Santana Row October/November Events

OCTOBER EVENTS

LavAzza Espression slated to open Monday, October 8

LavAzza, known as “Italy’s favourite coffee” since 2007, is expanding its presence in the U.S. and opens its first cafe Bay Area coffee shop/cafe at Santana Row. The shop brings a contemporary and innovative approach to coffee with Espression cafe, a place where customers can experience an extraordinary blend of coffee creations and eclectic dining in an artfully designed environment. The menu ranges from traditional Italian coffee drinks to fresh baked goods, panini sandwiches, chocolate drinks and gelato. LavAzza’s history goes back 110 years when founder Luigi Lavazza opened a small grocery store in Turin, Italy. He is credited with inventing the concept of the blend, the art of mixing coffee of different origins to obtain a flavorful brew.

LavAzza opens at 300 Santana Row, at the entrance of the office lobby across from Crate & Barrel.

San Jose International Short Film Festival, Oct. 18-21

For the second year, Santana Row is the host venue for the festival, which kicks off with a Red Carpet opening night and after-party on Oct. 18. Hundreds of the best short films from 25 countries will be screened over four days with genres that include comedy, drama, sci-fi, animation and documentary. The event also features workshops and technology demonstrations, plus nightly filmmaker receptions.

Tickets go on sale in September. For more information, go to www.sjshortfest.com.

Mommy & Me “Halloween Family Fun Fest,” Tuesday, Oct. 30

Superheroes, princesses and little monsters are all invited to Santana Row’s Mommy & Me Halloween festivities. Costumed or not, kids can trick-or-treat on The Row, decorate pumpkins, play with balloon animals, get face paintings and listen to music by Andy Z. Complimentary trick-or-treat bags are provided. Capture the day with a 5x7 picture taken by a professional photographer for $10 at the Halloween set in Santana Row Park.

When: 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at Park Valencia. Mommy & Me is a free kids’ club held on the second Tuesday of every month from May through December. For more information, call 408.551.4611 or visit www.SantanaRow.com.

NOVEMBER EVENTS

Light Up the Row! Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, Nov. 13

Santana Row celebrates the 2012 holiday season with the annual Light Up the Row Tree Lighting Ceremony honoring the 10-year anniversary. The day of festivities include Santa photos, children’s activities, hot chocolate samplings, live music, carolers, costumed characters, special guests, performances by local theater groups and the lighting of the 40-foot Christmas tree, making this one of the most exciting holiday events in Silicon Valley.

Time: Festivities are scheduled from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., with tree lighting slated for 7 p.m.

3 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Photos with Surfin’ Santa in Park Valencia

7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. - Tree Lighting Ceremony in Santana Row Park

6 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Live music, choirs, carolers, hot chocolate sampling and activities for children and families throughout The Row

Where: Tree lighting takes place at 368 Santana Row, across from the Left Bank Restaurant on the giant chess board in Santana Row Park.

Get your holiday shopping done, or get started! Guests will receive an exclusive shopping card good for 20 percent off any one item at select shops and restaurants on The Row. Pick up a card at Vera Bradley or the Concierge Center from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 13 and it’s valid through Sunday, Nov. 18.

Mommy & Me “Give Back to Your Community,” Tuesday, Nov. 13

The holidays encourage us to pull together and help those less fortunate and November’s program encourages kids to bring a canned food item that will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank. Holiday fun includes face painting, balloon animals, Arts & Crafts with Action Day, “Beaming with Health” scavenger hunt, building animals out of unusual veggies and mini manicures for little ones by Lavande nail spa. Moms and kids will be entertained by music and performances by Broadway San Jose, the Harvest Scarecrow and Andy Z. Snacks are provided by Happy Family Brands and there’s a drawing to win a $50 gift card from The Container Store.

When: 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at Park Valencia. Mommy & Me is a free kids’ club held on the second Tuesday of every month from May through December. For more information, call 408.551.4611 or visit www.SantanaRow.com.

Rainy Day Rewards, November 1, 2012 - March 31, 2013

When there’s a 70 percent chance for rain, shoppers and diners braving bad weather will be rewarded with discounts that include 15 percent off purchases at participating shops and restaurants, a free signature Santana Row golf umbrella for customers who spend $150 anywhere on The Row and a $20 gift certificate to a participating shop or restaurant for customers who spend $300 on a designated Rainy Day.

No need to get wet: On all rainy days,  customers can pick up a complimentary umbrella to use while shopping and dining and then return it before leaving. The yellow umbrellas are conveniently located throughout The Row - outside Concierge, Via between Village California Bistro and Lark Creek Blue and the valet parking lot in the Winchester Parking Garage.