The place to celebrate the approach of Christmas in the South County on Saturday is Lathrop.
Not only is the City of Lathrop hosting four Christmas events including a parade, but Saturday also marks the opening for Holiday on the Farms for its annual offering of snow tubing and ice skating among other holiday inspired endeavors.
The Celebrate Christmas in Lathrop offerings include:
uBreakfast with Santa, 8:30 a.m. to noon, at the Lathrop Senior Center, 15707 Fifth St. The cost is $4 for kids ages 4 to 12 and $5 for adults if purchased in advance or $6 at the door. Breakfast includes a burrito or a breakfast plate with pancakes, eggs, and bacon and your choice of hot chocolate, coffee or juice.
uChristmas Parade starting at 11 a.m. from the corner of J and Fifth streets.
uChristmas Boutique from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Scott Brooks Gym, 15557 Fifth St.
uTree Lighting Celebration at 6:30 p.m. outside the Scott Brooks Gym, 15557 Fifth St.
For more details contact the Lathrop Parks and Recreation Department at 941.7370.
Holidays on the Farm opens Saturday, Dec. 12, and runs through Saturday, Jan. 2 at Intestate 5 and Manthey Road.
The popular snow tubing hill already has hundreds of reservations as enthusiasts scramble to secure the coveted Saturday and Sunday times as well as on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day, and New Year’s Eve.
The Dell Osso’ Family Farm attraction costs $20 for 90 minutes of snow tubing. Thanks to a people mover the time to get back up the hill is reduced significantly allowing more runs.
There are walk-up tickets available but due to demand they are limited. That is why online ticket purchases and reservation for times is strongly recommended.
The other main attractions are ice skating and Lights on the Farm. Northern California’s largest outdoor light show — 240 different displays and a 200-foot long lighted tunnel — can be seen be open-air hayride ($6 per person), train ($3.50 per person) or by car ($10 per car or truck and $20 for cars, limos and mini-buses. Ice skating is $12 for those 8 and up and $1- for those 7 and under as well as stroller skating that is offered the first two hours Monday through Thursday. It is $2 less if you use your own skates and $2 more on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
There are also Christmas trees for sale as well as a country store and zip lines among other activities.
For more information go to holidaysonthefarm.com