Getting into the Christmas spirit won’t be tough to do this week.
There are nine holiday events planned ranging from a holiday fair and twilight parade to the presentation of Handel’s Christmas classic “The Messiah”
Hospice trees of light
For 34 years, Hospice of San Joaquin’s Tree of Lights program has been lighting up communities across San Joaquin County.
Every light on the trees represents the life of a loved one. The Tree of Lights program helps those left behind transition from grief and sorrow to remembrance and honoring. .
Family members can provide a remembrance of the loved ones by purchasing a LED light on the tree.
Log on to www.hospicesjc.org for more information.
The Ripon Tree of Lights event is at the Ripon Veteran's Memorial Wall, 311 1st St., on Monday, Nov. 28, at 6 p.m. This annual event co-hosted by the Hospice of San Joaquin and the Ripon Chamber of Commerce, will include Christmas caroling, free hot chocolate and other goodies, and a visit from Santa compliments of the Ripon Lions Club.
The Manteca Tree of Lights event is at Doctors Hospital of Manteca on East North Street on Thursday, Dec. 1, at 5:30 p.m.
For more information, visit hospicesj.org or call 209-957-3888.
Christmas at the Center
The Christmas at the Center on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Manteca Civic Center, 1001 W. Center St., 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.
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.
Taste of Ripon
The 27th annual wine stroll in downtown is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 1, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Unfortunately, tickets sold fast including a few more added in recent weeks.
Over 20 participating businesses will take part in this Ripon Chamber of Commerce-event.
McManis Family Vineyards will provide the commemorative wine glasses.
Many of the participating businesses will be providing snacks and other items for the food pairings.
Almond Blossom Boutique
The annual Christmas boutique at Almond Blossom Mobile Home Park, 150 Pestana Ave. Manteca, takes place on Saturday, Dec. 3. There are 10 vendors selling homemade items for Christmas.
There will also a bake sale and will offer a lunch for $5. There also will be raffle prizes.
Christmas in the Promenade
The Manteca Chamber of Commerce holiday fair dubbed “Christmas in the Promenade” takes place Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley at Union Road and Atherton Drive.
The two-day affair includes food trucks, a Christmas tree decorating competition, kiddie rides including pony rides, children’s activities, entertainment, craft and gift vendors, as well as photos with Santa.
The Grinch
The Christian Worship Center is staging “The Grinch” on Friday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. as well as Saturday, Dec. 3, at 3 and 6 p.m.
Performances are at the church on Button Avenue just off of Cottage Avenue.
Preferred seating is $12 while general seating is $7.
For tickets go to www.cwcmanteca.org
Handel’s ‘Messiah’
Begin the Christmas season by listening to Handel's "Messiah", Sunday, Dec. 4, at 3 p.m., in the Immanuel Christian Reformed Church, 517 Orange Ave., Ripon.
Conductor is Yohan Partan, a teacher in Turlock schools. Soloists include Kelsi Schuller, Monica Stelpstra, Ric Campero, Larry Dorman. Musicians include Glenn De Jong, Teresa Eschen and Robert Stone.
An offering will be taken to defray expenses.
For questions call Nancy, 209-996-0468
Stuff the Bus for Kids’ Sake
The City of Manteca’s Stuff the Bus for Kids’ Sake — an annual Christmas drive for toys and other gifts for distribution to needy kids — takes place Saturday-Sunday on Dec. 3-4 and Dec. 10-11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Anyone can "adopt" a child or family this holiday season by purchasing gifts and dropping them off at the bus that will be parked outside the Manteca Walmart.
Twilight Christmas parade
The 50th annual downtown Manteca Twilight Holiday Parade is set for Saturday, Dec. 10, at 5 p.m.
The deadline for parade entries is Thursday, Dec. 1, at 5 p.m.
Entry forms are available at manteca.org. The entry fee is $50.
This year’s theme is Winter Wonderland.
Kitty Walker of the Manteca Veterans of Foreign Wars will serve as the grand marshal.
Categories include floats, musical units, twirling, visual marching, automotive, novelty/miscellaneous, and equestrian.
The parade route is down Yosemite Avenue from Library Park to Garfield Avenue at Manteca High.
Parade sponsors are American Chevrolet and Dairy Queen on the platinum level; Precision Automotive and Valley Strong Credit Union on the gold level; and Golden Valley Federal Credit Union, Delicato, and P.L. Fry & Son on the silver level.
Entry forms for the Manteca Chamber of Commerce event are available at manteca.org.
Soroptimist Holiday Affair
Soroptimist International of Manteca is conducting its 43rd annual Holiday Affair at the Bank of Stockton on Wednesday, Dec. 14, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. One $75 ticket admits two guests for an elegant evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a chance to win baskets and cash prizes. Come If interested, please contact Gayl Wilson at 209-483-8187 or you can stop by Tipton’s Stationery and Gifts at 169 W. Yosemite Avenue in Manteca to purchase ticket.
