Stocked Full of Cheer: Your Easy Guide to the Best Holiday Family Fun in Stockton, California

Lincoln Center

Lincoln Center has been a local favorite for over 6 decades featuring specialty shops, unique dining experiences, and plenty of holiday cheer for the whole family. What makes it even more special is the snow! As if by magic, snow will fall on the brick walk every day, every fifteen minutes from December 1 - 31 starting at 5pm. Also happening all month long is their coat & sock drive. On Saturday, December 6, they are holding a food drive for the Emergency Food Bank of Stockton/San Joaquin. Plus, Santa will also make appearances with the Chug-a-Bug train through Lincoln Center! Here's the dates and times he'll be stopping by:

Friday, 12/5: 5pm-7pm
Saturday, 12/6: 12pm-3pm
Sunday, 12/7: 12pm-3pm
Saturday, 12/13: 5pm-7pm
Sunday, 12/14: 12pm-3pm

Additionally, they will be holding their Hanukkah Menorah Lighting on Sunday, December 14 from 4:30-6:30pm.

Photos with Santa at Weberstown Mall

Jolly old Saint Nick will be stopping by the Weberstown Mall for his annual Photos with Santa visit to the families of Stockton. From November 21 through Christmas Eve, you'll be able to pack up the kids, head to Weberstown, and take a photo with Kris Kringle himself. Also, for children on the autism spectrum and those with related sensory sensitivities, Photos with Sensory Santa will be taking place on Sunday, December 7.

ALSO: Check out the Pet Parties event at Weberstown Mall on Mondays, December 1 & 8, from 5 - 7pm.

Christmas Lane

"Christmas Lane" truly is a display you need to see to believe, happening between December 1 through 31, from sundown to 9 pm. This sparkling Stockton tradition has been delighting residents and visitors for over 40 years. Thanks to dedicated homeowners who collectively put on an amazing display of lights and decorations each year, there is an abundance of holiday cheer in north Stockton. This show takes up the 1400 block of Meadow Avenue, just west of Pershing Avenue. Prepare to be mesmerized!

Winter Jazz Concert & Winter Celebration Stockton Concert with Lincoln High School Band at Atherton Auditorium

It's back-to-back days of musical holiday vibes at Atherton Auditorium the first week of December! On Monday, December 1 at 7pm, enjoy the spectacular jazz sounds of the San Joaquin Delta College Winter Jazz Concert. Then, on Tuesday, December 2 at 7pm, Atherton will be hosting the Winter Celebration Stockton Concert with their featured guest, the Lincoln High School Band. These free concerts are perfect for spreading the love of music to your children and just may spark their interest in this beautiful art.

Festival of Trees

This annual event at the San Joaquin County Historical Museum at Micke Grove Regional Park is a spellbinding holiday season tradition. The Festival of Trees features more than 60 uniquely decorated Christmas trees, children’s activities & crafts, entertainment, food, photos with Santa, historical exhibits, and demonstrations of handcrafted work from pioneer times. The memorable event takes place December 5 (Senior Preview Day), 6, & 7 from 10 am to 4 pm.

Note: Senior Preview Day is for those who have trouble in large crowds.

Downtown Stockton

Another example of just how vibrant our local business scene is in Downtown Stockton . Here you'll find an array of ethnically diverse eateries to satisfy any craving (even the pickiest little eater). Enjoy delicious cuisine at any of our amazing restaurants, then go for a leisurely stroll at sunset on the waterfront promenade to enjoy multiple examples of public art.

For the holiday season, Downtown Stockton has a couple traditional events happening on the same night. First up on Saturday, December 6 is the City of Stockton's Annual Holiday at the Point Tree Lighting ceremony from 3 to 7 pm at Weber Point Events Center.

Then, sail away with the festive spirit as the Stockton Yacht Club and Roger Hahn sponsor the 44th annual Lighted Boat Parade in Downtown Stockton. Hang out after the tree lighting to experience the bright lights as the decorated boats and yachts sail around the Downtown Stockton Waterfront.

Friends of the Fox Classic Movie Series presents: Jack Frost

Celebrate the holidays with a classic holiday flick at the Bob Hope Fox Theatre. Bring the family out to this legendary spot on Sunday, December 7, and enjoy the 1998 holiday film Jack Frost once again on the silver screen. Starring Michael Keaton and Kelly Preston, this heartwarming holiday film tells the story of a father who gets a second chance to connect with his son—in the most magical way imaginable. Doors open at 1pm.

Miracle Mile

Since Miracle Mile is home to all things boutique in Stockton with its variety of vibrant shops and restaurants, it's also become the go-to location for much of the community's #shoplocal activity. One visit and you'll see the entrepreneurial spirit that courses through the small businesses here. Find small boutiques filled with fashion, local creations, sweet treats, and beautiful works of art. Plus, on Saturday, December 13 from 12 - 5pm, they'll be having their Holiday Sip & Shop on the Mile—featuring cookie decorating, caroling, pictures with Santa, and more!

"Home for the Holidays" at Stockton Civic Theatre

The outstanding talent at the Stockton Civic Theatre celebrates the holiday season with their live performance of "Home for the Holidays" on the SCT stage December 19 & 20. The evening features a beloved cast of SCT veterans and rising stars, with the story concept coming from SCT’s very own James Reed, who also directs. Catch this exciting holiday play with you and yours while supporting Stockton's performing arts community.

But Wait, There's More!

Here are even MORE events going down in Stockton to put you in the holiday spirit!

Holiday Village at Village West Marina & Resort - Friday, Dec. 5 from 6 - 8:30pm.
Santa Dash 1K & 5K - Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10am - 1pm.
Holiday Pops with the Stockton Symphony - Sunday, Dec. 7 from 2:30 - 4:30pm.
2nd Saturdays: Snowy Owl at the Haggin - Saturday, Dec. 13 from 1:30 - 4pm.
Unwrap the Harmony! - Saturday, Dec. 13 from 2:30 - 4:30pm.
Stockton Chorale: Light in the Darkness - Dec. 13 & 14.
Live Music at the Haggin: Opus Handbells - Thursday, Dec. 18 from 7 - 8pm.

Visiting family for the holidays and looking for a place to stay? Stockton is home to numerous fantastic hotels located in key parts of the city, making it easy to enjoy the beauty of the city, take part in a shopping spree, and savor some delicious cuisine. Discover the outstanding hotels in our city by clicking here!

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