Originally reported as potentially unlikely, news of the demise of the Willow Glen tradition proved to be premature.

Typically the kickoff for the season begins with a tree-lighting ceremony at Willow Glen Elementary School. However, this year the tree ceremony may not happen because the school can’t afford the $1,500 that starts the downtown celebration. In the past, the PTA and parents have stepped up to help, but that doesn’t look likely this year.

Following this report (and her own follow-up) WG Times editor Carol Rosen assures WGx that the event is back on. So has Pierluigi Oliverio (who has a busy night), whose office has covered the events cost along with the WG Business Association.

A community Book Fair begins at 5:30 pm, and Santa will be ready to listen to children’s holiday gift lists by 6:30. The tree will be lit at 7:45! Pizza and refreshments will be available, and there will also be a musical program. Canned food and donations of warm jackets will also collected.

In fact, starting Thursday night in WG, you can spiral out around our community and see other holiday celebrations across the South Bay.

Los Gatos’ 51st annual Children’s Christmas and Holidays Parade starts at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 1.

The San Jose Holiday Parade marches through Downtown SJ on Sunday morning starting at 8:30 am. And Campell’s “Carol of Lights” is Sunday evening, although there isn’t actually a tree to light.