Music, shopping, family events—Saratoga is all about the holidays.
Looking for a unique gift? My top pick is a box of apricot turtles from Novakovich Orchards. It’s a Saratoga holiday tradition, begun decades ago by 92-year-old Leah Novakovich, who moved to her Fruitvale orchard in 1952. The fourth generation, including granddaughter Emily Novakovich, is now taking orders at 14251 Fruitvale Ave. or 408-867-3131.
“These homemade apricot turtles are a reminder of the era of the Valley of Heart’s Delight,” Monte Sereno resident Inken Sparkman says. “They are terrific!”
You can help the Saratoga Library while satisfying the book lover on your gift list. The Book Go Round, located in Saratoga’s first library on Oak Street, has all kinds of books, CDs and other materials. Run by the Friends of the Saratoga Library, proceeds from Book Go Round sales benefit library programs.
The Village is full of great Christmas shopping and gift certificates for spas, coffee shops, workout facilities and more. The Fat Robin is chock-full of holiday décor and gifts; the Echo Shop is always a treasure trove of great deals, and sales benefit the needy.
Saratoga will be alive with the sound of holiday music next month:
Dec. 5, 7 p.m.—Saratoga High’s choir and jazz ensemble perform at the school’s McAfee Performing Arts Center, 20300 Herriman Ave.
Dec. 7, 3 p.m.—Mission Valley Chorus presents its 18th annual Jingle Bell Tea at the Saratoga Community Center, 19655 Allendale Ave. Tickets are $35 at tickets@missionvalley.org
Dec. 8, 3 p.m.—San Jose Wind Symphony brings the music of holiday movies to life with a family-friendly concert. Children may get a chance to go on stage during “The Night Before Christmas.” Tickets are $25 at www.sjws.org.
Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m. —The Saratoga Community Band presents the Sounds of Christmas at the McAfee center. The concert is free; goodwill donations are encouraged. Saratogaband.com
Dec. 10, 7 p.m. —Saratoga High’s band plays a free concert at the McAfee center.
Dec. 12, 7 p.m.—Saratoga High’s orchestra plays a free concert at the McAfee center.
There’s more holiday music at Montalvo Arts Center, including Irish Christmas in America on Dec. 6 and David Benoit’s Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown on Dec. 15. montalvoarts.org
On Dec. 14 at 11 a.m., Wreaths Across America will be held at Madronia Cemetery to remember and honor our veterans. There will be a brief ceremony, followed by the laying of remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each veteran aloud. The goal is to have enough wreaths for each vet’s grave. Contact lisah0028@gmail.com to volunteer or donate.
Saratogans are doing good during the holidays. Service groups are busy helping others. Saratoga Rotary is giving students at Washington Elementary School in San Jose a Breakfast with Santa. For the past 30 years, the club has hosted the event, which also features crafts, face painters, Christmas songs, a Christmas story and Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. Each kindergartener and first-grade student receives a gift bag and a picture with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.
Dec. 7 is the Ukrainian Christmas in Saratoga Festival, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 14103 Saratoga Ave. Sponsored by the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, admission is free. It’s a chance to learn Ukrainian traditions, find a unique holiday gift at the craft market or try some Ukrainian dishes. In addition to kids activities, you can try your luck at Ukrainian/English bingo.
If you have business or social news about Saratoga, let me know: debby@debbyrice.com.
