Members of three Gold Star families – those who have lost loved ones in the military – soared above the parking lot at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital on Wednesday to place the silver star atop the community’s Christmas tree that will be lit Sunday night in a festive celebration.

For the last 30 years, the HMNMH Home Tour League has given the community a glimpse into some of the most beautifully decorated homes in the Santa Clarita Valley.

That tradition continues this weekend, with a Preview Gala Friday night, the Holiday Home Tour and Boutique on Saturday and the lighting of the community’s Christmas tree in front of the hospital on Sunday.

This year, four homes will welcome hundreds of visitors to tour a magnificent display of holiday splendor. Guests at the gala will get an exclusive first look at the homes on the tour and enjoy a festive buffet dinner at Tournament Players Club on Heritage View Lane in Valencia. The gala is from 6 to 10:30 p.m.; homes will be open from 6 to 9 p.m.

For gala ticket information, call 661-253-8051.

(From left) Bob Slocum, father of USMC Lance Cpl Ricky Slocum; Army Sgt. Michael Perez; Dante Acosta, father of UMSC Spc. Rudy Acosta; Michelle and Chris Unthank, parents of USMC Pfc Jake Suter.

The Holiday Home Tour, hosted by the hospital’s Home Tour League, will offer visitors an opportunity to tour homes that have been lovingly decorated in unique themes of old-world finery and festive holiday décor by professional decorators. Home Tour hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For ticket information, click here.

The Holiday Boutique, featuring a wide variety of gift and craft items, will be held at Hart Hall at William S. Hart Park in Newhall during the tour. Attendance at the boutique is free of charge and is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Santa will help usher in the holiday season with his arrival at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital’s 26th annual Community Tree Lighting Festival on Sunday from 2-5 p.m. on the hospital campus, 23845 McBean Parkway, Valencia.

The Community Tree Lighting celebration is a wonderful Santa Clarita Valley tradition for families and friends who will be treated to a free festival filled with music, entertainment and holiday activities including a cookie decorating station, letters to Santa, children’s holiday crafts, refreshments, and much more.

Everyone is invited to participate in the “Gift of Life” program with a special sponsorship of a light or ornament in honor or in memory of their loved ones. Sponsorship levels range from $25 (light), $50 (icicle), $100 (snowflake), $250 (ornament), $500 (star) and $1000 (treetop). Gift of Life sponsorships will benefit Patient Care Services, and will be recognized at the celebration and can also be viewed on a recognition poster in the hospital lobby and on the hospital’s website at www.henrymayo.com throughout the month of December.