There’s plenty to do this holiday season in Manteca, Ripon, and Lathrop.

CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER BALLET

The non-profit SONdance is presenting its annual “A Christmas to Remember” program on Friday, Dec. 7, and Saturday, Dec. 8.

The event, which is open to the public, will be held at the Performing Arts Center, 435 N. Maple Ave., in Ripon. Both performances will begin at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are $8 each; $8 at the door.

The “delightful, festive and inspiring (Christmas) presentation” which offers an “enjoyable family experience,” utilizes a combination of “art of dance” along with “inspired narrative that encourages (everyone) to remember and celebrate the true meaning of this joyful time of year.”

SONdance programs “have been described as one of the best-kept secrets in the Central Valley,” said SONdance Ministries Director Stephen Lyon.

Established in 1989, SONdance is under the direction of founder and artistic director Jolynda Lyon. The program “offers quality training in a Christian environment” with studios located at 612 Commerce Court in Manteca’s Spreckels Park, just south of Yosemite Avenue behind Home Depot.

Classes offered include classical ballet, modern, lyrical, contemporary Christian “jazz” and other styles of worship dance. The classes are open to students from age 3 to adults, ranging from beginning to advanced levels.

SONdance also has “ministry teams” that are available to perform at area schools, churches, festivals, fairs and conference.

Anyone who wants to learn more about SONdance can call (209) 823-1740 or visit www.sondance.org.

CHRISTMAS PARADE DOWNTOWN MANTECA

The 40th edition of the Manteca twilight Christmas parade takes place Saturday, Dec. 1, at 5 p.m. The route is along Yosemite Avenue from Library Park to Manteca High in downtown Manteca. The theme this year is “Away in a Manger.” For more details for the Manteca Chamber of Commerce sponsored event call 823-6121.

CHRISTMAS TREES MHS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS

The Manteca High Athletic Boosters is hosting a Christmas Tree fundraiser for the MHS swim, tennis and basketball teams.  Trees will be available for pickup in the MHS front parking lot on Saturday, Dec.1, from 8 a.m. to noon.  Pre-orders are encouraged.

EGGSTRAVAGNZA ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

The St. Vincent De Paul Society presents Christmas Omelet Eggstravaganza, Sunday, Dec. 2, 8 a.m. to noon at St. Anthony’s gymnasium. The cost is $8 for adults $8 while children (10 and under) are $4. During the past ten months the society has assisted with food and clothing for 6,809 families, 12,004 adults, and 8,942 children. All proceeds are used for the needy in the community. For tickets call Ann Bagnasco at 823-7330, Carl Joaquin at 823-5985 or can be purchased at the door.

TASTE OF RIPON WINE STROLL

The 17th Annual Taste of Ripon sponsored by members of the Ripon Chamber of Commerce is Thursday, Dec. 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. This event offers full-scale professional food, beer, and wine tasting.  A commemorative glass provided by McManis Family Vineyards is included in the price of the ticket.  Tickets, at $25 per person, are on sale now at the Ripon Chamber of Commerce office, 929 West Main Street.  One must be 21 year of age and older to attend.  Call (209) 599-7519 for more information.

CHRISTMAS BALLET SONDANCE

The 8th annual ballet production of “A Christmas to Remember” will be presented by SONdance Dance School of Manteca. The two performances will be held at the Performing Arts Center at Ripon Christian School on Dec. 7-8 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for $8 in advance, or $10 at the door. For more information go to www.SONdance.org or call 823-1740

SANTA BREAKFAST IN LATHROP

Breakfast and pictures with Santa takes place on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 8 a.m. to 1noon at the Lathrop Senior Center. Presale breakfast and pictures will be given priority. Several breakfast options are available. Photos with Santa are $5. Contact the Lathrop Parks & Recreation Department at (209) 941-7370.

TREE LIGHTING IN LATHROP

 A Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, at Manuel Valverde Park Amphitheatre (outside this year) Lathrop Elementary School and the Lathrop Area Music Program Choirs will perform holiday music, refreshments will be served and Santa will visit the children.

HOLIDAY PARADE IN LATHROP

The Lathrop Holiday parade is Saturday, Dec. 8, at 11 a.m. on Fifth Street in Lathrop. Theme of the 2012 parade is “Holidays Around the World.” The parade entry fee is $20. For a parade entry application, please visit the city’s website at www.ci.lathrop.ca.us or call Maureen Lorio at 941-7383.

HOLIDAY AFFAIR SOROPTIMNIST

The 33rd annual Manteca Soroptimists Holiday Affair is on Wednesday, Dec, 12, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The $75 ticket gets the holder and a guest get a chance for cash gifts and prizes, but it allows them to enjoy a complimentary cocktails and hors d’ouevres reception at the Bank of Stockton, 660 N. Main Street . Tickets to the Holiday Affair are available at Tipton’s Stationery & Gifts, 169 W. Yosemite, 823-7644. You may also call Soroptimist members Arleen Sevor at 823-5356, Carolyn Mora at 531-6690 or any other Soroptimist member.

LATHROP SENIOR CENTER HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE

A holiday boutique plus lunch takes place Saturday, Dec. 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lathrop Senior Center. Vendor space information is available by calling 941-7380.

MRPS HALL HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE

The annual Holiday Boutique at the Manteca-Ripon Pentecost Society Hall is today and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The MRPS Hall is located at 133 N. Grant St. For more information, call 209-239-4222 or 209-679-0316.