If you hear sleigh bells off in the distance, you may not be imagining it. The San Leandro Downtown Association has announced the date for this year's "It's a Wonderful Night" holiday celebration and plans for this very popular home grown event are well under way.
The evening is a collaboration between volunteers from downtown businesses and non-profit groups and the money to stage it is raised year-round at other events such as Margarita Wednesdays held at the San Leandro Farmers Market and the Sausages and Suds Festival.
"It's a Wonderful Night" is slated this year for December 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. Organizers are planning for large crowds. Last year 3,500 people attended.
Each year for the event Joaquin Plaza, a plot of real estate between Washington Avenue and E. 14th Street is transformed into a winter wonderland, of sorts, when the association offers horsedrawn carriage rides, holiday music, dancers entertaining and a chance for youngsters to visit with Santa and have their photos taken with him. The event is mostly free of charge.
You can see videos from last year's "It's a Wonderful Life" here.
