West County preps for holiday tree lightings, festivities

West Contra Costa communities are set to ring in the holiday season with tree lightings and festivities. Upcoming events include:

Richmond

Richmond is holding its annual Holiday Tree Lighting at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium on Wednesday, Nov. 29, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 

Bring a special ornament to be placed on the tree. Cookies and hot chocolate will be
served at this free event.

Hosted by the Richmond Community Services Department, Recreation Division, the event will also feature holiday music, story time with special guests and a few surprises.

Richmond Memorial Auditorium is located at 403 Civic Center Plaza.

Gift Wrapping at the Main Library

A gift wrapping party will take place at the Richmond Main Library in the Whittlesey Room, on Wednesday, Nov. 29, from 5-6:30 p.m., and also on Friday, Dec. 1, from 2-3:30 p.m.

Materials will be provided to make and decorate holiday cards, gift card holders, gift bags, and more.

For more information, call the Main Adult Reference Desk at (510) 620-6561.

Point Richmond

The Point Richmond Holiday Tree Lighting will occur Saturday, Nov. 25, from 5-7 p.m.

Taking place at Indiand Statue Park on the Triangle, the event will be fun for the whole family. The Point Community Choir will perform in an after-lighting sing along, and Santa Claus will be stop by.

Holiday Faire at West Side Branch Library

The Library is open for special Saturday hours to celebrate the Holiday Faire with Point
Richmond community. The library will be open from noon to 5 p.m. for regular
library service.

The fair will begin with story time at noon, and crafts after 1 p.m.

Refreshments will be available all afternoon at no cost.

For questions, call (510) 620-6567.

Hercules

The annual Holiday Tree Lighting event in Hercules will be held on Sunday, Dec. 3, at the Community Swim Center.

The free event is scheduled to run from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. 

Santa will light the tree at about 5:15 p.m.

Feel free to contribute canned food items, gently used coats, and/or unwrapped toys.  And please bring an ornament. Santa will be available for photo opportunities.

Pinole

The City of Pinole will spread holiday cheer with its tree lighting and festivities at Fernandez Park on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 3-5 p.m.

Children’s activities will include holiday crafts, face painting, balloon twisting and a special visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

The tree lights will be turned on at 5:30 p.m. Join the procession at Fernandez Park or meet at the Community Corner at the cornder of San Pablo and Tennent avenues.

For questions, email [email protected] or call (510) 724-9062.

San Pablo

The City of San Pablo will host its Winter Wonderland event at City Hall, 1000 Gateway Plaza, Thursday, Nov. 30, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Enjoy hot chocolate, winter crafts, writing letters to Santa, goodie bags, and photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.