Stockton, California

The 21st annual Festival of Trees at the San Joaquin County Historical Museum, set for Dec. 1 and 2, near Lodi is a spellbinding introduction to the holiday season.

This family holiday event features more than 60 uniquely decorated Christmas trees, children's activities and make and take crafts, entertainment, food, photos with Santa, historical exhibits and demonstrations of pioneer or handcrafted work.

The event takes on a historic flair with docents dressed in Victorian and pioneer clothes. Visitors will feel as though they took a step back in time to celebrate the holidays.

The Festival of Trees is held at the San Joaquin County Historical Museum, 11793 Micke Grove Road in Lodi. The museum is in Micke Grove Park just south of Lodi. The event begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. each day.

General admission is $8, and children aged 2 to 10 are admitted for $1 each. Children under 2 are free. Tickets may be purchased in advance beginning Oct. 15 by calling the museum. With advance tickets, the $6 parking fee in Micke Grove Park is waived.  Crafts have a nominal fee.

Funds raised at the Festival of Trees supports the museum's youth and educational programs. For more information, call the museum at (209) 331-2055 or (209) 953-3460 or visit www.sanjoaquinhistory.org