The City of Manteca is offering two family-friendly ways to celebrate Christmas this holiday season.

*Christmas at the Center on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Manteca Civic Center, 1001 W. Center St.

*Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 9 a.m. sharp at the Manteca Senior Center, 295 Cherry Lane.

The Christmas at the Center has a new twist this year.

In addition to the tree lighting in front of city hall as well as the entertainment and activities following inside the senior center, the Manteca Recreation & Community Services has added a Christmas Candy Crawl in the south parking lot of the senior center.

It is a take on the Halloween trunk and treat events.

Candy will be distributed to an estimated 500 to 1,000 kids from vehicles decorated with Christmas lights and other holiday décor from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

There are three ways to participate. Those wishing to provide their own candy, those from non-profits and city departments that will be provided with candy to distribute, and those that would simply like to help out by donating candy.

More information is available on the city’s Facebook page or by calling (209) 456-8600 Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. although offices are closed this Thursday and Friday.

The deadline to fill out an application to participate with a decorated vehicle is no later than the end of business on Monday, Nov. 28.

The tree lighting is at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1. It will feature and entertainment.

People are encouraged to bring their own homemade ornament to hang on the tree.

Then at 6:30 p.m. the Christmas Candy Crawl starts as does the entertainment and activities at the senior center.

It includes live entertainment, Christmas arts and crafts stations,. Christmas cards for soldiers, free cookies and hot cocoa, reindeer carnival games, and free photos with Santa.

The annual Breakfast with Santa event is Saturday, Dec. 10, at 9 a.m. sharp at the senior center.

Guests will have the opportunity to visit with Santa and capture the moment with a complementary photo. The pancake breakfast will include eggs, sausage, and beverages. There will be a make-and-take holiday craft, a small trinket and treat from Santa for the children.

Pre-registration is required for this event. Tickets will not be available at the door. Tickets are $10 each. Children 1 and under are free with a paying adult. Everyone needs a ticket to attend.  

Buy your tickets early. The event typically sells out. The deadline for ticket purchase is Dec. 5 or when sold out.   

You can register in person at the Recreation Office, 252 Magnolia Ave., or go to https://bit.ly/3u2kF9v

For more information, call 209-456-8600 or email us at recreation@mantecagov.com

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com