Piedmont Avenue Kicks Off the Holidays Saturday

The third annual Piedmont Avenue Tree Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Stroll begins Saturday, Dec. 3, at 5 p.m. at Key Route Plaza (41st Street and Piedmont Avenue), Oakland.
 
The kickoff for the 2011 holiday season will feature a ceremonial tree lighting, holiday caroling, entertainment by local musicians and schoolchildren and a visit by Santa Claus, followed by parties and receptions hosted by Piedmont Avenue merchants until 8 p.m. and beyond.
 
Highlights (all at Key Route Plaza unless otherwise noted):
 
4:30 p.m: Holiday stories at a special StoryTime at the , 160 - 41st St.

5 p.m. (sharp!): Tree lighting ceremony featuring performances by the Piedmont Avenue Elementary School choir and accordionist Salane Schultz, and a visit by Santa Claus with his reindeer-dog Django.
 
5 to 6 p.m.: Complimentary chai tea samples from Cafe Crush and coffee provided by Peet's Coffee and Tea.
 
5:30 p.m.: The Celebration continues at Key Route Plaza with holiday carols by accordionist Salane Schultz and photographs with Santa ($2 per photograph).
 
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.: Gift-wrapping to benefit Piedmont Avenue Elementary School.
 
5:30 p.m. onward: Stroll the Avenue and visit your favorite restaurants and shops.