The event that has been the highlight of community-based Christmas celebrations for 49 years in Manteca — the downtown twilight parade — is taking place Saturday, Dec. 11, at 5 p.m.

 This year’s theme for the Manteca Chamber of Commerce sponsored parade is “All I Want for Christmas”. The parade route is along Yosemite Avenue from Library Park to Manteca High.

Ripon parade tonight

The Ripon Christmas Light Parade is tonight at 6 p.m. in downtown Ripon.

The Ripon Chamber of Commerce sponsored parade kicks off at the staging area at Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church, 333 S. Wilma Ave., through Main Street, terminating at the Ripon Recycling Center on Industrial Avenue.

The theme is “Bright & Merry.”

SONdance performances Saturday

SONdance — a faith-based ballet group — is staging “The Heart of Christmas” on Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Refuge Church, 486 Button Ave.

Performance times are 1 and 5 p.m.

Tickets are $15. For additional information contact SONdance at (209) 823-1740 or go to www.sondance.org.

Voice for the King concert, Dec. 11

On Saturday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., at Zion United Reformed Church, 1220 Canal Blvd., Ripon, Voices for the King will present their 11th Christmas Concert. 

The 19-voice male chorus will present a variety of Christmas-themed music. The audience will also participate in singing Christmas carols.  A free-will offering will be received, of which the net proceeds will be given to Stockton Gospel Rescue Mission.