Two large inflatable toy soldiers framing the Toyland sign at Manteca Winterfest.
Inflatable toy soldiers stand tall at the entrance to the Toyland section of Manteca Winterfest. (Photo by Daniel Garza/Stocktonia)

Manteca has launched a new holiday tradition this year. Winterfest runs from Nov. 23 through Jan. 11 and brings families together with lights, treats and activities. The event is designed for visitors of all ages and offers several places to explore as the season begins.

Two young children writing letters to Santa at a festive Winterfest activity booth.
Children write their letters to Santa at the North Pole-themed workshop booth. (Photo by Daniel Garza/Stocktonia)

A Huge Inflatable Playground

One of the biggest draws of Winterfest is Bounce Nation, a 20,000-square-foot inflatable playground. Families can walk through bright tunnels, climb soft obstacles and jump across the large play areas. Because of its size, the attraction can hold many people at once, which makes it easy for kids to move around without long waits.

A child runs inside a brightly colored inflatable obstacle course framed by large green and white inflatable shapes at Manteca Winterfest.
A child runs through the entrance of a large multicolored inflatable obstacle course at Manteca Winterfest. (Photo by Daniel Garza/Stocktonia)

Rides and Holiday Decor

In addition to the inflatable park, the event includes a holiday train ride, a skating rink, and themed play zones such as Toyland and Mini Manteca. Visitors can also browse rows of Christmas trees under hanging lights. The mix of rides, games and decorated spaces helps create a cheerful atmosphere as evening arrives.

  • Overhead string lights illuminate seating, firepits, and rows of Christmas trees with colorful inflatables in the background at Manteca Winterfest.
    String lights hang above the seating and firepit area while large inflatable attractions and Christmas trees fill the background at Manteca Winterfest. (Photo by Daniel Garza/Stocktonia)
  • Fresh Christmas trees arranged beneath string lights at Winterfest’s tree lot.
    Fresh-cut Christmas trees displayed at Morning Glory Farm’s tree stand inside Winterfest. (Photo by Daniel Garza/Stocktonia)
  • A small holiday train decorated with wreaths and bows at Winterfest.
    A decorated holiday train sits ready for families to board at Manteca Winterfest. (Photo by Daniel Garza/Stocktonia)
  • Visitors walking through the “Welcome to Winterfest” entrance arch on opening night.
    The entrance arch welcoming visitors to Manteca Winterfest as families arrive for the evening. (Photo by Daniel Garza/Stocktonia)
  • A large colorful inflatable playground from Bounce Nation at Manteca Winterfest, shown at sunset.
    A wide view of Bounce Nation’s massive 20,000 square foot inflatable playground at Manteca Winterfest. (Photo by Daniel Garza/Stocktonia)
  • Welcome to Mini Manteca” sign in front of a red and white striped booth at Winterfest.
    A sign welcomes families to Mini Manteca, a kid-sized version of the city filled with themed activities. (Photo by Daniel Garza/Stocktonia)
  • Worker cleaning and preparing the outdoor ice rink at Manteca Winterfest.
    A Winterfest staff member maintains the ice skating rink before guests arrive. (Photo by Daniel Garza/Stocktonia)

Activities for Kids

Children can write letters to Santa, color at craft tables or play in small activity zones made just for younger visitors. These areas are close to seating and firepits, so parents can relax while keeping an eye on their kids. Because the event is spread out, families can move from one activity to another without feeling rushed.

A child throws a toy axe in a family game area at Manteca Winterfest.
A family enjoys a log toss game in the outdoor activities area at Winterfest. (Photo by Daniel Garza/Stocktonia)

Food and Seasonal Treats

Winterfest also offers hot cocoa, snacks and warm spots to sit. Guests can take a break, enjoy food from local vendors or simply stay by the firepits while music plays. Since the event takes place outdoors, these areas help everyone stay comfortable as temperatures drop.

A New Tradition for the Community

Winterfest aims to become an annual gathering for Manteca residents. With its mix of lights, games and seasonal displays, the event gives families a new place to celebrate the holidays together. Although this is its first year, organizers say they hope it will continue to grow and bring more people to the city each winter.