Here are 25 things to do this December in Stockton and San Joaquin County

Angelaydet Rocha, The Stockton Record
·15 min read

Who needs an advent calendar when you have 25 Christmas holiday events with Christmas lights, photos with Santa, sweet treats and endless memories?

From the Festival of Trees to Stockton's Miracle Mile Holiday Sip and Shop and Posadas y Nacimientos with the Mexican Heritage Center & Gallery there are endless fun things to do this December. Dress in your best clothes, gather the family or a date and head to one of these holiday events.

Here are 25 fun things to do this December in Stockton and San Joaquin County that you don't want to miss.

El Concilio California Encanto en el Valle Holiday Celebration

El Concilio is having its annual fundraiser to help out families they serve during the holidays.

The formerly known Tamale Dinner now Encanto en el Valle Holiday Celebration will be taking place on Friday, Dec. 1. A drive thru lunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for the community with meals to go for $15 each with 2 tamales, beans, and rice will be sold. Meals come with the option of pork, chicken or cheese tamales.

At 5 p.m. dinner will begin for take-out or dine-in and will also be $15.

A free community multicultural celebration at the Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium will begin at 5 p.m. There will be free pictures with Santa and entertainment by Rhymasourus, mariachi and more.

  • Location: Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium, 525 N Center St. in Stockton

  • Hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1

  • Information: elconcilio.org

Holiday Village at Village West Marina & Resort

Head over to the free family-friendly Holiday Village event at the Village West Marina & Resort on Friday, Dec. 1. Where there will be a VWM&R lighted boat show, photos with Santa, a petting zoo, face painting and much more. Attendees are encouraged to participate in the Toys for Tots donation drive by bringing an unwrapped Christmas gift.

  • Location: Village West Marina and Resort, 649 Embarcadero Dr. in Stockton

  • Hours: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1

  • Information: facebook.com/events

31st Annual Festival of Trees

A Christmas tree designed by Lynda Osmanski and Anne Marszalek on display in the Erickson Building for the San Joaquin County Historical Museum's annual Festival of Trees at Micke Grove Regional Park in Lodi on Nov. 28, 2023. The Festival will be held on Dec. 2 and 3.
A Christmas tree designed by Lynda Osmanski and Anne Marszalek on display in the Erickson Building for the San Joaquin County Historical Museum's annual Festival of Trees at Micke Grove Regional Park in Lodi on Nov. 28, 2023. The Festival will be held on Dec. 2 and 3.

The festival is back for another year this December with more than 60 decorated Christmas trees at the San Joaquin County Historical Museum at Micke Grove Regional Park.

Take a photo with Santa Claus, and enjoy food, crafts, entertainment and historical exhibits. Docents will be dressed in Victorian and pioneer clothing for the family-friendly event transporting you back in time.

General admission tickets are $15, a two-day general admission ticket is $25. Children 2-12 years old enter for $5 and children under 2 years- old enter for free. There is a $6 parking fee. Funds from the Festival of Trees will benefit the museum's youth and educational programs.

There is a Senior Preview Day from 1-4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1. This is perfect for "older adults and others who may have difficulty in large crowds," the museum's website states. Senior Preview tickets are $8 with free parking. However, not all activities and entertainment will be available on this day.

For tickets visit sanjoaquinhistory.org.

  • Location: San Joaquin County Historical Museum, Micke Grove Regional Park, 11793 N. Micke Grove Road in Lodi

  • Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 through Sunday, Dec. 3

  • Information: sanjoaquinhistory.org/

Stockton Santa Dash

Calling all runners to dress up as their favorite holiday characters and show up at the University of the Pacific for the Stockton Santa Dash 1k, 5k and 10k run or walk presented by Skedaddle.

Not only will there be a run but also giveaways, music, and a toy drive.

Participants of the 5k will also receive a medal, coupon to Five Window Beer Co, Souvenir Santa Hat, free Stockton Kings game tickets to the first 250 participants to sign up, access to local vendors and Winter Wonderland and a chance to win a Christmas Tree or toy from EvetteXO.

A portion of the profits will benefit the Stockton non-profit Midsole Project.

  • Location: University of The Pacific, 3601 Pacific Avenue in Stockton

  • Hours: 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2

  • Information: athlinks.com/event

Stockton's Miracle Mile Holiday Sip & Shop

(11/27/21) Jen Immel, left, and Gabri Dominguez shop at the Cena Luna store during the Miracle MIle's Sip and Stroll wine tasting/shopping event in Stockton. CLIFFORD OTO/THE STOCKTON RECORD
(11/27/21) Jen Immel, left, and Gabri Dominguez shop at the Cena Luna store during the Miracle MIle's Sip and Stroll wine tasting/shopping event in Stockton. CLIFFORD OTO/THE STOCKTON RECORD

Shop local and sip some wine at the same time at Stockton's Miracle Mile Holiday Sip & Shop event. Head over to one of the participating merchants on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 12-5 p.m. for their free sip and shop event and their open house.

Mr. Otto's Bookshop will be having cookie decorating and hot cocoa, Sweet Boutique will have photos with Santa and will serve wine, and at the Tuxedo Court enjoy Christmas caroling and the annual tree lighting.

The wine stop includes ten Miracle Mile businesses including Bellissima Boutique, Cocoro Bistro Sushi Bar, Eunice Faye Green, Hidden Gem, House of Shaw Café & Bakery, The Little Shop on the Mile, The Lush Studio, Stockton Art League Goodwin Gallery, True You Hot Yoga, and With Garden Flair.

The open house includes seven businesses including Delta Awards, Fat City Brew & BBQ, Infusion PLAYHouse, JR Clothing, N9ne, Puffy's Thrift Mercantile and Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice.

  • Location: Stockton Miracle Mile, 221 Tuxedo Ct. in Stockton

  • Hours: 12-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2

  • Information: facebook.com/events

42nd Annual Lynn Hahn Memorial Delta Reflections Lighted Boat Parade

Boats adorned with Christmas lights traverse McLeod Lake at the head of the Deep Water Channel during the Stockton Yacht Club's annual Lynn Hahn Memorial, Delta Reflections Christmas Lighted Boat Parade in downtown Stockton on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.
Boats adorned with Christmas lights traverse McLeod Lake at the head of the Deep Water Channel during the Stockton Yacht Club's annual Lynn Hahn Memorial, Delta Reflections Christmas Lighted Boat Parade in downtown Stockton on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.

The 42nd Annual Lynn Hahn Memorial Delta Reflections Lighted Boat Parade will be back this December. An event by the Stockton Yacht Club and Roger Hahn. The Port of Stockton fireboat Sunrise will lead the parade that starts at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2 at Windmill Cove and will travel to the downtown Stockton Marina and Weber Point by 6:30 p.m.

The parade then will head back to Light 39 in the Stockton Deep Water Channel for the end of the parade. Even if it rains the parade will still take place.

"The Delta Reflections Lighted Boat Parade is dedicated in honor of Lynn Hahn. Lynn was a member of the Marina West Yacht Club," Vist Stockton's website states. "She will always be remembered for her dedication to preservation of the San Joaquin Delta."

  • Location: Weber Point at the Downtown Waterfront, 221 N Center St. in Stockton

  • Hours: 5-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2

  • Information: facebook.com

Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

City of Stockton public works employee Jose Flores works with a crew assembling the city Christmas tree at the Weber Point Events Center in downtown Stockton on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022. The crew was preparing for the annual tree lighting ceremony at about 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 followed by the Lynn Hahn Memorial Delta Reflections Lighted Boat Parade at about 6 p.m. Preceding the ceremony will be the Stockton Holiday Parade at 3 p.m.

The City of Stockton is back this holiday season with its annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 2. Head over to the Weber Point Events Center for the lighting of the tree at 5:30 p.m. There will be snowfall, live caroling, and visits from Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus as well as hot chocolate and cookies.

  • Location: Weber Point Events Center, 221 N Center St. in Stockton

  • Hours: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2

  • Information: stocktonca.gov

Holidays at Lincoln Center

Santa is coming to the Lincoln Center. Meet Santa and take a photo with him this month. There will also be snowfall you do not want to miss through Sunday, Dec. 31. Snowfall will be from 5-9 p.m. every half hour, every day. This is a free event open to the public.

Santa's schedule:

  • 1-4 p.m. Saturday, December 2

  • 1-4 p.m. Sunday, December 3

  • 1-4 p.m. Saturday, December 9

  • 1-4 p.m. Sunday, December 10

  • 1-4 p.m. Saturday, December 16

  • 1-4 p.m. Sunday, December 17

  • Location: Lincoln Center, 374 Lincoln Center in Stockton

  • Hours: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 through December 31

  • Information: facebook.com/LincolnCenterShops

Photos with Sensitive Santa at Weberstown Mall

Dress up and head over to the Weberstown Mall to meet Santa Claus.

Sensitive Santa will be in town on Sunday, Dec. 3 to take photos with children on the autism spectrum. This event does require a reservation. These visits are before the mall opens. For more information visit whereissanta.com.

Santa will also be making his regular stop at the mall this December through Sunday, Dec. 24. If you want to get a photo with Santa, you will have to head over to the mall this holiday season.

December schedule:

  • 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday (Santa's break is from 2-3 p.m. and 5-5:30 p.m.)

  • 12-6 p.m. Sunday (Santa's break is 3-4 p.m.)

  • 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Christmas Eve (Santa's break is 1-2 p.m.)

Photo packages start at $19.99. Reservations and walk-ins are both welcome.

  • Location: Weberstown Mall at Center Court, 4950 Pacific Ave. in Stockton

  • Hours: Sensitive Santa on Sunday, Dec. 3 and regular schedule now through Sunday, Dec. 24

  • Information: whereissanta.com/mall

3rd Annual Harry Potter Christmas Market

Cosplayer Sindiroo Sheth portraying Professor McGonagall from Harry Potter, places at the Sorting Hat on Vinienne Joutrain, 8, of South San Francisco at the Great Valley BookFest at the Promenade Shops at the Orchard Valley Shopping Center in Manteca on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. The event, which promotes and celebrates literacy, benefits Friends of the Library, read Valley Writing Camps, Give Every Child a Chance and the San Joaquin County Office of Education.

Yosemite Street Village will be transforming into "Diagon Alley" the first weekend of December.

An event presented by The Whimsy Market where artisans will be selling "one-of-a-kind, handcrafted goodies" Harry Potter-inspired products. There will be tarot readings, henna, crystals, jewelry, and "all things metaphysical."

  • Location: Yosemite Street Village, 946 N Yosemite St. in Stockton

  • Hours: 3-8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3

  • Information: eventbrite.com

Paws & Claus at Weberstown Mall

Your furry pet also deserves a photo with Santa and they can get one from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 4. Head over to the Weberstown Mall with your pet for the Paws & Claus event.

This is a walk-up-only event on a first-come-first-served basis.

  • Location: Weberstown Mall, 4950 Pacific Ave. in Stockton

  • Hours: 5-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4

  • Information: whereissanta.com/mall

The Stockton Chorale's holiday performance "Light, Peace & Joy"

The Stockton Choral is presenting "Light, Peace & Joy," two-holiday concerts at two different venues. The shows will be at at the Vineyard Chapel in Lodi and the San Joaquin Delta College Atherton Auditorium in Stockton.

Performances schedule:

  • 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at Vineyard Chapel, Cherokee Memorial at 14165 N Beckman Rd in Lodi. With the Lathrop High School Chair as a guest.

  • 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 at the San Joaquin Delta College Atherton Auditorium at 5151 Pacific Ave. in Stockton.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 at the door for students with I.D., and free for children 18 years and younger.

  • Location: locations vary

  • Hours: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10

  • Information: stocktonchorale.org/

Meet Santa Claus at The Primitive Barn

Children pose with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Mims Corner annual Christmas toy and food giveaway at the Greater Christ Temple church in north Stockton. The is the 11th year for the non-profit's event, and the 2nd year as a drive-thru event due to COVID-19. Organizer Penny Mims says that they prepared 250 boxes of food and bought $3,000-$4000 worth of toys and $6,000 with of bicycles. Home Depot donated $1,000 to the event as well as provided volunteers to help distribute the gifts and food.

Santa Claus will be making a few stops at The Primitive Barn in Linden this December. He will be at the barn on Saturday, Dec. 9, and Saturday, Dec. 16 to take photos. Admission and parking are free. Donations for reindeer feed are welcomed. The entrance to the barn is at Wall Road.

  • Location: The Primitive Barn, 19783 Highway 26 in Linden

  • Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16

  • Information: facebook.com/ThePrimitiveBarn

Posadas y Nacimientos

About 40 people march down Market Street while participating in the Mexican Heritage Center's annual Posada procession in downtown Stockton on Friday, Dec. 23, 2022. The event reenacts Mary and Joseph's search for lodging in Bethlehem just before the birth of Jesus. The Stockton Posada went from St. Mary's Church, stopping at a few places to be symbolically turned away, to the Mexican Heritage Center where they were welcomed in.

The Mexican Heritage Center & Gallery is having its traditional Posadas y Nacimientos on Friday, Dec. 15.

The posada will start at 5:30 p.m. in front of St. Mary's Church at 203 E Washington Street and will sing on the way to Maria's Restaurant on Market Street and Xochimilcos Restaurant.

The celebration will continue with tamales and chocolate at the Mexican Heritage Center & Gallery at 111 S. Sutter Street in downtown Stockton.

3rd Annual Weston Ranch Holiday Parade

The Weston Ranch High School is hosting its 3rd Annual Weston Ranch Holiday Parade on Friday, Dec. 15. This is a free family event that starts at 6 p.m. with a lighted parade and Santa. The new parade route wraps around the high school campus.

  • Location: Weston Ranch High School, 4606 McCuen Ave. in Stockton

  • Hours: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15

  • Information: facebook.com/wrhscougars/

YMCA'S Winter Bash

Celebrate this winter at the YMCA's Winter Bash with a "sensory-friendly experience." There will be a silent disco, a null room, activity stations, an arcade, and more. Head over to Courthouse Plaza in downtown Stockton on Friday, Dec. 15 for a free community event.

  • Location: Courthouse Plaza, 306 E Main Street in Stockton

  • Hours: 4-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15

  • Information: facebook.com/events

Yosemite Street Village Holiday Market

Yosemite Street Village is having a Holiday Market bringing an opportunity to find local gifts this season.

  • Location: Yosemite Street Village, 900 Block of Yosemite Street, Between Acacia & Poplar St. in Stockton

  • Hours: 5-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15

  • Information: facebook.com/yosemitestreetvillage

An Irish Christmas at The Grand Center Theater for the Arts

The Grand Theatre Center for the Arts at the Madame Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis Theatre in Tracy is having "An Irish Christmas." There will be holiday carols to Irish dancing. This is a performance that might be familiar from PBS.

"An Irish Christmas is a celebration of family and community that showcases some of the great Irish holiday traditions and features award-winning dancers from Riverdance, Lord of the Dance and Celtic Wings," the theater's website states. Tickets start at $25.

  • Location: Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, 715 N Central Ave. in Tracy

  • Hours: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15

  • Information: atthegrand.org

Hells Angels and Sons of Hell Annual Toy Drive

On Dec. 16 the Stockton Hells Angels Motorcycle Club and Sons of Hell will be holding an annual Toy Drive at the Clubhouse in Downtown Stockton. Bring a new unwrapped gift and participate. Monetary or gift card donations will also be accepted.

  • Location: The Clubhouse, 235 East Miner in Stockton

  • Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16

  • Information: facebook.com/HAMCStockton

Lincoln's Drive-Thur Light Show Experience

Lincoln Presbyterian Church holds it's 3rd annual Christmas light show in it's parking lot in Stockton on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022. The church first held the show as a drive-thru event 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. "We wanted to do something special" said Pastor Jon Hathorn. "It's a gift from our church fo the community." About 15,000 lights adorn 2 buildings at the church and are synced with a 21-minute musical presentation shown on a loop several times. The church held the show as a walk-up event on Dec. 9 and 10, with refreshments, hay rides, games and crafts for children. On Friday, Dec. 16 and the following 9 days, the church will hold the show as a drive-thru event.

The Lincoln Presbyterian Church is presenting a drive-thru light show experience free for the community. Head over for the show from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15 to Saturday, Dec. 23 and enjoy the lights by tuning into the show through your car radio.

  • Location: Lincoln Presbyterian Church, 900 Douglas Rd in Stockton

  • Hours: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15 to Saturday, Dec. 23

  • Information: facebook.com/events

A Drag Queen Christmas at the Bob Hope Theatre

Promotion flyer for "A Drag Queen Christmas."
Promotion flyer for "A Drag Queen Christmas."

"A Drag Queen Christmas" tour is making a stop in downtown Stockton. Head over to the Bob Hope Theatre for an 18+ "LGBTQ+ friendly" event.

"For the 9th consecutive year, Murray & Peter present, "A Drag Queen Christmas", the longest running drag tour in America," Ticketmaster's website states. "Get ready for your favorite queens performing live on stage. We've got Winners, Fan Favorites, OGs, Miss Congeniality, plus queens from Season 15 and All Stars 8."

The show starts at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16. The meet and greet begins at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $50.

  • Location: Bob Hope Theatre, 242 E Main St. in Stockton

  • Hours: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16

  • Information: ticketmaster.com

Stockton Sleigh 5k/ 10k Run/ Walk and Dash for Tots

For a second year the Mile Chasers Run Club is hosting the Stockton Sleigh 5k/ 10k Run/ Walk and Dash for Tots.

On Sunday, Dec. 17 there will be a "Christmas-themed fun run" with hot chocolate, holiday treats, live music, and a visit from Santa and the Grinch. Every participant that reaches the finish line will receive a limited edition ornament medal. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit Toys for Tots and the Stockton Food Bank.

Entry fees are as follow: 5k run $45 and 10k run $55. Children 9 years and under enter the race for free.

Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast' at Stockton Civic Theatre

Disney Treasure “Beauty and the Beast” will bring Belle’s enchanting adventure to the Walt Disney Theatre stage aboard the Disney Treasure, incorporating imaginative elements from the live-action film and the classic animated feature. Guests will be invited to experience this tale as old as time, as they are whisked away on a magical journey to discover the power of transformation in this fan-favorite Broadway-style musical. (Steven Diaz, photographer)

The Stockton Civic Theatre is having Beauty and the Beast at the Clyde Nielsen Auditorium. A play with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice.

"The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self," the Stockton Civic Theatre website states. "But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity."

Tickets can be found at stocktoncivictheatre.

  • Location: Stockton Civic Theatre, 2312 Rosemarie Lane in Stockton

  • Hours: Hours vary, now through Sunday, Dec. 17

  • Information: sctlivetheatre.com/

City of Stockton Holiday Workshops

The city of Stockton is hosting four free holiday workshops from Monday, Dec. 18 through Thursday, Dec. 21. There will be hot chocolate, cookie decorating, gift making and holiday crafts.

Locations:

  • Monday, Dec. 18 at Stribley Community Center, 1760 E. Sonora St. in Stockton

  • Tuesday, Dec. 19 at Seifert Community Center,128 W. Benjamin Holt Dr. in Stockton

  • Wednesday, Dec. 20 at Van Buskirk Community Center, 734 Houston Ave. in Stockton

  • Thursday, Dec. 21 at Arnold Rue Community Center, 5758 Lorraine Ave. in Stockton

Stockton Lantern Festival

Hundreds of brightly colored, enchanted and whimsical lanterns greet visitors during a sneak peek opening of the Stockton Lantern Festival at the Stockton Ballpark in downtown Stockton on Nov. 20, 2023. The festival opens on Nov. 24 and runs through Jan. 5, 2024.
Hundreds of brightly colored, enchanted and whimsical lanterns greet visitors during a sneak peek opening of the Stockton Lantern Festival at the Stockton Ballpark in downtown Stockton on Nov. 20, 2023. The festival opens on Nov. 24 and runs through Jan. 5, 2024.

Stockton Lantern Festival will be in downtown Stockton from November to January. The Stockton Ballpark will transform into Koda's Journey to the Magic Forest with over 20,000 LED lights.

"Follow the footsteps of an 8-year-old boy named Koda to take on an exciting adventure to the deep woods of Caballococha, Peru," the Stockton Live website states. "The lines of reality and imagination start to blur as you weave through the forest."

Tickets are now on sale on Ticketmaster starting at $20 for adults and $16 for children ages 2 to 12. Prices are lower from Monday through Thursday. On Friday through Sunday, ticket prices are $25 for adults and $21 for children.

  • Location: Stockton Ballpark, 404 W. Fremont St. in Stockton

  • Hours: 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Now through Sunday, Jan. 14

  • Information: stocktonlive.com

Record reporter Angelaydet Rocha covers community news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at arocha@recordnet.com or on Twitter @AngelaydetRocha. To support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.

This article originally appeared on The Record: December things to do