The city of Claremont kicks off the holiday season on Friday, December 6 with the yearly Holiday Promenade and Tree Lighting Ceremony, taking place in the Claremont Village.

The seasonal festivities commence at 5 p.m. with opportunities to take pictures with Old St. Nick and his missus at city hall. One of Santa’s reindeer helpers will also be on scene for a photo op or two. The Claremont High School Chamber singers, Moultrie Academy, The Wonderelles and 210 Sax Quartet will help set the tone with live music, along with the accompaniment of holiday carolers.

At 6 p.m. head to the Claremont Depot for the city’s tree lighting ceremony. While you’re there, exchange incandescent holiday light strands for new LED bulbs. One strand per household, while supplies last. For more information on this year’s yuletide celebration, visit www.ci.claremont.ca.us or call 399-5490.

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The Claremont Chamber of Commerce is providing incentive to shop local this holiday season. On December 6 and 7, Claremont shoppers will have the opportunity to participate in a holiday shopping scavenger hunt with participating businesses throughout the Claremont Village. 

To participate, shoppers should visit the Chamber website, www.claremontchamber.org, and print out the scavenger hunt card. Bring the card ten of the participating businesses, and have them mark your card. Once your card is filled, take it to Stamp Your Heart Out, Maple Boutique or Bert & Rocky’s by Saturday, December 7 to be entered to win a prize. The prize drawing will take place on Monday, December 9 and the winner will be notified by phone.

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Seniors are getting crafty at the Joslyn Center. In preparation for the holidays, a special class is helping participants create their own seasonal greeting cards. Materials are pre-packaged to help aid the creative process. The class, which is $5 per session, meets every Tuesday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Drop-ins are welcome.  The Joslyn Center is located at 660 N. Mountain Ave. For more information, call 399-5488.

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Join the Claremont Senior Program for festive holiday meal, live entertainment and a visit from Santa, among other surprises, on Tuesday, December 10 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Taylor Hall, 1775 N. Indian Hill Boulevard. Tickets are $5 and must be purchased in advance. For more information, contact the Claremont Senior Program at 399-5488 or joslyncenter@ci.claremont.ca.us.