photography by Ted Dayton

Thursday, November 18
through Sunday, November 21
The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley Hosts Festival of Trees
The eighth-annual Festival of Trees, hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley, is a sight to behold. Each year, a giant warehouse is transformed into a winter wonderland brimming over with holiday cheer, elaborately-decorated trees and plenty of fun for everyone.

Just added to the lineup of holiday fun will be a stream of stockings, each filled to the brim with gifts ranging in value from $15 to $1,500. The community is invited to donate a filled stocking, with proceeds benefiting the Club. Stockings will be sold throughout the event and can be delivered to the Club through November 17.

This family-friendly event is the perfect place for members of each generation to share in the holiday spirit. Kids will love the Children's Corner, filled with fun crafts and activities, and everyone will delight in the strolling magician's hat of tricks. Singers, dancers and more performers will take the stage through the festival, adding to the festivities. Photos with Santa are available. Bring your own camera and snap a shot for $2, or have a pro do the work for you for $5.

Adults are encouraged to attend the "Magic of the Lights" gala on Saturday night. This premier event will feature entertainment by The Young Americans, a live auction of select trees and vignettes, hors d'oeuvres, dessert and a no-host bar. This is your chance to purchase gorgeous holiday trees ranging in height from six to nine feet. Many come with gifts like furniture, event tickets, wine, jewelry and more.

The boutique is open throughout Festival, and you can also purchase small tabletop trees, wreaths, centrepieces and charming one-of-a-kind gingerbread houses. Admission for ages 15 and over is $6; ages 4 to 14 is $3; 65 and older is $4; ages 3 and under are free.

Festival of Trees Schedule
Thursday, November 18
VIP Preview
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday, November 19
General Admission
10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Jingle Jam Teen Dance
(for kids ages 14 to 18 with valid school ID; $10 per person)
9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 20
General Admission
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Magic of the Lights Gala
6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday, November 21
General Admission
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission
Ages 4 to 14 $3
Ages 15 and older $6
Ages 65 and older $4

Festival of Trees is located at 21119 Centre Pointe Parkway in Canyon Country. Visit scvbgc.org or call 254-3063 for more information.

Friday, December 3
& Saturday, December 4
Henry Mayo's Holiday Home Tour League Hosts Annual Holiday Home Tour & Boutique
Good cheer and tidings of the season will abound during Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital's 30th-annual Holiday Home Tour festivities. The "Bundles of Joy"-themed events will benefit Henry Mayo's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), scheduled to begin construction in 2011.

Enjoy the spirit of the season at this matchless holiday event in the heart of three Santa Clarita Valley neighborhoods. The tour, hosted by the hospital's Home Tour League, will offer visitors an opportunity to tour three homes decorated in unique themes of festive holiday decor on Saturday, December 4.

Tickets for the tour are $30 and are available to purchase at Henry Mayo and participating stores this month. Tickets can also be purchased on the day of the event at the holiday gift boutique at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Newhall or at any of the featured homes. The tour is open to all adults and children over 12 years of age. For safety reasons, guests are requested to wear flat shoes only.

In addition, holiday shoppers looking for unique gifts will be delighted with the Home Tour's indoor holiday gift boutique at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church Assembly Hall on Saturday, December 4, the day of the tour. The boutique is free of charge and open to the public 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Holiday revelers are also invited to ring in the season with the Preview Gala on Friday, December 3, to enjoy an exclusive first look at the homes on the tour from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and enjoy a festive buffet dinner at the Robinson Ranch Golf Course, held 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Festive attire is suggested. Gala tickets are available at $100 per person.

The Holiday Home Tour League has provided 30 years of holiday cheer to the Santa Clarita Valley and generated more than $700,000 for Henry Mayo. Proceeds from this year's events will benefit Henry Mayo's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
For information about Holiday Home Tour events or to purchase tickets, please contact the hospital's Volunteer Services; 253-8051 www.henrymayo.com