, the holidays would not be as special without remembering those we love. For 33 years, Hospice East Bay's Tree of Lights ceremonies have offered community members a way to honor the lives of friends and loved ones. Lights are illuminated and names of loved ones those wish to honor or remember are read aloud during the 30-40 minute ceremony. The final Hospice Tree of Lights event in Lamorinda will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 at Moraga Country Club. |
 | | Photo Gint Federas | | | | | | | | | | | |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA