Santa arrives officially in Manteca aboard a fire engine as he is bringing up the rear of Saturday’s twilight downtown Christmas parade.
The next four weeks in Manteca includes a wide array of holiday activities including a Chanukah celebrate, a traditional German Advent Christmas service, a snow hill, boutiques, and more.
 The biggest event besides the annual gets under way this evening with the two-day Christmas in the Park sponsored by the city and chamber. It’s this evening from 5 to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Library Park in downtown Manteca.
Both days will feature craft and food vendors, carolers and live music, a Christmas décor competition, children’s activities, and “reindeer” rides.
This evening there will be an outdoor showing of the classic “A Christmas Story” at 7 p.m.
On Saturday there will also be a snow hill to frolic on as well as an appearance by Disney princesses. The snow hill has a $5 charge that allows multiple runs for kids on saucers that are provided.
There are a dozen food booths both days including a Christmas cheer garden. That is in addition to two dozen vendors selling a wide variety of crafts and wares.

Holiday boutique at
Journey Church tonight
A variety of vendors are participating in today’s holiday boutique from 6 to 8 p.m. this evening at Journey Church, 444 Argonaut Ave., Manteca.

Santa’s Fun Run
A 5 kilometer Santa Run on Saturdahas been added to the downtown Christmas holiday festivities as a fundraiser for the City of Manteca’s centennial celebration next year.
The entry fee is $20. Participants are encouraged to wear Christmas attire.
Check-in begins at 6:30 a.m. at Library Park. The run begins at 7 a.m.
For questions, call 456.8600 or 823.6121.
Holiday parade Saturday
The 45th annual Manteca Chamber of Commerce Holiday Parade takes place Saturday, Dec. 2, at 5 p.m.
It starts at Library Park and heads east down Yosemite Avenue to Garfield Avenue on the east side of Manteca High.
This year’s theme is “Christmas Movie.”
For additional information contact the chamber at 823-6121.

Presbyterian Church
Breakfast with Santa
The annual Manteca Presbyterian Church Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus takes place Saturday, Dec. 2, from 8 to 11 a.m. at the church’s fellowship hall, 275 North Main St.
 The cost is $5 per adult, $3 for a child 6 to adult and free for those under 6. Tickets will be on sale at the door. Pictures with Santa and crafts for sale will be available as well.

Lutheran German Advent
service set for Sunday
United Lutheran Church in Manteca will host their 39th Annual German Advent Service on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 4 p.m.  This is a celebration of the Advent season with the service and music entirely in the German language.
 The Heimat Choir from Stockton will return and once again lead the singing of traditional German carols.  The presiding minister will be Reverend Peter Krey from Oakland and formerly a resident of Germany.
 Since the whole service is in German, there will be an English print out of the Pastor’s sermon for those who would prefer it.
 The service, a celebration of our Lord’s birth, concludes with a German sing-a-long of all our favorite Christmas hymns and songs ending with Stille Nacht (Silent Night) by candlelight.
Following the worship service there will be a reception for all in the church social hall with special German treats and beverages. United Lutheran Church is located at 649 Northgate Drive, in Manteca. The phone number 823-1971.
 
Calvary Tree of
Lights on Sunday
The annual Calvary’s Tree of Lights event featuring a 60-foot Christmas tree takes place Sunday, Dec. 3, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with a tree lighting ceremony around 6 p.m. at Calvary Community Church, 815 W. Lathrop Road, Manteca.
The free event features hayrides, face painting, henna tattoos, carnival games and more.

Relay for Life
Breakfast with Santa
The Manteca-Ripon-Lathrop Relay for Life is conducting Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 7 to 10 a.m. at the Manteca Applebee’s, 1272 E. Yosemite Ave.
The cost is $5 per person.  Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. For tickets, please contact Donna at 408. 623.3384.

Manteca Recreation
Breakfast with Santa
The annual Manteca Parks & Recreation Breakfast with Santa is Saturday, Dec. 9, at 9 a.m. at the Manteca Senior Center, 295 Cherry Lane.
The event includes breakfast, photos with Santa, and a small gift from Santa as well as craft activities.
The event is designed for children `10 and under
Tickets are $7 and must be purchased in advance at the senior center. The event typically sells out.

Chanukah lighting
on Tuesday, Dec. 12
Congregation Beth Shalom invites the commuting to celebrate “Light” during the darkest day of the year on Tuesday, Dec. 12, at 5 p.m., in downtown Manteca at Library Park.
It is followed by a Chanukah Party at the Manteca Senior Center, 295 Cherry Lane.
The events are free and are designed for all ages. They will take place rain or shine.
For more information call 209.571.6060 or go to www.cbsmodesto.org

Holiday Affair
on Dec. 13
Tickets are still available for the biggest holiday party in Manteca – the 38th annual Manteca Soroptimists Holiday Affair.
The $75 ticket gets the holder and a guest a chance for many big-ticket prizes and some delicious hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. The event will be held at the Bank of Stockton, 660 N. Main St., Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Tickets will be available at the door or from any Soroptimist member. You can also call Arlene Sevor at 209.484.6544.

Choir, handbell concerts
Dec, 14 & Dec. 17
Begin the Christmas Season by joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church when they blend their musical talents to present the 2nd Annual Christmas Concert for the community. 
The choir directors are Anne Talcott from St. Paul’s Methodist Church, Lisa Traughber, director of the Handbell choir and Ruth Christensen, director of the Manteca Stake Choir.
The performances will include exceptional choir selections, special Hand bell medleys, String ensembles, and a wonderful Congregational carol.
There will be two performances, Thursday, Dec. 14, 910 E. North St, St. Paul’s Methodist Church, beginning at 7 p.m. 
The second performance will be Sunday, Dec. 17, 6060 E. Northland Road, at the LDS Stake Center, beginning at 7 p.m.
A donation of canned food items for St. Paul’s Food Pantry would be welcomed at both locations.  

Polar Express movie
night at Refuge Church
Refuge Church is hosting a Polar Express movie night at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15, in the church auditorium. The community is invited to an evening of complimentary hot cocoa, holiday sweets, and a classic Christmas movie: The Polar Express. You’re welcome to wear pajamas and bring a pillow and blanket for the floor. Santa will be there.
All are welcome to attend our 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday services with Pastor Dave Bliss at Refuge Church located at 486 Button Ave.  They will have a Candlelight Christmas Eve service on Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. with carols, candles, and communion.

Manteca Rec Senior
Angel Tree project
Manteca Rec and the Manteca Senior Center launched the Angel Tree Project several years ago. Shut-ins and those at convalescent hospitals that have little or no visitors are identified and asked to submit a request for a small gift.
A Christmas tree is placed in the Manteca Senior Center lobby at 295 Cherry Lane from Nov. 30 through Dec. 13. Participants are asked to select a name tag from the tree and purchase an item on that senior’s wish list. Gift cards are also welcomed. If you have questions call 209.456.8650.

Stuff the Bus
for Kids’ Sake
There are two parts to the Stuff the Buss for Kids’ Sake effort. one involves program applications as well as people who may be interested in adopting a child or family by purchasing gifts and the other being three donation days.
Applications are being accepted through Dec. 6 from families with kids that may not be having a Christmas. To qualify, families must live within the Manteca unified School District and attend an MUSD school. Approval — based on information on file with the MUSD — is required before kids can receive gifts.
If you would like to adopt a child or a family or submit an application for participation, email stuffthebusforkidssake@gmail.com. The district also provides the effort with a list.
The toy, coat, and food drive is set for three dates at the Manteca Walmart, 1205 S. and Main St. They are Saturday, Dec. 2; Sunday, Dec. 3; and Saturday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
The Manteca Educators Association along with the Silver Barons Motorcycle Club of Central California is helping with Stuff the Bus. If you can’t make one of the drives, there are donation barrels at the Manteca Senior Center, the Manteca Unified School District office, Manteca Trailer & Motorhome, and Eagle’s Nest Harley Davidson in Lathrop.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com