Redwood City celebrates holidays

Celebrations will last all day, starting at 10 a.m., and center around Courthouse Square. The day’s events are hosted by Downtown Redwood City Business Group and a group of volunteers dedicated to spreading the holiday cheer. 

After moving to Redwood City 25 years ago, Keith Kadera and his wife became involved with the local business community and were major organizers of the holiday event for more than 12 years. Though Kadera has taken a step back from running the event, he remains a consistent volunteer. 

“People have to be passionate about what it all means for the community and the families involved, it’s part of us giving back,” Kadera said. “We’re very proud and honored that people come forward to volunteer their effort, time and passion to make this happen.” 

Features that bring families back each year include complimentary pictures with Santa Claus, the assortment of kid-friendly activities and the main attraction, the parade extravaganza, that kicks off at 4:30 p.m. Downtown will be filled with more than 50 vendors and a small carnival will be brought in for the children to enjoy. 

“We have people coming from the East Bay to come to this festival because it’s so kid and family centered, and it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the start of the holiday season after Thanksgiving,” Kadera said. 

In the same festive spirit, the San Mateo County History Museum will host the Fort Point Garrison Brass Band who will perform holiday music with a traditional 19th century flare. The holiday concert will be held in the History Museum’s Historic Courtroom at 1 p.m., and attendance is free. 

After it gets dark, families can gather downtown for Redwood City’s annual tree lighting ceremony that will add its glimmer to the early winter night at 6 p.m. The lighting will be immediately followed with a performance by the Merrie Olde Christmas Carolers adorned in Dickensian garb. 

If you can’t tune in to the caroling Saturday evening, the group will stroll through downtown spreading their festive sound from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 11, Dec. 17 and Dec. 19, as well. 

The lighting of the tree is also aptly timed just before Caltrain’s holiday train will arrive in Redwood City at 6:15 p.m. before heading south at 6:35 p.m. Caltrain will be accepting new, unwrapped toys at the stations on behalf of the Salvation Army and Marine Corps Toys for Tots. 

Visit https://redwoodcitydowntown.com/hometownholidays/ for more information on Hometown Holidays, including information on the parade route and parking.