December 2023

Oakland Zoo Glowfari (Now)
This is our current favorite kid light display! They have tons of fun beautiful glowing animal chinese lanterns — each one a work of art!
https://www.oaklandzoo.org/programs-and-events/glowfari

MV Christmas Tree Lighting (Dec 4th)
Get ready for an evening of singing, santa, and beautiful lights!
https://www.mountainview.gov/our-city/departments/community-services/special-events/community-tree-lighting-celebration?locale=en

Elf on a Shelf on Castro (Dec 16th – 31st)
New last year, this year the shelf elves will return! Many business on Castro have hidden an elf in their store and often there are prizes for finding them! Good luck hunting! And if you dress up on the 16th you may get extra treats!
https://www.chambermv.org/elf

Rent a Christmas Tree
If you haven’t already gotten your Christmas tree and you want a live one, perhaps consider renting one! They even bring them to your door and pick them up after the season is done! (Thanks for the tip, Antje!)
https://rentxmastree.com/

Mountain View Library Programing
There are SO many great events coming up at the library!
Felt Ornament Making
Winter Wonderland
Winter Dance Party
and More!

ProBass Shop – Photos with Santa
Who would have thought that a fishing store would have an amazing Santa, but their Santa Wonderland is fantastic! We’ve been enjoying free Santa photos there for years and their fun kids activities there for years. Now you too are in on the secret! Make sure you make a reservation beforehand!

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/santas-wonderland

Theuerkauf Winter Wonderland (Dec 15th)
Come see the Theuerkauf front parking lot transformed into world of wintery delight! We’ll have games, food, and fun for all! 5 pm – 6:30 pm

Books Inc Fundraiser for Theuerkauf Elementary School (Dec 6th)
Come on over to books in on Wednesday, Dec 6th between 5 pm and 8 pm to support a wonderful local elementary school. We’ll have snacks and wine, as well as readings by celebraties (i.e., our principal and school librarian)

Drive Thru Light Shows
There are a ton in the area, but a couple of that is a favorites are Blinky’s in San Jose and Vasona Park’s Fantasy of Lights (for which tickets are going fast!)
https://www.christmasinthepark.com/p/events/lights
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fantasy-of-lights-drive-thru-2023-tickets-742452404127

Filoli
Filoli, one of our favorite local gardens now has tickets available for their fantastic holiday lights!

Parenting Book Club
December:
Calm the Chaos: A Fail-Proof Road Map for Parenting Even the Most Challenging Kids by Dayna Abraham Who couldn’t use some more calm?!

January: I’ll Show Myself Out: Essays on Midlife and Motherhood by Jessi Klein. So raw and real and yet laughable too!