10 Great Dates

Holidays on the Farm

Dell'Osso Family Farm invites you to their third annual Holiday on the Farm celebration, and the forecast calls for snow. Visitors of all ages can enjoy tons of activities including: making your own wreath or ornament, a magical drive through 240 different light displays, snow tubing, ice skating, and zip line rides. Don't forget to stop at Santa's Village where the big man in red will be waiting to take a picture with your kids. Pick up unique gifts and delicious holiday treats while you're there. Also available are beautiful, fresh-cut Christmas trees. Times and prices vary per attraction. Dell'Osso Family Farm, 26 Stewart Rd, Lathrop, (209) 982-0833, www.holidaysonthefarm.com

The Allure of Water: On Location with the Plein-Air Painters of America

Plein-air painters feel that painting on-location is essential to documenting the true emotional and physical attributes of a particular point in time and place. PAPA members and guest artists went into the field to experience and translate everything from rain, fog, and clouds, to lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. The result is PAPA's 23rd Exhibition & Sale, with more than 100 new paintings from across the country. Museum hours vary. $5 admission, free for museum members and children. Admission is free the first Saturday of each month. The Haggin Museum, Victory Park, 1201 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton, (209) 940-6300, www.hagginmuseum.org

Delta Reflections Lighted Boat Parade

The Marina West Yacht Club will light the Delta up in this beautiful 31 year-old tradition, when boats and yachts adorned in Christmas lights sail into Stockton's Downtown Waterfront. Watch from anywhere on the waterfront, but come early as the best spots are taken quickly. Stockton Yacht Charters will also be providing boats for those who are interested in enjoying the parade on a two-hour cruise with appetizers. 6-8 p.m. General admission free, boat tours $45. McCloud Lake and the Downtown Waterfront, Stockton, (209) 477-7653, www.mwyc.org

Festival of Trees

The 20th annual Festival of Trees presented by the San Joaquin County Historical Museum is sure to start the holiday season off with a bang. The event features more than seventy unique tree decorations, children's activities, and entertainment with a historical flair. The docents not only dress in Victorian garb but also demonstrate pioneer handcraft work like wood turning and weaving. The funds raised at this event will support the museum's youth and educational programs. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Adults $8, kids $1, parking $5. San Joaquin Historical Museum, 11793 Micke Grove Rd., Lodi, (209) 331-2055, www.sanjoaquinhistory.org

Handel's Messiah Ballet

Anastasis, a professional non-profit ballet company based in Tracy, will be performing excerpts from George Fredrick Handel's 1742 masterpiece, Messiah, in a holiday performance that will delight audiences of all ages. Handel's Messiah ballet provides the perfect opportunity for a holiday outing, with its spectacular music and dancing-last year's production was a huge success. In addition to the scheduled performances, Anastasis will be offering a special program to school children Friday, December 9 at 9:30 a.m. This is a great opportunity for teachers to introduce their students to the world of the fine arts. 8 p.m. $15-$25. Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, 715 Central Ave., Tracy, (209) 831-6858, www.atthegrand.org

It's a Wonderful Life: LIVE Radio Production!

Changing Faces Theater Company presents a live radio production of the classic holiday tale It's a Wonderful Life, written by Joe Landry, and directed by Mike Bartram and Sabrina Willis at the Empire Theatre in Stockton.  The story takes place on the stage and auditorium of Studio A at WBFR in Manhattan, New York, on Christmas Eve, 1946.  This is a perfect holiday treat for the entire family. All shows at 7:30 p.m. December 10 show at 2 p.m. $15. Stockton Empire Theatre, 1825 Pacific Ave., Stockton, (209) 327-2754, www.changingfacestheater.org

Stockton Symphony Presents: Holiday Pops

Come celebrate the holiday season with family and friends at this festive event. The Stockton Symphony will be joined by outstanding Broadway performer Doug LaBrecque, the Stockton Chorale, and the Stockton Youth Chorale for live renditions of all your favorite holiday classics. As always, you can count on spirited sing-alongs and Santa's cameo appearance. Shows at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. $10-$55. Atherton Auditorium, San Joaquin Delta College, 5151 Pacific Ave., Stockton, (209) 951-0196, www.stocktonsymphony.org

High Tea and Tour of Inn at Locke House

Come and experience some amazing local history while enjoying an old English tradition. The beautifully restored Locke House, now a Bed and Breakfast, has such a fascinating history that it was featured on the Home and Garden network's program, "Restore America." The tour includes wonderful stories, a breathtaking look at the gardens and building, and a three-course lunch and tea-time. Proceeds from this event benefit local charities.12:30 p.m. Adults $35, kids $15, The Inn at Locke House, 19960 Elliot Rd., Lockeford, (209) 727-5715, www.theinnatlockehouse.com

The Nutcracker

This Christmas classic comes to life with the collaboration of the Lodi Youth Ballet and ballet students from the Hutchins Street Square Community Center. Watch as these talented individuals invoke the terror of the Rat King as Clara and her toy friends come to life before your very eyes to save the evening. Both kids and adults will appreciate the timeless music and dance numbers beautifully performed by these graceful dancers. 7 p.m. Adults $13, kids $8. Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St., Lodi, (209) 333-5550, www.hutchinsstreetsquare.com

Friends of the Fox Present: White Christmas

It wouldn't be Christmas without a viewing of one of the most beloved holiday song-and-dance classics ever filmed: White Christmas. Starring Hollywood legends like Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney, this film will have you tap-dancing in your seat. Bring your camera for a very special meet-and-greet with Santa Claus. 7 p.m. Adults $8, kids $4. Bob Hope Theatre, 242 E. Main St., Stockton, (209) 337-HOPE, www.bobhopetheatre.com