From 'Beauty and the Beast' to Christmas events, things to do in Stockton this weekend

Angelaydet Rocha, The Stockton Record
·9 min read

It's the third weekend in December and Christmas is not too far away.

But there's also no shortage of things to do.

From Posadas y Nacimientos to Astronomy in the Park, theater performances, Santa visits, and light shows this weekend is packed with fun.

Here are 17 things to do this weekend in Stockton.

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

Benya Le Cox as "the Beast" and Dominique Hickey as "Belle" in the Disney musical "Beauty and the Beast," on stage at Cocoa Village Playhouse through Oct. 10, 2021. Visit cocoavillageplayhouse.com.
Benya Le Cox as "the Beast" and Dominique Hickey as "Belle" in the Disney musical "Beauty and the Beast," on stage at Cocoa Village Playhouse through Oct. 10, 2021. Visit cocoavillageplayhouse.com.

The Stockton Civic Theatre is hosting Beauty and the Beast at the Clyde Nielsen Auditorium. The musical by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice is a classic.

"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, Thursday, Dec. 14 through Sunday, Dec. 17

  • Information: sctlivetheatre.com/

Posadas y Nacimientos

Paris Alorro, left, and her brother Jack Alorro portray Mary and Joseph as they walk with about 40 people down Center 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 hot chocolate at the Mexican Heritage Center in downtown Stockton.

Christmas Tree Lighting at Oak Park Ice Rink

Stephen Coyle puts some finishing touches on a 18' x 11' mural on the north wall of the Oak Park Senior Center in Stockton on Nov. 7, 2023. Coyle, a retired artist who teaches art at the center, started the mural, with the help of 5 other local artists, on Oct. 9. Coyle asked people at the center what they'd like to see in the mural and incorporated their ideas in the design. Part of the mural, titled The Oak Park Experience, depicts Stockton founder Capt. Charles Weber and Moses Rodgers, the first African-American mining engineer in the 1800s. Another part feature composites of center members in activities that are offered at the center. An unveiling ceremony for the mural will be held on Nov. 20.

The Oak Park Ice Rink is having a Christmas Tree Lighting. The lighting begins at 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Meet Santa, ice skate and buy food from vendors at the Christmas Tree Lighting. An $8 general admission includes skates. Children under 5 are free.

Stockton Figure Skating Club Christmas Recital starts at 5 p.m. before the Christmas Tree Lighting, entry is $5.

  • Location: Oak Park Ice Rink, 3545 Alvarado Ave. in Stockton

  • Hours: 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15

  • Information: facebook.com/OakParkASM

Christmas Around the World at the Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Christmas Around the World is "a choral concert" with classical Christmas and Piano melodies presented by the Church of the Presentation Music Ministry. Starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, there will be carols from around the world such as Italy and the Philipines.

"The concert will feature the newly-formed Stockton Male Ensemble who will sing acapella music led by their Music Minister, Victor Victorino," Visit Stockton stated on its website.

Tickets are $20. Proceeds to benefit the Music Ministry of the Parish.

  • Location: Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 1515 W. Benjamin Holt Drive in Stockton

  • Hours: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16

  • Information: visitstockton.org/events/

YMCA'S Winter Bash

Stockton Kings mascot Dunkston runs through an obstacle course with 4-year-old Kaiden Saelee at the YMCA of San Joaquin County's Healthy Kids day at the Weber Point Events Center in downtown Stockton on Saturday Apr. 29, 2023. The free event was a part of the YMCA's national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids and families.
Stockton Kings mascot Dunkston runs through an obstacle course with 4-year-old Kaiden Saelee at the YMCA of San Joaquin County's Healthy Kids day at the Weber Point Events Center in downtown Stockton on Saturday Apr. 29, 2023. The free event was a part of the YMCA's national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids and families.

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

3rd Annual Weston Ranch Holiday Parade

Organizer Fina Vasquez takes video of the Weston Ranch Holiday Parade, which ran from Weston Ranch High School to August Knodt in the Weston Ranch neighborhood of Stockton on the evening of Friday, Dec. 16, 2022. This is the second year for the parade thought up by August Knodt Elementary School employee Fina Vasquez who also coordinated this year's event. "The community has been so wonderful to my family and me," said Vasquez. "I just want to give back to the community." The parade, which went from Weston Ranch High School to August Knodt Elementary School, featured more than 20 floats and vehicles representing area schools, clubs and individuals and the Weston Ranch High School band as well as guests of honor, Mayor Kevin Lincoln, and Manteca Unified School District board president Marie Freitas. Grand marshals were MUSD board trustee Eric Duncan and Stockton Councilwoman Kimberly Warmsley.

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/

Lincoln's Drive-Thru 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

Meet Santa Claus at The Primitive Barn

Santa Claus will be making the last stop of December at The Primitive Barn in Linden this weekend. He will be at the barn on 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.

Hells Angels and Sons of Hell Annual Toy Drive

The Stockton Hells Angels Motorcycle Club and Sons of Hell will be holding an annual Toy Drive at the Clubhouse in Downtown Stockton on Saturday. 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

Astronomy in the Park

A partial annular eclipse peeks through the clouds during a watch party held by the Delta College Physics-Math-Computer Sciences Club and the Stockton Astronomical Society on the campus of San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton on Oct. 14, 2023. It began at about 8 a.m. and lasted until about 10:40 a.m. with its peak at about 9:30 a.m. About 50 people attended the event. A solar eclipse is when the moon comes between the Earth and Sun. Stockton was just outside of the eclipse's path and experiences only a partial eclipse covering most but all of the Sun. The Oct. 14 eclipse was an annular eclipse. That's when the moon is at its farthest from the Earth and it doesn't entirely block out the Sun but leaves a ring often called the "ring of fire." A total eclipse will occur on April, 8 2024.

The Stockton Astronomical Society members will bring out their telescopes one last time to end the year for Astronomy in the Park on Saturday. Telescope viewings take place once a month and feature a different deep sky object every time. This also happens on the Saturday closest to the first quarter moon.

Sunset is at 4:45 p.m. and the Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn will be visible. Deep Sky Object M33 Triangulum Galaxy will be seen around 8 p.m. The event is free, but the county charges $6 for parking.

  • Location: Oak Grove Regional Park, 4520 W. Eight Mile Rd. in Stockton

  • Hours: 4:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18

  • Information: bit.ly/46b0VUJ or (209) 471-1674

Holidays at Lincoln Center

Santa is coming to the Lincoln Center this weekend. Meet Santa and take a photo with him on Saturday or Sunday. 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, Dec. 16

  • 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17

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.

Photos with Santa at Weberstown Mall

Santa will also be making a stop at the Weberstown 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. For more information visit whereissanta.com.

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: hours vary, now through Sunday, Dec. 24

  • Information: whereissanta.com/mall

Stockton Lantern Festival

Children play on a circle of glowing stars that change color when stepped on. Hundreds of brightly colored, enchanted and whimsical lanterns greet visitors at 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.
Children play on a circle of glowing stars that change color when stepped on. Hundreds of brightly colored, enchanted and whimsical lanterns greet visitors at 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.

The Stockton Lantern Festival will be in downtown Stockton now through January. The Stockton Ballpark has 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 start at $25 for adults and $21 for children + fees.

  • 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: Fun activities to enjoy in Stockton this weekend