It’s sad news for many that the traditional horse-drawn holiday carriage ride operator has retired. Picking up the reins is an Emerald Green Trolley, and you can catch a ride Dec. 6 and 13-15 from 1-5 p.m. Word is that Santa will be taking a trolley ride on one of these evenings. No reservations are needed, but donations are welcome and benefit local charity Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services. losgatoschamber.com/events
Los Gatos is the place to find unique holiday gifts.
The Butter Paddle is a go-to place for beautiful gifts and home accessories. For over 50 years, volunteers have run the store, whose proceeds are donated to Pacific Clinics, providing mental health and social services to local children and their families. www.butterpaddle.com
Handmade gifts show extra care and thought. The Los Gatos Library is hosting a Teen Holiday Gift Making Class on Monday, Dec. 2, at 3 p.m. Teens can make a macrame wreath ornament and learn the art of knots with the Knotty Corgi. www.losgatosca.gov/2828/Los-Gatos-Public-Library
Crafty folks can hand-paint ceramic gifts and have a great time in the process at Petroglyph Pottery Studio, 37 N. Santa Cruz Ave. 408-395-4ART (4278).
Sweets are always a popular gift, and Lolli & Pops has hard-to-find Christmas and vintage candies. Check out their Gummy Bear Countdown, 24 days of gummy bears, each day with a new flavor; or the Truffle Countdown Calendar with 12 days of ganache-filled chocolate truffles. Lolli and Pops, 35 N. Santa Cruz Ave., 408-395-5200
For more handmade gifts, visit the Loma Prieta Holiday Craft Faire Dec. 7-8 at the CT English Middle School gym, 23800 Summit Road. Peruse over 40 local craft vendors, have your holiday photo taken and sample food while supporting CT English Middle School.
The Los Gatos Craft Fair is set for Saturday, Dec. 21, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Old Town Center. The fair features locally made products that honor American craftsmanship. There will be jewelry, candles, home goods, children’s clothes, artwork, glass, succulents and live music to boot.
It’s great to see Pedro’s has reopened. The traditional Mexican restaurant that’s been a town fixture since 1972 has reinvented itself for a new era of Mexican American dining under the direction of chef Julio Aguilera. You’ll find favorite dishes on the menu, along with new offerings. Los Gatan Tim Lundell says, “The new décor is bright, the menu interesting and the service was excellent.” 316 N. Santa Cruz Ave., www.pedrosrestaurants.com
A gift card from Spa Los Gatos is always a winner. They invite you to a special event marking The spa is hosting an event for its 25th anniversary on Thursday, Dec 5, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Mayor Mary Badame will cut the ribbon at 3:30 p.m. www.thespaoflosgatos.com
Tis the season to give back to those less fortunate, and Los Gatos Rotary has certainly done that. They’ve provided a built-in barbecue for Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad, supported Ronald McDonald House, served food to the unhoused through St. Lukes Pantry Program, and teamed up with Los Gatos and Leigh high school’s Interact Clubs to make blankets for homeless pets. www.losgatosrotary.org
Happy Holidays to you all. If you have business or social news about Los Gatos, please let me know: debby@debbyrice.com