’Tis the season to string up Christmas lights, nimbly wrap gifts, enjoy the company of family and friends, and plan a trip to Downtown Stockton to celebrate the holidays! From the Tree Lighting Ceremony to the many Christmas shows featured at the Bob Hope Theater this month, there is something for everyone — both young and old — this holiday season.

Cort Companies Holiday Open House

December 5th, 2019
10 AM – 2 PM

We know you probably hardcore feasted for Thanksgiving, but the holidays aren’t over yet! Kick off the last month of 2019 with food, music and crafts provided by various Downtown Stockton merchants and businesses. Hosted by Cort Companies, the Holiday Open House will be held on the ground floor of Cort Tower, located at 343 E. Main Street. Enjoy some holiday cheer and prepare to indulge in some last minute shopping- come early though, because the Stockton Chorale will be sharing their harmonious vocals to kickstart the event! Cort Companies is excited to feature some of downtown’s finest businesses: JoDavi music, Tuleburg Press and the Write Place, In Season, Heinzen Studio, Squire and Co,. The Bead Fool, GFAF Bakery, and Trail Coffee. If you haven’t had the opportunity to check out all of these businesses yet, now’s your chance! Wondering what other treats and surprises are in store at the Holiday Open House? Come and find out!

Navidad en el Valle Tamale Dinner

December 6th, 2019
11 AM – 8 PM

One of the best parts of the holiday season is the opportunity to give back to the community. Join El Concilio on Friday, December 6th for their annual Navidad en el Valle Tamale Dinner and Drive-Thru Lunch at the Stockton Civic Auditorium. The event is free to the public, and will include live music, local entertainment, dancing, and photos with Santa for the little ones! Also, for just $10, you can get a Tamale Dinner of two tamales, Mexican rice and beans! All proceeds will help fund Christmas food baskets for families in the community who are in need. Getting a tamale dinner while simultaneously donating to those in need during the holidays? What a great way to spend the holiday season!

Holiday at the Point

December 7th, 2019
Starts at 3 PM

The Stockmarket has partnered with the City of Stockton to bring exciting events to downtown this holiday season, all on the same day! Stop by the Weber Point Water Front on December 7th to enjoy the 5th Annual Holiday Stockmarket, Stockton Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, and the 37th Annual Lighted Boat Parade by the Stockton Yacht Club! There’s no fee to attend  so come by to purchase local gifts, listen to local bands, and eat and drink from local eateries and breweries. The festivities don’t stop there- there will also be free horse carriage rides, crafts, and a visit from Old Saint Nick himself! Doors open at 3pm, the Christmas tree will be lighted at 5:30pm, and the Boat Parade will arrive at 6:30pm.

Bob Hope Theater Events

There are a lot of shows during December, so we did the work of compiling a list of them all for you here:

• Cirque Dreams Holidaze — 12/06 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
  • The Cirque Dreams Holidaze is both a Broadway musical and new Cirque adventure spectacular! Buy your tickets today to see these critically-acclaimed and unforgettable performances with the entire family.
• Classic Movie: White Christmas — 12/08 2 PM – 4 PM
  • Need some of the classics to complete your holiday season? The Bob Hope Theater will be showing White Christmas, a 1954 American musical film starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen. Nothing beats the oldies!
• Johnny Mathis Concert — 12/12 7:30 PM – 10 PM
  • Catch Johnny Mathis performing his iconic Christmas Concert, featuring classic holiday favorites and some of his greatest hits, like “Chances Are”, “It’s Not for Me to Say”, and “Misty”. Sure you hear Christmas songs on the radio, but there’s something much more satisfying about hearing them live!
• Natalie Grant and Danny Gokey Celebrate Christmas Tour —
  12/15 6 PM – 9 PM
  • More Christmas performances? Yes, please! Natalie Grant, a seven-time Grammy nominated Christian and Gospel artist and Danny Gokey, a Grammy nominated artist and a top 3 finalist on season 8 of American Idol, will be gracing the Bob Hope Theater for their Christmas Tour! Don’t miss this talented duo.
• The Brian Setzer Orchestra: Christmas Rocks! Tour — 12/17 7:30 PM – 10 PM
  • Rock into the holiday spirit with iconic guitarist, songwriter, vocalist, and three-time Grammy Award winner Brian Setzer and his 19-piece orchestra! Prepare to be entranced by some retro holiday cheer and sing along to some of his various hits.
• Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2019 — 12/22 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
  • Jazz music is great all year, but it’s even better during the holidays! Come see nine-time Grammy nominated saxophonist Dave Koz and his friends as they continue their annual holiday tradition and celebrate the magic of the holiday season.
• A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage — 12/28 6 PM – 9 PM
  • Everyone’s favorite Peanuts television special comes to life on stage at the Bob Hope Theater this holiday season. Bring the kids to see Charlie Brown and the rest of the gang from the timeless television classic in a stage adaptation that the entire family can enjoy.

Mexican Heritage Center Events

There are also several events at Mexican Heritage Center & Gallery, be sure to check them out!

• Nacimientos at the Mexican Heritage Center — 12/9-12/27, M – F, 7 AM – 4 PM, Closed Christmas Day.
  • Stop by the Mexican Heritage center to see the nacimientos (nativity scenes) on display from various parishes and individuals from the community.
• Posadas y Nacimientos (Nativity Exhibit) — 12/20 at 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
  • Join the Mexican Heritage Center for a night of singing around Downtown, a blessing & viewing of the nacimientos, and a short singing program. There will be Mexican Hot Chocolate, and pan dulce (sweet bread) for free for all participants. There will also be tamales available for purchase. $2.00 each or $20.00 a dozen.

By Nissi Guiao

Spooky season felt short-lived, wouldn’t you agree? Candy bowls are emptying and now we’re settling into November and all things festive for the quickly approaching holidays. A sense of gratitude and thankfulness fills the air as full as the turkeys fill our freezers and we’re beginning to plot the best way to fill our plates with all the faves. Families all around are ramping up their annual traditions or starting new ones, and some people are already decked out for Christmas! But, let’s not be so quick to skip over Thanksgiving and a very special tradition held in our own downtown backyard—the annual Thanksgiving Run & Walk Against Hunger!

Crisp Morning in #DowntownStockton

Each year, people look forward to this 5k or 10k run. It’s the perfect break away from the hustle and bustle of prep and cooking where thousands of people come together to join in on the fun during the crisp, cold “Turkey Day” morning in support of a treasured cause. Even if you’re not quite a morning person, this one is worth getting up for—keeping in mind the joy it brings to the families this whole this is all about! As the leaves fall, so does a lot of the stress and anxiety for the individuals the fundraiser supports.

Behind the Scenes

According to Tim Pasisz, Director of Sports & Tourism Development at Visit Stockton, who’s running the Turkey Trot, “The event is a fundraiser for the Emergency Food Bank of Stockton/San Joaquin. The event serves not only the dedicated runners who are here to compete in the 5k and 10k runs, but also families and friends who have made the Run and Walk Against Hunger their Thanksgiving morning tradition. A large contingency of the anticipated 5,000 participants is made up of families participating in the 5k walk. The event has continued to evolve over the years, initially the finish line was at home plate on the Stockton Ports Baseball field, however as the Run and Walk Against Hunger grew, it became to difficult to manage the finish line in that small of an area.”

Get Involved

There are so many reasons to get involved with this once-a-year experience: QT making memories with family, friends and loved ones, time enjoying the beautiful outdoors running (or walking!!), and last but not least supporting a great cause. Pasisz shares that it all started out because “Emergency Food Bank Board Members and Community Volunteers wanted a memorable way to not only have an event for the community but also to serve as a fundraiser for the Emergency Food Bank of Stockton/San Joaquin.” They nailed it, hitting multiple needs in our community.

Pre-race Activities

And this year, as “the 15^th Run and Walk Against Hunger,” Pasisz tells us that “the event is expanding to a larger lifestyle festival pre-race with tons of vendors and area businesses showcasing their products in the ballpark parking lot. Interested parties can always bring canned food on race morning to donate to the Food Bank as well.” All of the changes add to the excitement and only make this day better. If you haven’t experienced it yet, this would be the year to check it out.

Sign Up NOW!

Per Pasisz, “Registration is easy – it can be done online at www.runagainsthunger.org, or people can show up on Thanksgiving Morning at the start location (Banner Island Ballpark, 404 W Fremont St) beginning at 6:00am to register.” Though many have already been counting down the days till 2019 Turkey Trot, there is plenty of room for you and your family. In fact, it won’t be the same without you 🙂 Sign up, it’ll be such a great opportunity to start the holiday off on the right foot and to work up that appetite for the rest of the day’s delicious festivities.

By Jessica Nguyen

It’s October… you know what that means: SPOOKY SEASON! Time to carve those pumpkins, buy Halloween candy, indulge on pumpkin pie, turn up Thriller on your speakers, and find the perfect costume! And yes, a white sheet with eye holes counts if you’re pressed on time — we understand! Looking to do more this month? We’ve compiled a list of several Halloween events happening around downtown in the upcoming week! Make sure to check our social media pages to stay updated on any new Halloween events that may be added.

Freak Night

This 21+ event is perfect for an exciting night out with friends. And the best part? You get to come dressed in a Halloween costume! Adorn yourself with sleek cat ears, fake blood splatter, or a high-necked cloak and get ready to party (but don’t come as a skeleton, or you’ll have no BODY to dance with!). This upscale Halloween event will take place at the Stockton Area in The Record Press Club on Saturday, October 19^th from 9pm to 12:30am, and will feature DJ Manuel C, DJ Monstermack, and drummer Ken ‘Kumbia Kenny’ Crosby. Bring your friends and dance through the witching hour!

Boozy Pumpkin Carving

It’s Halloween, what better excuse to carve pumpkins and get tipsy? Trail Coffee is hosting Boozy Pumpkin Carving on Tuesday, October 29^th from 6pm to 9pm. There will be pre-gutted pumpkins ready to be carved up to your wildest imaginations (Trail will also have stencils, so no pressure). Your ticket also includes a complimentary alcoholic apple cider and there will be small bites such as freshly roasted pumpkin seeds to snack on. If pumpkin carving with friends, alcoholic cider, and munching on treats aren’t enough of an incentive, the most creative pumpkin of the night will win a free bag of coffee! Don’t forget to RVSP to this event and maybe find some pumpkins to practice on.

2019 Dia de los Muertos Street Fiesta

Although this event isn’t exactly Halloween related, it’s one of our October events that you wouldn’t want to miss! This colorful, lively, and family friendly Fiesta hosted by the Mexican Heritage Center and Gallery will take place Saturday, October 26^th from 11am to 5pm. They’ll be shutting down 4 blocks of Sutter Street and Market Street just for this event! There will be art exhibits, live bands, food vendors, kids activities, a car show, and much more. ¡Feliz día de los Muertos!