guides

Celebrate the Holidays in Stockton: Your 2024 Guide to Family Fun

Santa sightings, craft fairs, seasonal attractions, and more!

By Josh & Amy Rose Stoner, MacKid Lodi and Stockton Publishers October 31, 2024

The holiday magic is back, and Stockton is your go-to destination for family-friendly, holiday fun this season! From festive events to spectacular light displays, local shopping and Santa visits, Macaroni KID Stockton has your ultimate guide to the best local holiday events. Explore our curated list of activities and make your holidays unforgettable! 

Looking to find holiday events in Stockton? Want to know where to meet Santa? Stay updated with the best seasonal events happening in the 209. From tree lightings to Santa visits and holiday craft fairs, there’s something for everyone!

We’ll update this list frequently as more events are announced, so make sure to check back often!


Thank you to the sponsor of our Holiday Guide, The Haggin Museum




The Haggin Museum is an art and history museum in Stockton, CA serving the community for 90 years. Some of the highlights on display include paintings by American and European artists, such as Jean Béraud, Albert Bierstadt, Rosa Bonheur, William Bouguereau, Jean-Léon Gérôme, George Inness and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. The history galleries feature a 12.5 ton Holt Caterpillar tractor, as well as other accomplishments of the area's residents. No visit to Stockton is complete without stopping by the Haggin!







Photos With Santa

November 21 through December 24 | Weberstown Mall

Bring the family to capture holiday moments with Santa that you’ll treasure forever! Santa will be available for photos and visits from Nov. 21 – Dec. 24. Save time and avoid the line this holiday season by purchasing your photo package in advance when you reserve your time slot. Walk-ins are also welcome! Click the link below to reserve your spot today!

Photos and visits with Santa will be available during specific hours. Find Santa in Center Court.

Monday-Saturday 11am-7pm (break 3-4pm)
Sunday 12pm-6pm (break 3-3:30pm)

November 21st and 22nd 3-7pm

December 23rd 10am-8pm (breaks 2-3pm and 5-5:30pm)

Christmas Eve 9am-4pm (break 1-2pm)












Paws and Claus

December 2 from 5pm to 7pm | Weberstown Mall

Paws AND Claus, what could be cuter?! Stop by Weberstown Mall for a paws-itively cute pic of your pet with Santa on December 2nd from 5pm – 7pm. They’re going to love him – we just know it!






Sensitive Santa

December 8 | Weberstown Mall

Sensitive Santa is coming to Weberstown Mall on December 8th. Join us for a sensory-friendly Santa experience! There will be a variety of sensory friendly activities for everyone to enjoy while meeting Santa before the hustle and bustle of regular mall hours. Reserve your time slot HERE.




Santa Sunday

December 8 from 1:30pm to 4pm | The Haggin Museum

The Haggin is decorated for Christmas, the cookies are baked, the punch is poured and Santa will be at the Museum… he wants to visit with you! 



Nothing Bundt Cakes

128 Lincoln Center, Stockton

Love is at the heart of everything we do. You’ll taste it in our innovative flavors, thoughtful designs and unwavering commitment to make every moment unforgettable. And that love shows in every delectable crumb, from just-the-right-size, blissful Bundtlets to show-stopping Decorated Cakes and beyond.







Holiday Open House

November 1-7 | With Garden Flair

Come celebrate the start of the Holiday Season at your place to shop for unique, extraordinary, and whimsical gifts! Save 30% on all Trim-A-Tree (excluding Mark Robers and Jingle Nog). Mention MAC KID, and get an additional 10% off your total purchase (this includes seasonal and everyday items)!








Holiday Craft Fair

November 9 from 9am to 2pm | Banner Island Ballpark

Join us for our first Holiday Craft Fair to be held in the west parking lot at Banner Island Ballpark.
Come shop a huge selection of crafts and items from local makers and curators. There will also be lots of food vendors there selling amazing food, drinks, and more!
Make sure to come out and support our local community this holiday season!







Holiday Open House

November 23 from 10am to 5pm | Regalo Bello







Segale Bros Christmas Trees

Opening November 26 at 10am | Lodi Grape Festival

Green trees, custom flocking and glitter, fresh wreaths and garland all available daily until sold out. Follow us on Instagram for all our updates, @lodichristmastrees






Christmas Holiday Stroll

December 5 | December 6 | December 18 | December 19

6pm - 9pm | Oak Farm Vineyards






Coat and Sock Drive

November 1 - December 31 | Lincoln Center

Spread the warmth this season! Now through December 31 — donate new or gently used coats and new socks to various participating merchants in Lincoln Center. All items collected will be donated to the Gospel Center Rescue Mission. Listed above are all the locations to which you can bring your donations.









2nd Saturdays for Families | Polar Bears

November 9 from 1pm to 2:30pm | The Haggin Museum

Get creative at the Haggin! 2nd Saturday events are designed for children ages 5-12 and feature hands-on events for families. Activities include art projects, interactive programs, and museum-wide events. Reservations are not required, but seating is available on a first come-first served basis. Materials and activities are included with regular admission. The hands-on activity includes a read-out-loud program that will blend storytelling with creativity! This quarter’s books include Mr. Oliver’s Magic at the Museum, Polar Bear, and Emperor of the Ice: How a Changing Climate Affects a Penguin Colony.







Magical Christmas Train

November 29 through January 4 | West Sacramento

Step aboard the Magical Christmas Train and be transported to an enchanting winter wonderland!
Find magic in memories that will last a lifetime with a holiday tradition that is fun for the whole family. Santa's elves will be on board to guide passengers in holiday sing-a-longs, elfish games, and fun festive activities. Santa Claus will also join us for a visit with each family!







Festival of Trees

December 7 and 8 from 10am to 4pm | San Joaquin County Historical Museum

Festival of Trees is an annual tradition at the San Joaquin County Historical Museum. Join us for this festive, two-day celebration featuring crafts, entertainment, food, and beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Enjoy performances by local artists, pick up festive swag or a wreath made by our Docent Council members, and stroll our beautiful 18-acre grounds as you and your families make memories which will last a lifetime!







Stockton Kings vs. Rip City Remix: WINTER WONDERLAND

December 13 from 7pm to 10pm | Adventist Health Arena

Cheer on Stockton's very own Stockton Kings! Bring the kids to downtown Stockton to make memories while enjoying an exciting game of basketball. Before the game, the Grinch will be available for photos, and the halftime performer will be Chin Balancer Kevin Shifflet!

Let's go Kings!







2nd Saturdays for Families | Upcycled Penguins

December 14 from 1pm to 2:30pm | The Haggin Museum

Get creative at the Haggin! 2nd Saturday events are designed for children ages 5-12 and feature hands-on events for families. Activities include art projects, interactive programs, and museum-wide events. Reservations are not required, but seating is available on a first come-first served basis. Materials and activities are included with regular admission. The hands-on activity includes a read-out-loud program that will blend storytelling with creativity! This quarter’s books include Mr. Oliver’s Magic at the Museum, Polar Bear, and Emperor of the Ice: How a Changing Climate Affects a Penguin Colony.









Christmas Faire

November 17, 11am to 5pm | Lincoln Center

It’s that time of year at Lincoln Center and we Ho-Ho-Hope you can join us for our Christmas Faire – a one-day only event for friends, family, and holiday cheer! Surprise yourself and get a head start on your holiday shopping and decorating with incredible in-store promotions and sales, while enjoying holiday music from local musicians throughout the Center. Before you shop-till-you-drop, visit Santa Claus and take a ride on the Chug-A-Bug Train. Enjoy the first snowfall of the season, Santa’s reindeer, horse and carriage rides and be sure to take advantage of free photos in front of our festively decorated Christmas tree.








Storytime with Mrs. Claus

December 14 from 11am to 12pm | Weberstown Mall

Bring the kids to a special Storytime with Mrs. Claus!  She will read stories, help with crafts and share a treat with the little ones. This event will be located at the Tiny Library near LensCrafters. Books and crafts available while supplies last.

We can’t wait to see you!







Cookies and Claus

December 14 from 1pm to 2pm | Weberstown Mall

Children can spend some quality time with Mrs. Claus from 1pm – 2pm in Dillard’s Court. This free event features cookies and holiday crafts. This is an event you don’t want to miss! While supplies last.








Christmas Lightshow 

Lincoln Presbyterian Church

Premiere Experience | December 14 at 5pm to 7:30pm

Drive-In | December 15 between 6pm and 8pm



Parent tip: Event details can change! Always confirm event details before heading out.

Bookmark this page, as we’ll be adding even more Stockton holiday events and family-friendly activities throughout the season!