gmhTODAY 11 gmhToday Nov Dec 2016 | Page 11

In South County we have an uncommon advantage at this time of year. We can shop, entertain guests, pursue our favorite leisure activities, and give back to causes that inspire us. And we can do it all right here in our own community. We’re home for the holidays, making our economy and community stronger. TREE FARMS and FUN There’s nothing like having a wreath on your front door and a Christmas tree decked out with orna- ments and twinkling lights to add cheer to your home during the winter holidays. South County makes the quest for the perfect tree an experience the entire family can enjoy. San Martin’s Battaglia Ranch Tree Farm is open to thepublic from November 27th through December 23rd. You can get a pre-cut tree or cut your own. The kids will enjoy the Enchanted Christmas Train, Rudolph’s Magical Ride, and a visit with Santa himself. Grab some hot cider and check out the gift shop too. Paradise Christmas Tree Farm is a choose and cut tree farm on the outskirts of Morgan Hill. If you fancy a redwood or incense cedar tree, you can find one there, along with pine and fir trees. The tree farm opens on November 25th. Check out their lathe-turned wooden bowls, jars and plates for sale. GET CREATIVE Green Glaze Pottery Studio of Gilroy is a great place to go with family or friends during the holiday season. The studio has an assortment of unadorned ceramic plates, bowls, mugs and figurines, ready to be painted by you and your gang. It’s a great venue for creativity and conversation. Proud To Be Me sewing school will open up a world of sewing to that special young lady. Current students will be participating in a fashion show scheduled for April 2017. Some of the items the students make are sold in the school’s student store, making it a good place to stop and shop. December 1st On the high heels of last year’s success, the Morgan Hill Downtown Association’s LADIES SHOPPING NIGHT OUT returns on December 1st from 5 until 9 pm. What better opportunity to invite your gal pals to town for shopping, browsing the local art gallery, relaxing at a favorite local restaurant or café, or catching a movie. THE GIFT OF READING BookSmart celebrates its grand reopening on November 12th at its new Dunne Avenue location with activities from 10 am until 3 pm. From November through early December BookSmart will hold its annual Gift of Reading book drive in partnership with the Edward Boss Prado Foundation. Residents can drop off donated new and like-new books at BookSmart. BookSmart hosts local author talks on most weekends. Build a Gingerbread House on December 13 and 14. Book Buyers Used Books & Media just opened its doors in downtown Gilroy. Having relocated from Mountain View after 23 years, the owners bring with them over 300,000 book titles and an extensive book knowledge. The book store will feature local authors and be open daily from 11-7 except Tuesdays. THE GIFT of GIVING The Edward Boss Prado Foundation, established by Cecelia Ponzini in her son’s honor, will sponsor the third annual Toy Drive, Toys 4 Our Own, in conjunction with the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce. Residents can donate kid’s toys (unused and unwrapped) through December 12th. Toys will GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 gmhtoday.com December 2-3 The Morgan Hill Historical Society presents its 7th Annual Holiday Tea at the Hiram Morgan Hill House at Villa Mira Monte. Seating is at 11:30 am. Presale only. RSVP online at morganhillhistorical- society.org by Novem- ber 20 th . Seating is limited. Info available at 408.230.7876. December 2-3 The Gilroy Senior Craft Store will host the WINTERFEST, Winter Wonderland Craft Faire this year at the Senior Center on Hanna Street. Over 30 vendors will have their hand-crafted items for sale. Items will include crochet and knitted items along with pottery and other homemade pieces. Open from 10 am to 4 pm. 11