A lot of us are still smarting in this less than ideal economy. Many who have lost jobs and homes are just starting to get back on their feet, many others aren’t there yet. Raising three children as a single mom there were many times I had to find things to do with my kids that didn’t cost much or were free. So in light of the economy, I have made a list for you of  Free Christmas events for Bay Area Families (Santa Clara,  San Jose, Mountain View).

#1. This is short notice, but if you have a child and are a resident of the City of Santa Clara, you can arrange for your child to get a letter from Santa. Just have your child write a letter of requests to Santa and either mail, or drop off to the Community Recreation Center, Teen Center or Youth Activity Center in Santa Clara. The deadline for postmark is December 10th. Your child will receive a response by Dec. 21, 2010. Don’t worry. No promises will be made. LOL.

#2. Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony-Dec. 3, 2010  6:00 pm-7:30pm Corner of Civic Center Drive and Lincoln Avenue in Santa Clara

This year’s celebration will include live music, twinkling lights and festive decor, complete with cookies for the kids and hot coffee for the grown ups. Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be on sale to enjoy while awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus. Bring your camera to take your child’s photo sitting on Santa’s lap!

The event is free and open to the public. Please remember to bring a canned food item for Second Harvest Food Bank if you are able.

#3. Mountain View Tree Lighting Ceremony

Monday, December 6, 2010
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Civic Center Plaza, 500 Castro Street
Celebrate the holidays with friends and family at the Mountain View Tree Lighting Celebration. Enjoy live holiday music, refreshments, lights and the arrival of Santa Claus. Children can visit and have their picture taken with Santa at the free event. In the spirit of the season, guests are encouraged to bring a can of food to help build the giving tree, to benefit the Community Services Agency.

#4. Christmas In The Park is now up and open to all until January 1, 2011. Hours are 9:00 AM until Midnight daily. This may be the last year if they don’t raise some money to keep it open in the future. Located at Market and Santa Clara Streets in downtown San Jose, a Christmas display not to be missed.

#5. San Jose 29th Annual Christmas Parade- Dec. 5, 2010 8:30 am
Santa arrives at 3:00 PM
Starts at Market and  Santa Clara Streets in downtown San Jose
Voted one of the top 25 parades in the US

This year’s theme is “Toys, Treasures, and Traditions” and Minnie Mouse will be the Grand Marshall.

#6. Bethlehem- A walk through the Christmas story.

Dec. 9th through 13th (2010), from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m., at Santa Clara First Baptist Church, 3111 Benton Street, between Kiely Blvd and Lawrence Expressway.

For the thirteenth year, the ancient town of Bethlehem is being re-created in Santa Clara on over 40,000 square feet with actual-size buildings and bridges. This is a free event, which attracted over 27,000 visitors the last 2 years.

#7. California Youth Symphony Free Holiday Concert
Sunday, Dec 12 2:30p to 4:30p   at Foothill College: Foothill College Smithwick Theatre, Los Altos Hills, CA
As a gift of music to the community, The California Youth Symphony, under the direction of Leo Eylar, presents a free holiday concert filled with seasonal and holiday favorites and includes a rare opportunity to hear a timpani concerto – Raise the Roof by Michael Daughtery – performed by CYS Percussion Director Artie Storch.

#8. HOLIDAY PUPPET SHOW- The Adventures of Zeet Nagley: Search For the Christmas Star

Date: 12/13/2010 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Location: Central Park Library Redwood Room
2635 Homestead Road
Santa Clara, California 95051

After seeing a falling star land in the forest, Zeet decides it’s more important to get that star than to stay and help his robot friend, Dwee-Dow, decorate a Christmas tree.  Leaving his friend behind he soon encounters numerous arctic creatures who claim to have been attacked by a vicious snow monster!  Each warn Zeet to turn around and go back!  Will Zeet listen to their advice?  Will he find the star before he too lands in the clutches of the snow monster?  Or will it all turn out to be just a big misunderstanding?  Find out as Zeet searches for the star, discovering so much more along the way.

Ages 4 and older only. No exceptions. Please make arrangements for younger siblings, as they will not be allowed into the program.
Length: 45 minutes.

#9. STORY SANTA @Mission Library Date: 12/15/2010 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Location: Mission Library Family Reading Center
1098 Lexington Street
Santa Clara, California 95050

Everyone is a believer after seeing Santa tell stories and visit with the children from the audience. Old and new stories are shared, with amazing papercuts and hand puppets. A delightful time is guaranteed for all.

Free. All ages welcome.
Length: 45 minutes.

Last, but not least to round out 2010,

#10. Countdown to New Year’s Eve Party Date: 12/30/2010 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Location: Central Park Library – Redwood Room
2635 Homestead Road
Santa Clara, California 95051

Ring in the new year at our Countdown To New Year’s Eve Party! All ages are invited to celebrate 2011 a little bit early, with crafts and a countdown to Noon, followed by a family movie. You are welcome to bring your own snacks for the movie.

Length: 2 hours.  Ages: All ages invited to the countdown. Family movie is recommended for ages 5 and older. Children under age 10 must have a parent present.

If you know of any free events going on or any special neighborhoods that have a lot of houses with Christmas displays, feel free to ad them below.