GALT, CA (MPG) - As the air outside gets chillier, several holiday events are on the horizon that offer the opportunity for the community to gather to spend time with friends and family. Here are some upcoming area events, activities and charity opportunities to get the holiday season started off right.

Lighting of the Night on Dec. 6

The City of Galt will host its annual Lighting of the Night celebration on Saturday, Dec. 6, inviting residents to enjoy an evening filled with festive cheer, community spirit and family-friendly fun featuring a parade, market, Christmas caroling and more.

The Saturday Market returns for a special holiday edition along 4th Street, combining shopping, seasonal treats and family-friendly activities with Holiday Market on 4th Street starting at 4 p.m. The market will also offer a front-row view of the Lighting of the Night Parade.

From 4 to 8 p.m., local food vendors offering a variety of food options will be available along Civic Drive. A Christmas Caroling performance sharing holiday favorites that celebrate the spirit of the season will start at 5:15 p.m. at the Littleton Community Center at 410 Civic Drive. There will also be performances from local children as they sing festive songs, showcasing young talent from the community, at 5:30 p.m. at the same location.

The official Lighting of the Tree will be at 6:15 p.m. on Civic Drive, gathering at downtown to watch the official lighting of Galt’s Christmas tree.

The Lighting of the Night Christmas Parade will start at 6:30 p.m., bringing the community together in a display of holiday lights and creativity. Parade registration is now open for families, community groups, churches, businesses, bands, dance troupes and organizations of all kinds. Residents are encouraged to decorate a vehicle, design a float or showcase holiday spirit to help brighten the streets of Galt.

Applications are being accepted for vendors as well as parade participants interested in being part of the holiday market and parade; spaces are limited, register at bit.ly/3K4T6cL (case sensitive). For more information, contact the Special Events Department by calling 209-366-7115 or email [email protected].

Galt FFA Sock Drive

Looking for a way to give back this holiday season? Help the Galt High School Future Farmers of America by donating new socks to be wrapped and donated to a local shelter. Socks (new only) in any size for children, men and women are being accepted for donation.

The drop off box is located at 145 North Lincoln Way in Room 40. The drive will be from Dec. 1 to 12.

Thanksgiving Food Drive

For those interested in helping provide a meal for a local family to serve on their table this holiday season, community members can drop off any canned goods or Thanksgiving items at Galt Own Café Latte Co. at 1000 C St., Suite 70. It is requested that a form is filled out prior to donating, which can be accessed at gforms.app/zj1nN6r (case sensitive).

Navidad de los Niños (Kids’ Christmas)

The Galt Food Center will host a Navidad de los Niños (Kids’ Christmas) at its store, located at 814 A St, from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7.

This is a family-friendly event, with about 1,000 gifts being distributed to children as well as featuring a raffle for adults. Live music, snacks and drinks will be available. There will also be a special visit from Santa Claus for photo opportunities.

 

The Galt Sunrise Rotary Club’s 15th annual Galt Community Dinner will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Littleton Center at 410 Civic Drive. This is a free, family event that doesn’t require a ticket. Photo courtesy of Galt Sunrise Rotary Club

Galt Community Dinner

The Galt Sunrise Rotary Club will host its 15th annual Galt Community Dinner from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Littleton Center at 410 Civic Drive. This is a free, family event that doesn’t require the purchase of a ticket.

Rotary members invite the community to enjoy a holiday-style dinner complete with turkey, dessert and a soft drink with family, friends and neighbors.

The event draws the Galt community together each year and typically serves about 1,000 residents, offering a warm meal for those in need while also providing a place for neighbors to gather and connect.

Christmas on the Farm

Celebrate Christmas in the spirit of small-town rural charm by spending an afternoon at Lucero Organic Farms with s’mores, gingerbread house decorating, food and games from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 13. Henhouse Coffee Co. will be at the event serving festive drinks and the Working-Class Band will perform. Santa will also pay a visit from 2 to 4 p.m., taking pictures and collecting Christmas wish lists.

Lucero Organic Farms is located at 12561 Hauschildt Road. Contact 209-507-6910 or [email protected] for more information.

 

As the temperatures get chillier, several holiday events in Galt are on the horizon that offer the opportunity for the community gather to spend time with friends and family. Galt Herald file photo