10 Great Dates

compiled by KATY BERRY

Holiday Pops Concert

December 12, Stockton

Celebrate with the Stockton Symphony as they join forces with the Stockton Chorale to provide musical merriment during the 2010 holiday season. Eric Margiore makes a welcomed return, enhancing the festivities with his vocal magic. The program will provide numerous beloved holiday carols, sing-alongs, and even a few surprises. Bring the whole family! 3 p.m. $22-$55. Atherton Auditorium, San Joaquin Delta College, 2525 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, (209) 951-0196, www.stocktonsymphony.org

Oklahoma!

Through December 12, Stockton

Rogers and Hammerstein's first collaboration, Oklahoma!, has remained one of the most beloved musicals to hit the stage and screen throughout the years. Now, the Stockton Civic Theatre brings you this classic story of love and drama on the range, with all the songs you remember and adore. Showtimes vary. Adults $25, students and children $15. Stockton Civic Theatre, 2312 Rosemarie Lane, Stockton, (209) 473-2424, www.sctlivetheatre.com

Altered Landscapes Photography Exhibit

Through December 16, Stockton

Come delight in the dark and dreamy landscapes of some of the nation's most talented photographers, on display here in Stockton at Delta College. The work, which has been juried by award-winning curator Carol McCusker, is sure to impress, provoke, and fascinate onlookers. Thirty-four images will be on display from eighteen different artists. Gallery open Tuesdays through Fridays at 11 a.m., and one Saturday, November 20. Closing times vary. Free. L.H. Horton Jr. Gallery, Delta College, 5151 Pacific Ave., Stockton, (209) 954-5507, www.deltacollege.edu

Holidays on the Farm

Through January 2, Lathrop

Dell'Osso Farm is ready for another magical Christmas season at Holidays on the Farm. Visitors can enjoy tubing down Dell'Osso's very own snow mountain, ice skating on their new rink, or taking the mile-long drive around the farm decked out with 500 professionally designed light-scenes. Santa's Village (only open till Dec. 24) is complete with live reindeer, Christmas tree shopping, and of course, Kris Kringle himself! Don't forget to stop at Santa's workshop for great gifts and holiday treats. Times and prices vary per attraction. Dell'Osso Family Farm, 26 Stewart Rd., Lathrop, (209) 982-0833, www.holidaysonthefarm.com

Stockton Thunder vs. Utah Grizzlies

December 11, Stockton

Come support Stockton's own hockey team and get rowdy with the Thunder mascot as you watch our boys battle the Utah Grizzlies on ice. You don't need to know much about hockey to fall hard for the energy and excitement of this sport. The Thunder will also be giving away fleece blankets to the first thousand fans (ages 13+) to arrive, so you can stay warm on the ice and show your Stockton pride all winter long. 7:30 p.m. $7-$28. Stockton Arena, 248 W. Fremont St., Stockton, (209) 373-1400, www.stocktonthunder.com

Sketchbook: The Art of Drawing

Through January 15, Stockton

The Knowlton Gallery will be closing the year with a large group show featuring 2-3 drawings or sketches by each of the Gallery's artists. The show will also be selling the pieces at lower prices to accommodate limited budgets this holiday season. There will be many wonderful works to choose from, whether you're a collector or simply enjoy browsing. The opening reception for this exhibit will be December 4, 1-4 p.m. Free. Gallery hours: Tues-Sat 11-5 p.m. Knowlton Gallery, 114 S. School St., Lodi, (209) 368-5123, www.knowltongallery.com

Manteca Twilight Holiday Parade

December 4, Manteca

Manteca's Chamber of Commerce will light up the streets of downtown Manteca once again this year for their annual Twilight Holiday Parade, with the theme “Let it Snow.” With usually about 120 entries, some of them quite large, over 1,000 men, women, and children will march down Yosemite Avenue on floats and afoot, twinkling with festive lights and decor. Locals and visitors line Yosemite Ave. from the railroad tracks to Manteca High School for the enchanting procession, which ends with Santa riding on an antique fire engine. Honors go to the two floats that best represent the year's theme. 5 p.m. Free. Yosemite Ave., Manteca. (209) 823-6121, www.manteca.org.

Crawl for a Clause and Annual Lighted Boat Parade

December 4, Stockton

Put on your best beard and join over 300 Santa and Mrs. Claus pub crawlers as they descend on Downtown Stockton to enjoy festive food and drink while kicking off the holiday season. While there, don't miss the free annual Lighted Boat Parade in Downtown Stockton's Marina, gifted by the Village West Yacht Club. The boats arrive by 5:30 pm, and the best seating is on Weber Avenue near the Waterfront Warehouse, in Weber Point, or at the Lexington Plaza Waterfront Hotel. Crawl begins at 5 p.m.-midnight. Tickets start at $15, which includes drinks, appetizers, and trolley transportation. Downtown Stockton, (209) 464-5246, www.downtownstockton.org

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular

December 15, Sacramento

The holiday season in New York City is quite a wonderful sight to be seen, at least once. If you can't make it out east this year, not to worry, because one of the most legendary Christmas events in New York is coming to Sacramento. See the Radio City Rockettes perform their impeccable high kicks with Santa, the elves, and Mrs. Claus in this stunning spectacle that's been thrilling audiences for seventy-five years. Shows at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. $47-$67. Arco Arena, One Sports Parkway, Sacramento, (916) 928-6900, www.radiocitychristmas.com

The Nutcracker

December 18-19, Tracy

See the magical tale of The Nutcracker come to life in Tracy as the Children's Dance Theatre brings the classic story of Clara and all her toy friends to the stage at the Tracy Grand. Both kids and adults will appreciate the timeless music of this holiday favorite, as well as the fun costumes and delightful dance numbers. Shows at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. $15-$25. Tracy Grand Theatre, 715 Central Ave., Tracy, (209) 831-6858, www.atthegrand.org