Christmas time is alive and well in Lathrop.
And on Saturday, the full community spirit will be on display during the City of Lathrop’s annual Christmas Parade and the Parks and Recreation Department’s Breakfast with Santa event inside of the Scott Brooks Gymnasium.
On Monday Lathrop Parks and Recreation Director Zach Jones detailed the upcoming festivities to the Lathrop City Council – beginning with the Breakfast with Santa event on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 9 a.m. inside of the gymnasium located at the Lathrop Community Center at Valverde Park.
For $10, participants will enjoy breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a craft station where they will create an ornament of their own to take home, as well as a photo with the holiday couple to commemorate the festive occasion.
The breakfast will coincide with the start of the annual Christmas Parade – which will begin at Valverde Park and wind through the streets of Old Lathrop beginning at 10 a.m. – and will feature community groups, floats, local elementary schools and elected officials honoring the spirit of Christmas and community in an event that draws hundreds if not thousands of people to soak in the Christmas spirit.
The city is also looking for entrants into the annual “Celebration of Lights” judging contest where city officials will travel to homes that have signed up and determine the awards that will be handed out to the most festive decorators in the community. In the past Lathrop has had ornate entries that include light shows set to music that can be listened to in your vehicle as well as large LED displays that go together with the music and the changing lights.
For additional information about the upcoming events, or to sing your home up for the Holiday of Lights judging, contact the Lathrop Parks and Recreation Department at 209.941.7370. Participation in the Breakfast with Santa event requires advance registration.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.