Today, you can partake in an outdoor holiday festival and view a 51 year-old Manteca tradition — the downtown twilight Christmas parade.

The Manteca Chamber of Commerce holiday fair, dubbed “Christmas in the Park,” returns from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.  at the downtown Library Park.  

The free event includes food trucks, kiddie rides, children’s activities, entertainment, craft and gift vendors, as well as photos with Santa.

At 5 p.m., grand marshal Kitty Walker of the Manteca Veterans of Foreign Wars will lead the parade down Yosemite Avenue. from Library Park to Garfield Avenue at Manteca High.

 This year’s theme is Winter Wonderland.

The two largest Manteca community Christmas celebrations are once again being staged by the Manteca Chamber of Commerce.

Christmas at the Center.

The City of Manteca’s annual Christmas at the Center will take place on Thursday, Dec. 7., from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This promises to be an evening full of fun and holiday cheer.

Added the Manteca Recreation & Community Services on its Facebook page: “Arrive at 5:30 p.m. to witness the Tree Lighting Ceremony and hang an ornament on the tree.”

This is in reference to the tree in front of the Civic Center, 1001 W. Center St.

The evening will include a candy crawl, photos with Santa, food trucks & vendors, selfie stations, and snacks along with craft items.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantrecabulletin.com