Festival of Trees, holiday parade and more: Christmas events you don't want to miss this weekend
The days are getting colder, the Christmas lights have brightened up, and Santa Claus is almost in town. Do you love hot cocoa, Christmas lights and Christmas trees? If so, then these are the events for you to celebrate this holiday season this weekend in Stockton and San Joaquin County.
Festival of Trees
With more than 60 decorated Christmas trees, the annual Festival of Trees is back at the San Joaquin County Historical Museum in Lodi celebrating its 30th year. There will be Christmas activities, entertainment, cookie decorating and more. Docents will be dressed in Victorian and pioneer clothes to welcome guests. Senior Day will take place from 1-4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2. All proceeds to benefit the museum's "programming for kids."
“We have holiday exhibits that are nondenominational, ... ” Philip Merlo, executive director for the San Joaquin County Historical Museum at Micke Grove, said. “We have dozens of crafting activities for families and kids.”
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4
Where: San Joaquin County Historical Museum, Micke Grove Regional Park, 11793 N. Micke Grove Road, Lodi
Admission: $15 general admission, $5 children 12 and under, free children age 2 and under
Information: https://sanjoaquinhistory.org/product/festival-of-trees-tickets/
Stockton Holiday Parade
A new holiday parade is in town on Saturday, Dec. 3. The Stockton Holiday Parade, is a partnership between the Downtown Stockton Alliance and Prplei. It will begin on Weber Ave by the Weber Institute. It will cruise downtown and end at Weber Point Events Center for the city’s Tree Lighting ceremony. Before the parade at 2 p.m., Santa Claus will be taking photos across the Children's Museum of Stockton.
When: 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3
Where: Downtown Stockton, 221 N. Center St., Stockton
Admission: Free
Information: https://www.facebook.com/events/654461859747100/?ref=newsfeed
City of Stockton’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
After the Stockton Holiday Parade, head to the Weber Point Events Center for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. There will be live caroling, snowfall, a Santa visit and more. This event and all activities are free and open to the public. The tree-lighting ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. but gates will open at 3 p.m. at the Weber Point Events Center.
When: 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3
Where: Downtown Stockton, 221 N. Center St., Stockton
Admission: Free
Information: https://www.stocktonca.gov/government/departments/communityServices/specialEvents.html
Annual Lynn Hahn Memorial Lighted Boat Parade
Celebrating its 41st year, the Annual Lynn Hahn Memorial Delta Reflections Lighted Boat Parade is back on Saturday, Dec. 3. The parade will begin at 5 p.m. at Windmill Cove and will enter downtown around 6:30 p.m.. The Stockton Yacht Club and Roger Hahn are sponsoring the boat parade. It will be led by the Port of Stockton fireboat Sunrise.
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3
Where: Weber Point at the Downtown Waterfront, 221 N. Center St., Stockton
Admission: Free
Information: https://www.facebook.com/stocktonlightedboatparade
Christmas in the Promenade
The holiday spirit is coming to the Promenade with pony rides, a petting zoo, cookie decorating and even a football viewing station. Santa Claus will also visit the free family-friendly event in Manteca. There will be a king and queen of decorating. Bring your skills to compete.
When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4
Where: Promenade Center at Orchard Valley, 1060 Perimeter Drive, Manteca
Admission: Free
Information: https://manteca.org/events/event/christmas-in-the-promenade/
Holidays at Lincoln Center
Snow and Santa Claus will be at the Lincoln Center through Dec. 31. Snow will be seen every half hour every day from 5-9 p.m. and Santa Claus will visit from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4.
When: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4
Where: Lincoln Center, 374 Lincoln Center, Stockton
Admission: Free
Information: https://www.facebook.com/LincolnCenterShops/
Photos with Santa at Weberstown Mall
Meet Santa Claus from Dec. 1 through Dec. 24 and take a photo with him at Weberstown Mall in the Dillard’s Court. Reservations can be made in advance online but walk-ins are welcome.
On Saturday, Dec. 4 there will be a special event called Sensitive Santa from 9-10:30 a.m. that welcomes sensory-sensitive guests. The event will include healthy snacks and alternative seating for photos. Guests will be able to donate to Autism Speaks.
On Saturday, Dec. 10, Mrs. Claus will read holiday stories at 11 a.m. at the Tiny Library near Sears and LensCrafters and from 1-2 p.m. will have a "Cookie with Claus" event by JCPenney Court with cookies and crafts.
When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 12-6 p.m. Sundays, 9-5 p.m. Christmas Eve
Where: The Weberstown Mall, Center Court, 4950 Pacific Ave., Stockton
Admission: Free, Photo prices vary
Information: https://weberstown.com/
This article originally appeared on The Record: Christmas events in Stockton, Lodi: Festival of Trees, holiday parade
