eLivermore.com

A community service of
Holy Cross Lutheran Church

Christmas Events
for Livermore, Pleasanton, and the Tri-Valley
eLivermore.com
2006
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Contents
of this
Page

Special Events
Community Events


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

Performances
Nutcracker, Concerts
Places to Visit
Lights, Manger Scene
Church Services
Christmas Eve Services and Christmas Scriptures
Complete December Calendar

Descriptions of Holidays throughout the year

On Other Pages: 
Photos:
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)
November 3, 4, 5 Fri-Sun Christmas Bazaar
November 11, 12 Sat-Sun Christmas Open House
November 17 Friday Magical Evening - Pleasanton Shopping
November 22 Wednesday Thanksgiving Eve Service and Pumpkin Pie Fellowship.
Nov 25 to Dec 28
(see below)
Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun Niles Canyon Train of Lights
Dec 1 to Jan 1 Daily Deacon Dave's Christmas
December 2 Saturday Livermore Home for the Holidays
December 2 Saturday Livermore Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
December 2 Saturday Pleasanton Hometown Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremonies
December 2 Saturday Symphony Concert
December 2 & 3 Sat & Sun Holidays in the Vineyards
December 9, 10 Sat & Sun Valley Concert Chorale Christmas Concert
December 10 Sunday Ravenswood Victorian Yuletide
December 17 Saturday Friends of the Vineyards Annual Holiday Party
Dec 16, 17, 19 Sat, Sun, Tues The Nutcracker
Dec 14-17 Thurs to Sun Live Manger Scene
December 24 Saturday Christmas Eve Services
December 31 ?? Saturday New Year's Eve Labyrinth Walk.

 

Special Events

 

Christmas Bazaar
November 3, 4, & 5
Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Christmas Bazaar
A large variety of Christmas items for sale, made locally by the members of Holy Cross.
Sponsor: Holy Cross Crafty Ladies
Location:  Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1020 Mocho Street, Livermore
Times:  9:00am to 4:00pm Friday & Saturday; Following both services on Sunday
Admission: Free
More info: Holy Cross Lutheran Church
 

 

Christmas Open House
November 11-12  Sat-Sun
Preview on Friday, Nov 10

Come and string popcorn and cranberries with us and make other simple Nostalgic decorations for your Christmas tree as we celebrate a Nostalgic Christmas.
For Kids! Come and decorate your own Christmas Sugar Cookie. Learn fun cookie decorating techniques with Heather. Cost is $3 (Saturday only) from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Sponsor: Alden Lane Nursery
Location:Alden Lane Nursery
Times:  Friday, Nov 10: 3-7pm (Open House Preview)
    Saturday, Nov 11:  8:30 to 5:00
    Sunday, Nov 12:  8:30 to 5:00
Admission: Free, except for Christmas Sugar Cookie decoration.
More info: Alden Lane Garden Village

 

 

Magical Evening - Pleasanton Shopping
November 17, Friday


Victorian Holiday Evening
Downtown Pleasanton will “deck the halls” with festive decorations, twinkling lights and beautiful window displays.
The streets will come alive with the sights and sounds of the holidays, including carolers, jugglers, musicians and our special guest, SANTA CLAUS!
Many of the downtown businesses will hold special "open houses" with holiday treats and beverages. It's our way of saying thank you!
Experience our beautiful and distinctive downtown with its hometown atmosphere and charm. Bring your family and friends to shop, dine and discover all we have to offer for the holidays and all year round!
Sponsor: Pleasanton Downtown Association
Location: Main Street, Downtown Pleasanton
Time: 5:00pm to 9:00pm
More info: Pleasanton Downtown Association
   or Pleasanton Events

 

Thanksgiving Eve Eve Service & Pumpkin Pie Fellowship
November 22, Wednesday


Thanksgiving Eve Eve Service & Pumpkin Pie Fellowship
A service of thanks to God will be held on Wednesday Evening, and will include special music.  A Pumpkin Pie Fellowship will be held after the service in the Parish Hall
Sponsor: Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Location:  1020 Mocho Street, Livermore
Times:  7:00pm
More info: Holy Cross Web Site
 

 

Niles Canyon Train of Lights
Nov 25, 26 (Sat, Sun)
Nov 29, Dec 1, Dec 3 (Wed, Fri, Sun)
Dec 6, 8, 9, 10  (Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun)
Dec 13, 15, 16, 17  (Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun)
Dec 20, 21, 22, 23 (Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat)
Dec 27, 28 (Wed, Thurs)
Note:  ALL Tickets are sold out for 2006
 

Niles Canyon Railway Train of Lights.
Celebrate the holiday season aboard the Niles Canyon Railway Train of Lights. Experience the magic of this popular Yuletide event as our brightly decorated train covered with thousands of colorful lights, travels through Niles Canyon.
Board the train in Sunol and ride to Fremont (Niles) and back.
Location:  Downtown Sunol
Times: Departures from 4:30 and 7:00pm
Admission:  Tickets are $15 for general admission, or $20 for Reserved Seating..
eLivermore Photos.
More info: Niles Canyon Railroad

 

Livermore Home for the Holidays
Dec 2
Saturday

Home for the Holidays
Kick off the holiday shopping season downtown and enjoy SNOW in Lizzie Fountain, holiday activities, carolers, horse drawn carriage rides, and more!
Sponsor: Livermore Downtown Association
Location: Downtown Livermore
Times: noon 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 2
Saturday

This event begins with a parade down First Street at 6:00 followed by the lighting of the Christmas Tree
Santa will also be available after the parade.
First Street will be closed starting at 4:00
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, Livermore Events or (925) 373-1795

 


 

Pleasanton Hometown Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Dec 2
Saturday

Join nearly 10,000 people on Saturday, to witness decorated floats cruise down Main Street with community members dressed in festive costumes, followed by the Mayor flipping the switch to light the tree.
Sponsors:
Downtown Association & City of Pleasanton Parks and Community Services
Location: Main Street, Pleasanton
Times: 5pm to 9:00pm (as listed on the Pleasanton Downtown Site)
   4:00pm to 8:00pm (as listed on the city site).
  Downtown Open House:  4:00 to 8:00pm
  Parade:  5:30 to 6:30
  Tree Lighting following parade.
More info: Pleasanton Downtown Association  or Pleasanton Events


Holidays in the Vineyards
December 2 & 3
Saturday & Sunday

An open house at our wineries celebrates the season by sharing the joy of special wines, crafts, music and more! All of the wineries throw open their doors and offer very special holiday experiences for you and your friends and family to enjoy.
Award-winning wines are offered along with gourmet foods, specially wrapped gift boxes and special holiday treats. Come ring in the season with us in the vineyards!
Sponsor:  Livermore Wine Growers Association
Location: Participating Valley Wineries
Times: Noon to 5pm
Admission: Free
More info: Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association or Livermore Events

 

Ravenswood Victorian Yuletide
December 10
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: Livermore Events
See the Ravenswood Photos and description on eLivermore.com


 


See eLivermore Phots

 


Friends of the Vineyards Annual Holiday Party
December 17
Sunday

Sponsor: Friends of the Vineyards
Location:  Ravenswood Historical Site
Times:  2:00 to 5:00 PM
Admission:
More info: Friends of the Vineyards
 

 

New Year's Eve Labyrinth Walk
December 31
Sunday

New Year's Eve Labyrinth Walk
Join us in walking our 11-circuit, Chartres-style, courtyard labyrinth. Say good-bye to the old year and begin the New Year with peace and intention.
Everyone is Welcome!
Sponsor: First Presbyterian Church, Livermore
Location: First Presbyterian Church, 4th & L Streets, Livermore
Times:  8:00pm to 12:00am
Admission: Free
More info: For more information, contact Judy Hughes, labyrinth facilitator, 925-485-2524 or the church office, 925-447-2078.



   

 

Performances

 

Valley Concert Choral - A Christmas Triptych
Saturday, Dec 9 (Pleasanton)
Sunday, Dec 10 (Livermore)

A Christmas Triptych
This year for our annual Christmas concert we will feature the title piece, Canite Tuba: A Christmas Triptych, by Donald McCullough, accompanied by eight brass instruments and percussion. We will also sing John Rutter's Gloria, as well as some familiar carols set to unfamiliar colonial melodies! There will be an opportunity for you to sing along too, so don't miss this very popular concert!

 
Saturday, Dec 9, 8:00PM
Trinity Lutheran Church
Pleasanton
Sunday, Dec 10, 3:00PM
First Presbyterian Church
4th & L Streets, Livermore
   
Admission: Advanced:  $17 ($14 for seniors).
     At the door:  $20 ($17 for seniors)
     Students 18 and under are free.
     Season tickets are $46 ($36 for seniors).
Tickets sold at:
     Oasis Books - Livermore
     Camerata Music (at Music Exchange) - Dublin
     Town Center Books - Pleasanton

More info: Valley Concert Chorale


Symphony Concert
December 2
Saturday

Livermore-Amador Symphony Concert

Our special year-long tribute to Mozart concludes with his best-known symphony, the dark minor-key 40th, centerpiece among his three last and greatest symphonies, all composed in the summer of 1788. Not to be forgotten is 20th-century Russian Dmitri Shostakovich, whose 2006 centennial we commemorate with his joyous concert-opener, composed in 1954, just after the end of the Stalinist era. Ippolitov- Ivanov’s colorful and exotic suite includes the popular “March of the Sardar.” Featured soloists include guest trumpeter James Tinsley joined by the Symphony’s own concertmaster Sally Dalke, principal flutist Jeff Pelletier, and principal oboist Eva Langfeldt. Janet Holmes is the First Presbyterian Church of Livermore’s own resident organist.

  • Shostakovich Festive Overture
  • Ippolitov-Ivanov Caucasian Sketches Suite No. 1
  • Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 2

                James Tinsley, trumpet

  • Sowerby Concert Piece for Organ and Orchestra

                Janet Holmes, organ

  • Mozart Symphony No. 40

James Tinsley, trumpet soloist, has had a distinguished and varied career. His talents cover a wide range of styles from
chamber music to jazz. A faculty member at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, he has performed under such
notable conductors as Seiji Ozawa and John Williams. He has been soloist with the Boston Pops and participated in
chamber music at both the Marlboro and Tanglewood Music Festivals.

Janet Holmes is organist at the First Presbyterian Church, Livermore, where she was instrumental in the design of the
38-rank installation by Casavant Frères Organ Builders, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada. She has served as organist for
a number of congregations and has performed on several organs in Europe. Ms. Holmes received her B.A and M.A. in
Vocal Performance, maintains her own vocal studio in San Ramon, and teaches and accompanies at Ohlone College.
Time:  8:00pm
Location: First Presbyterian Church, 4th & L Streets
Admission:  Adult: $15; Seniors: $13, Youth (through high school): $5
More info: Livermore-Amador Symphony (925) 447-3672 or 447-6454
   or Livermore Events

 

The Nutcracker
Dec 16, 17, 19
Sat, Sun, Tues.

A full length performance of the Nutcracker
Sponsors:  Valley Dance Theatre with the Livermore Amador Symphony
Location: Livermore High School Theatre, 600 Maple St, Livermore
Times: Sat and Sun: 2pm and 7pm; Tues: 7pm
Admission: Reserved Seats (Orchestra level): Adult: $18; Students/Seniors: $15
     Balcony (unassigned seating):  Adult $15, Students/Seniors: $13
     $2 off each ticket for groups of 10 or more.
More info:
Livermore-Amador Symphony
   or Valley Dance Theatre or (925) 243-0927
   or Livermore Events


 

Places to Visit

 

Deacon Dave's Christmas
Opening Night is December 1 at 6:30pm

An incredible Christmas display of over 200,000 lights.
Opening ceremony includes a candlelight precoession down Hillcrest Ave and entertainment by the Livermore Granada High School Chamber Chorale.
Location:  352 Hillcrest Ave, Livermore 
Times:

   Opening ceremony December 1 at 6:30pm
  
Sunday - Thursday 6:00 pm till 9:30 pm
   Friday and Saturday 6:00 pm till 10:30 pm
   Christmas Day - opens at 6:00 pm
   New Year's Eve - gates close at 8:00 pm, but lights will remain on until 1:00 am
   Display may be closed due to inclement weather or high winds
Admission:  Free.  Donations collected go to Santa's Secret Service
More info: Deacon Dave's Web site.

 

Lights of the Valley

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

 

Live Manger Scene
December 14-17
Thursday to Sunday

Live Manger Scene
Drive through live manger scene at Trinity Baptist church
Sponsor: Trinity Baptist Church
Location:  557 Olivina Ave., Livermore
Times:  Thursday to Sunday, 7:00pm to 9:00pm
More info: 447-1848.  Trinity Baptist Church

 

 

Church Services

All Christian Churches have special Christmas Eve services.
Those for which we have information are listed below.
Full list of Tri-Valley Churches, and web links

Holy Cross Lutheran Church
1020 Mocho Street
4:00pm Family Candlelight service with Children's choir
8:00pm Family Candlelight service with Choir
Our Candlelight services are lovely, joyful and prayerful services that remind us that Christmas is always in our hearts and shared with each other every day of the year.
Holy Cross Lutheran Church provides this web site.


 
Tri-Valley Church of Christ
4481 East Ave.
447-4333
5:00pm Christmas Candlelight Service
 

 

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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)