Milpitas families can have cocoa with Queen Elf Dec. 3

Cocoa with Queen Elf

Family Giving Tree has set a goal of $35,000 and/or 350 gifts for Giving Tuesday on Dec. 3. The Milpitas-based nonprofit will host a celebration for founder Jennifer Cullenbine that afternoon from 2-6 p.m. at its warehouse at 1311 Orleans Drive in Sunnyvale.

Cullenbine, affectionately known as the “Queen Elf,” is set to retire at the end of the year after founding Family Giving Tree 35 years ago. In that time, the nonprofit has served 2.25 million community members through its annual Holiday Wish and Back-to-School drives.

Family Giving Tree provides holiday gifts and school supplies to those in need across 14 California counties. For more information or to donate, visit https://give.familygivingtree.org/campaign/629280/donate.

Cookies with Santa

Young Milpitas residents are invited to have Milk and Cookies with Santa Dec. 5 at 3:30 p.m. at the Milpitas Community Center, 457 E. Calaveras Blvd., when families can take holiday photos with Santa in a relaxed, festive environment.

While waiting for their photo ops, families can avail themselves of a giant cookie decorating kit, holiday crafts and entertainment. Discount tickets are available for family members who won’t be needing their own cookie kit or craft supplies.

Tickets are $10.87-$18.07 at https://cityofmilpitas.simpletix.com.

Tree lighting ceremony

Milpitas’ annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is set for Dec. 5, 7-9 p.m. at Milpitas Civic Center Plaza, 457 E. Calaveras Blvd.
City Hall, the Milpitas Community Center and the Barbara Lee Senior Center will all be lit up for the holidays. Families can take photos with Santa and enjoy entertainment from the Milpitas Community Concert Band, Jensen School of Performing Arts and the swing band Death and Taxes.

Admission is free, and s’mores kits will be available for purchase onsite.