eLivermore.com - By Bill Nale

 

Christmas Events 2016
for Livermore, Pleasanton, and the Tri-Valley

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Contents:
Christmas Photos
All Events in Chronological Order
Special Events
Performances
Places to Visit
Christmas Scriptures
See Also:
Complete December Calendar
Descriptions of Holidays throughout the year


Olive wood Manger Scene.
Carved in Bethlehem from the
wood of local olive trees.


Christmas Photos

eLivermore.com has a collection of Christmas time photos from over the years, including:

Christmas in Downtown Livermore at night
Snow at Lizzie Fountain
Main Street Designs Christmas Store


 

All Events in Chronological order
Click links for details below
  all Lights of the Valley (web site of Christmas lights)
Nov 25 to Dec 30 Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
(two Mon)

Niles Canyon Train of Lights

December 2 Friday Valley Concert Chorale Sing along Messiah
December 3 Saturday Livermore Home for the Holidays
December 3 Saturday Livermore Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
December 3 Saturday Pleasanton Hometown Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremonies
December 3 Saturday Symphony Concert
December 3-4 Sat & Sun Holidays in the Vineyards
December 11 Sunday Ravenswood Victorian Yuletide
December   10, 11 Sun, Sat Valley Concert Chorale Christmas Concert
Dec 10-11, 16-18 Sat-Sun, Fri-Sat-Sun The Nutcracker
Dec 10 Sat Cantabella Children's Chorus
TBD   New Year's Eve Labyrinth Walk.

 

Special Events


Niles Canyon Train of Lights
2016 dates: November 25 to Dec 30 (the week after Christmas)
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Two Mondays)
See complete Schedule

 

Niles Canyon Railway Train of Lights.
Experience the magic of our brightly decorated holiday train, covered with thousands of lights, as it winds through the darkness of Niles Canyon on a 75-minute round-trip ride from Niles to Sunol and back, and the later train from Sunol to Niles and back.
This annual fundraising event is presented by the Pacific Locomotive Association to benefit Niles Canyon Railway projects throughout the year. We are sincerely grateful for all of our supporters who help our non-profit, tax-exempt, living history museum continue to operate and grow.
Trains run both from Sunol to Niles and back, and from Niles to Sunol and back.
Location:  Downtown Sunol
Times: Departures from 4:30pm from Niles, 7:30 from Sunol
Admission:  General seating is $30 (+2.49 fee) ages 3 and up.  See the Niles Canyon Railroad.
   $20 (+1.99 fee) for Wednesdays: Nov 30, Dec 7, 14
   Reserved seating in the Dome Car is $45 (+3.24 fee).
   Private Caboose: $600 (+25.95 fee) for up to 24 people.
eLivermore Photos.
More info: Niles Canyon Railroad.  Info should be on the Niles Canyon site mid to late September.  Ticket purchases around the 2nd week of October.

2016 Dates - From Sunol
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Nov 27  7:30     Nov 30  7:30   Dec 2  7:30 Dec 3  7:30
Dec 4  7:30     Dec 7  7:30   Dec 9  7:30 Dec 10  7:30
Dec 11  7:30     Dec 14  7:30   Dec 16  7:30 Dec 17  7:30
Dec 18  7:30 Dec 19  7:30   Dec 21  7:30   Dec 23  7:30  
  Dec 26  7:30 Dec 27  7:30 Dec 28  7:30   Dec 30  7:30  

 

2016 Dates - From Niles
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
          Nov 25  4:30 Nov 26  4:30
      Nov 30  4:30   Dec 2  4:30 Dec 3  4:30
      Dec 7  4:30   Dec 9  4:30 Dec 10  4:30
Dec 11  4:30     Dec 14  4:30   Dec 16  4:30 Dec 17  4:30
Dec 18  4:30 Dec 19  4:30   Dec 21  4:30   Dec 23  4:30  
  Dec 26  4:30 Dec 27  4:30 Dec 28  4:30   Dec 30  4:30  


Click photos for additional eLivermore.com photos of the Train of Lights

 

Livermore Home for the Holidays
Dec 3, 2016
Saturday

Home for the Holidays
A Celebration of the Traditions of the Holidays. Lizzie fountain will be transformed into a winter fun zone for children 5th Grade and under. Holiday Entertainment will inspire you to stroll through the Downtown enjoying the beginning of the Holiday Season.

Join us for shopping and grabbing a holiday treat to eat, all while celebrating our Holiday Traditions in a beautiful hometown setting!
Sponsor: Livermore Downtown Association

Lizzie Fountain will be transformed into a winter fun zone for children 5th grade and under.  Holiday entertainment, merchant open house, and carriage rides.
Location: Downtown Livermore
Times: 11:00am to 4:00pm
Admission: Free
More info:    Livermore Downtown Association, (925) 373-1795

 


Lizzie Fountain with snow - 12/2/06
More photos


Livermore Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
Dec 3, 2016
Saturday

Livermore Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Over 50 floats, including our local businesses, clubs, marching bands, associations and much, much more! The Parade ends with that Special Guest, Santa himself, leading our community in the Official Tree Lighting!

Parade Route: First Street - between M Street and McLeod Street
Sponsor: Livermore Downtown Association
Location: Downtown Livermore
Times: Parade from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Tree lighting following the parade
Admission: Free
More info:    Livermore Downtown Association or (925) 373-1795

 


 

Pleasanton Hometown Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Dec 3, 2016
Saturday
 

Pleasanton Hometown Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremonies
The City of Pleasanton will once again salute the season by hosting the Annual Hometown Holiday Celebration to be held on Saturday, December 6, 2014 from 5:00 to 7:15 p.m. along Main Street in downtown Pleasanton.

This free, family-friendly event features a festive community-based parade followed by the lighting of a holiday tree in front of the Museum on Main.

Kicking off the parade will be one of Pleasanton’s award-winning high school marching bands from either Amador Valley High School or Foothill High School. The band is followed by a wide array of holiday inspired entries including Pleasanton’s own Balloon Platoon, the Pleasanton City Council, hundreds of Cub Scouts and Brownies, local car clubs, performing arts groups, and much more.

Main Street will close to vehicular traffic at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 7. Parade viewers are encouraged to shop and dine in historic Downtown Pleasanton after staking out their viewing turf.

The Hometown Holiday program relies on the support of the community to make the event a success and volunteers are still needed! Those interested in volunteering for the event are encouraged to visit www.hometownholiday.com.

In the event of rain, a parade cancellation telephone hotline will be implemented and updated each hour after 2:30 p.m. on parade day, December 7. The Cancellation Information Phone Line is (925) 931-5352.
Sponsors: Downtown Association & City of Pleasanton Parks and Community Services
Location: Main Street, Pleasanton
Times: 5:00pm to 7:15pm
  3:30-7:30pm Main Street closed.
  5:00pm Holiday Parade
  6:45 to 7:15pm Tree Lighting Ceremony
More info: Pleasanton Events, Pleasanton Downtown Association.


Holidays in the Vineyards
December 3-4, 2016
Saturday & Sunday

Holidays in the Vineyards
Join us for a Livermore Valley wine country holiday tradition. Wineries showcase their decorated tasting rooms with special wines, arts, crafts, holiday music, activities and more. Donated toys are given to the local Toys for Tots program. Admission is free, however, tasting fees may apply and vary by winery.

Participating Wineries:  See the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association website.

Sponsor:  Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association
Location: Participating Valley Wineries
Times: Noon to 4:30pm
Admission: Free.  Tasting Fees may apply and vary by winery.
More info: Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association or (925) 447-9463

 

 

Ravenswood Victorian Yuletide
December 11, 2016
Sunday

Come celebrate a Victorian Christmas at Ravenswood Historic Site.  Music, entertainment, carriage ride, food, crafts, and more.
Location: Ravenswood Historic Site, 2647 Arroyo Road, Livermore
Times: Noon to 4:00PM
Admission:  Free
More info:
See the Ravenswood Photos and description on eLivermore.com


See eLivermore Photos


New Year's Eve Labyrinth Walk
TBD for 2016
Saturday

Previous year info:
New Year's Eve Labyrinth Walk

The labyrinth walk is Wednesday, December 31st between 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm Courtyard. Dress warmly and join us in walking our outdoor, Chartres-style, courtyard labyrinth. Say good-bye to the old year and begin the New Year with peace and intention.
Sponsor: First Presbyterian Church, Livermore
Location: First Presbyterian Church, 4th & L Streets, Livermore
Times:  7:30pm to 10:00pm
Admission: Free
More info: First Presbyterian Church, Livermore,  For more information, contact the church office, 925-447-2078.



   

 

Performances

 

   

 

Valley Concert Choral - Sing-along Messiah
Dec 2, 2016
Friday

Valley Concert Choral Sing-along Messiah
It’s our annual holiday event.  Join in singing Part I of Handel’s great masterpiece, including the Hallelujah Chorus.
Sponsor: Valley Concert Chorale
Location:  Asbury United Methodist Church, 4743 East Ave, Livermore
Times:  7:30pm
Admission: $12. Tickets at Valley Concert Chorale website.
More info: Valley Concert Chorale


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cantabella Children's Chorus - Winter Concert
Dec 10, 2016
Saturday

Cantabella Children's Chorus - Let the Merry Bells Ring
Ring in the Sounds of the Season and Celebrate your Holidays with the “Choir of Angels” – over 200 youth accompanied by live musicians!
The 1 PM show features the three Cantabella Training Choirs, as well as selected pieces by the Performing Choirs.
The 4 PM show features the Performing Choirs
Doors open 1/2 hour before the show.

Sponsor: Cantabella Children's Chorus
Location:  Our Savior Lutheran Ministries.  1385 South Livermore Ave, Livermore.
Times:  1:00pm (training choirs & selected pieces by the performing choirs)
              4:00pm (performing choirs)

Admission: Adults: $18 in advance, $22 after December 4, or at the door; children under 18 FREE when accompanied by an adult (Limit 3 children per parent/gardian).  Ticket required.
More info: Cantabella Children's Chorus

 

 

 

Valley Concert Choral Christmas Concerts
Dec 10, 11, 2016
Saturday, Sunday

Valley Concert Choral - Traditional Carols with a Twist
Favorite Masterworks:  Johann S. Bach's Cantata 140 "Wachet Auf"
New Discoveries: Cecila McDowall's Ave Maris Stella
Plus traditional carols and sing-alongs.
Sponsor: Valley Concert Chorale
Location:  Saturday:  Lynnewood United Methodist Church, 4444 Blace Ave, Pleasanton
      Sunday:  First Presbyterian Church, 2020 Fifth St (4th & L), Livermore
Times:  Saturday: 8:00pm;  Sunday: 3:00pm
Admission: $20 (plus service Fee) Student: $10 (plus service fee). Tickets at Valley Concert Chorale website.
More info: Valley Concert Chorale


Symphony Concert
December 3, 2016
Saturday
 

A Heavenly Life - Livermore-Amador Symphony  -
Mozart: Exsultate, Jubilate
Mahler Symphony No. 4
Emily Helenbrook, soprano soloist
Begin your holiday season with the radiant, sunny optimism of musical giants Mozart and Mahler as we present two joyful works featuring the beautiful voice of a rising star, Emily Helenbrook. Mozart’s Exsultate, Jubilate urges us to raise our voices in joyful exuberance, and with the jingle of sleigh bells, Mahler’s glorious Symphony No. 4 invites us to leave our worldly cares behind and opens the gates of heaven. ArtVoice raved about “the fresh young singer, Emily Helenbrook...the angelically voiced soprano....” after she performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic in 2015. A senior at the Eastman School of Music, Helenbrook won an Art Leadership Award in 2015 and the Annabel Muenter Vocal Prize in the 2016 Friends of Eastman Opera Voice Competition.
Sponsor: Livermore Amador Symphony
Location:  Bankhead Theater - LVPAC web site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Time:
  No Prelude talk  Symphony concert begins at 8:15pm
Admission:  $35 / $30 / $25.   Youth (21 & younger): $12  Season tickets also available.
Tickets:
  Bankhead Theater Box Office info  -  LVPAC Online Ordering page
More info:
Livermore-Amador Symphony (925) 373-6824, or Bankhead Theater

 

 

The Nutcracker
Dec 10-11, 16-18, 2016
Sat-Sun,  Fri-Sat-Sun

The Nutcracker - Valley Dance Theater
Valley Dance Theatre will present its annual full-length production of Tchaikovsky's holiday classic, The Nutcracker, with eight performances beginning Saturday, December 10, 2016 at the Bankhead Theater. The performances will be accompanied by the Valley Dance Theatre Pit Orchestra.
Sponsor: Valley Dance Theater
Location:  Bankhead Theater - LVPAC web site - eLivermore Bankhead Theater page
Times: 
  Sat Dec 10: 2:00 & 7:00pm
  Sun Dec 11: 2:00pm
  Fri Dec 16: 7:00pm
  Sat Dec 17: 2:00pm & 7:00pm
  Sun Dec 18: 2:00pm & 7:00pm
Admission: TBD
More info: Valley Dance Theater or Bankhead Theater

 


 

Places to Visit

 

Lights of the Valley

A web site listing locations suggested homes with Christmas light displays.
Lights of the Valley

 

 

Christmas Scriptures

All Christian Churches have special Christmas Eve services.
Full list of Tri-Valley Churches, and web links

 
 

 
 
 

Christmas Scriptures

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.  For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.  For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. -- (Isaiah 9:2-7)

 

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see--I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!" When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.  But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. -- (Luke 2:1-20)

 

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”

When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:

 “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.” -- (Matthew 1:18 to 2:18)

 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light.

The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. (John bore witness to him, and cried, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me.’”) And from his fulness have we all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known.  -- (John 1:1-18)