Manteca City Hall was transformed into a Winter Wonderland on Thursday.

It was all part of Christmas at the Center highlighted by the annual lighting of large evergreen in front of the complex.

Family-fun once again included people hanging their personal Christmas ornaments on the tree – They’ll be allowed to pick them up after Jan. 3, according to the city’s Recreation & Community Services Manager Brandy Clark.

As for the event, she indicated that every year the city works to add more activities. “We’re expanding it to bring in more people,” Clark said.

The Senior Center offered free photos with Santa Claus along with offering up cookies and hot chocolate to all.

It was there the youngsters enjoyed doing crafts, writing letters to Santa, hear a live reading of “’Twas the Night before Christmas” – all to the live music of JC Music’s One Man Band.

Speaking of performances, Miles Lima of GK Music entertained folks early on playing the electric key board. He received recognition in 2019 for dominating the National Braille Challenge in Los Angeles.

Lima was age 10 back then when he displayed exceptional skills with the braille machine including speed reading – he lost his vision at an early age.

Now 14, the Manteca teen has been performing music, displaying strong singing chops while skillfully playing the piano.

Christmas at the Center also consisted of “snow” play, candy crawl, and Santa Paws Dog Adoptions in the Recreation Courtyard; Reindeer Games in the Recreation Department; and multiple selfie stations throughout the complex.