5th Annual Holidays In The Village, A European Marketplace Expands to Two Days

The 5 ^th Annual Holidays in the Village is expanding from one day to two this year, Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6 at The Oaks (W. Wilbur Rd. and W. Thousand Oaks Blvd. parking lot) in Thousand Oaks. Admission and parking are free. Hours are 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Last year, the festival drew more than 14,000 people. Visitors can experience a traditional European winter festival, browsing 60 artisan shops for handcrafted holiday gifts, sampling Bavarian and French foods and drinks, and enjoying live holiday entertainment all in a family atmosphere.

The village is divided into several sections. The Festive Garden and La Place des Amis are areas where visitors can enjoy traditional European food and beverages, including bratwurst, Italian pizza, German deli favorites, soft pretzels, French crepes and croissants, and other pastries. Glühwein (warm mulled wine), mimosas, apple cider, champagne and hot cocoa will also be served. Sugar & Spice is an area filled with festival holiday candies and other sweets.

The Festive Gardens Stage features live local performances throughout the weekend, including choirs, dancers, brass bands and school groups. Carolers and other performers stroll the grounds between sets, entertaining visitors.

Kris Kringle Village is a must-stop for kids and families. Kris Kringle will be on hand, along with face painting, Art Trek holiday crafts, a holiday train, and a Village Bear Scavenger Hunt.

New this year is the Tannenbaum Christmas Tree Grove in the middle of the Marketplace, courtesy of the Thousand Oaks Elks Lodge. People can select their tree from a number of tree varieties and then pick it up beginning December 7 at the Elks' tree lot at Carlson Building Materials (1432 Thousand Oaks Blvd.). Proceeds support local charities.

Holidays In The Village is presented by the Rotary Club of Westlake Village. Presenting sponsors are The Oaks and Logix. Proceeds support local nonprofits.

"Holidays in the Village is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit," says Mike Dutra
Holidays in the Village Rotary Chair. "You can cross off items on your gift-giving list, enjoy great food, drinks and entertainment and be part of a wonderful community gathering."

For more information, visit http://www.HolidaysInTheVillage.org or email [email protected].