From OL Editorial Team

Looking to shop locally and want a new place to go?

The Montclair Village Association invites everyone to come out to its Annual Holiday Stroll to kick off the 2011 holiday season. 

The annual stroll - which takes place from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 1 - provides added entertainment in a festive atmosphere to help support local businesses and kicks off many Montclair shops staying open every Thursday night through the holidays. Special discounts and promotions are offered as merchants stay open and greet guests with music, food and drink.

Holiday carols will fill the streets with performances by the 35-member Pacific Boychoir, Oakland School for the Arts, East Bay Children's Theatre, The Montera Orchestra and more.

Donate a toy to Oakland Firefighters Acts toy drive, then follow tap dancing trees for a visit with Santa. It's the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.

Streets will remain open, as all activities are in stores or on the sidewalks. Free parking is provided at the Village Garage from 5 to 9 p.m. that night.

If You Go

Montclair Annual Holiday Stroll

When: 6 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 1

Details: montclairvillage.com/holiday_stroll.html