The holiday season in Manteca gets underway on Wednesday, Dec. 3, with the annual tree lighting and Christmas at the Center.

The free entry family Christmas event at 6 p.m. is preceded by the tree lighting in front of the Manteca City Council chambers along Center Street at 5:30 p.m.

Those attending are invited to bring an ornament o help decorate the tree.

Manteca Recreation & Community Services has arranged for multiple festive activities at various buildings at the Civic Center, 1001 W. Center St., starting at 6 p.m.

Among the activities are photos with Santa, a “snow” play area, selfie stations, character meet and greets, a candy crawl, letters to Santa as well as military service members, a “cheer” garden”, vendors, live music, food trucks, Winter Around the World displays, crafts, and more.

Manteca Christmas

parade set for Dec. 6

Manteca’s biggest holiday celebration of the season is coming to downtown on Saturday, Dec. 6.

It’s the day of the Manteca Chamber of Commerce’s twilight Christmas parade, Christmas in the Park, and tree decorating contest.

This year’s parade theme is “Let it Glow.”

The 5 p.m. Dec. 6 event takes place on Yosemite Avenue starting at Library Park and dispersing at Garfield Avenue by Manteca High.

Typically, the streets are lined with upwards of 8,000 spectators.

Christmas in the Park takes place prior and after the parade at Library Park from noon to 9 p.m.

The event typically draws more than 1,500 people.

It incudes craft vendors, food, games, kids, rides and Santa.

There is free entry to Library at the Park.

Christmas tree

decorating contest

Also taking place at Library Park is a Christmas tree decorating contest.

Participants bring their own tree and decorations. Battery lights only are allowed.

Winners are chosen by public vote.

There are three categories. They are commercial ($20 entry fee), non-profit ($15 entry fee), and family ($10 entry fee).

Tree decorating contest entry forms and more information can be found at the chamber website at manteca.org.

Hospice tree lighting

ceremonies next week

The Hospice of San Joaquin is gearing up for this year’s Tree of Light program.

Included will be lighting ceremonies for 2025 in eight cities across San Joaquin County, with each reflecting the uniqueness of the community and the involvement of local organizations to gather and reflect the memories of their loved ones.

 The 32nd annual Manteca Tree of Lights Ceremony will once again be held at Doctors Hospital of Manteca on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 5:30 p.m.

The towering evergreen tree at the corner of Cottage Avenue and East North Street will feature lights representing a loved one.

Hospice of SJ will also have the Memory board with the listing of names of those recognized by the lights on the tree.

The 14th annual Ripon Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Monday, Dec. 1, beginning at 6 p.m. in front of the Ripon Historical Society Veterans Museum at the corner of First Street and South Locust Avenue.

It’s there that towering evergreen tree will be decorated with strings of lights that not only represents a loved one but also kicks off the holiday season.

For more information, log on to https://www.hospicesj.org/events/tree-of-lights.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com