From Broadway musicals and ballet classics to jiu-jitsu tournaments and Santa’s arrival, the weeks leading up to the holidays are packed with performances and family-friendly celebrations across Stockton. Here’s a look at the events happening from Nov. 21 through Dec. 14:
Read on for a sampling of events from Visit Stockton, Stocktonia’s event calendar and other community event organizers.
Anastasia at Stockton Civic Theatre
Nov. 22–Dec. 14 | 2312 Rosemarie Lane, Stockton | $23–$38
Inspired by the animated film, Anastasia follows a young woman’s search for identity against the backdrop of post-revolutionary Russia and the romantic streets of 1920s Paris. Stockton Civic Theatre brings this sweeping musical to life with rich costumes, striking sets and a mix of mystery, danger and hope.
Anya, unsure of her past, teams up with a con artist and an ex-aristocrat while being pursued by a Soviet officer. Together they embark on a journey of discovery, belonging and love.
Showtimes:
- Nov. 22–23, Nov. 28–30
- Dec. 4–7, Dec. 11–14
- Evening performances at 7:30 p.m. (Thursday through Saturday)
- Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.
- Select Saturday matinees at 1 p.m.
Tickets are available through the Stockton Civic Theatre website or box office.
The Heart of Christmas presented by SONdance
Nov. 21–22 | First Baptist Church, 3535 N. El Dorado St., Stockton | $15
SONdance returns with The Heart of Christmas, a dance-based retelling of the nativity story set to festive music and performed by more than 100 local dancers. The show includes dramatic storytelling, pageantry and costumes designed to capture the wonder of the holiday season.
Performances:
- Friday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 22 at 2 p.m.
For tickets and more information, visit sondance.org or call (209) 823-1740.
Upcycled Garden at Horton Art Gallery
Through Dec. 12 | Delta College, Shima 144, Stockton | Free
Artist Daniel “Attaboy” Seifert’s Upcycled Garden continues its run at San Joaquin Delta College’s Horton Gallery. The exhibit features cardboard-based sculptures crafted from everyday waste like pizza boxes and Amazon packaging. Each piece is part art, part diary of consumption.
Originally created during the pandemic, the installation is playful yet reflective, blending whimsy with themes of healing and environmental awareness. A student-led garden installation complements the main work.
Gallery hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
- Friday: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Jiu Jitsu World League Finals NorCal
Nov. 22 | 7:30 a.m. | Adventist Health Arena, 248 W. Fremont St., Stockton
Watch athletes of all ages compete in Gi and No-Gi formats at this high-level grappling event. Held at Adventist Health Arena, the finals offer an action-packed day of technique and tenacity as fighters compete for regional titles.
Tickets are sold at the door. Spectators are encouraged to support downtown Stockton restaurants before or after the event.
Santa’s Arrival at Weberstown Mall
Nov. 22 | 3–4 p.m. | Mershops Weberstown Mall, 4950 Pacific Ave., Stockton | Free
Kick off the holiday season as Santa arrives at Weberstown Mall with music from DJ June, cookies with Mrs. Claus, crafts and a holiday-themed AI photo booth. It’s a festive, family-friendly celebration aimed at bringing holiday joy to shoppers and kids alike.
Pacific Women’s Basketball vs. Cal State Fullerton
Nov. 23 | 2 p.m. | Alex G. Spanos Center, 1178 Larry Heller Dr., Stockton | $8+
Come cheer on the Pacific Tigers as they take on Cal State Fullerton in an NCAA Division I matchup. Tickets start at $8, and the game offers an afternoon of competitive basketball on the University of the Pacific campus.
World Ballet Company: Cinderella
Nov. 23 | 7–10 p.m. | Bob Hope Theatre, 242 E. Main St., Stockton | $43+
The World Ballet Company presents Cinderella, a full-length production featuring more than 150 handmade costumes, a cast of 40 international dancers and elegant sets. The classic fairy tale unfolds with grace and charm, offering a magical evening for ballet lovers of all ages.
Based in Los Angeles, the company tours nationally with a mission to make ballet accessible and inspiring to all audiences. Tickets are available through the Bob Hope Theatre box office or online.
Have an event to share? Add it for free to Stocktonia’s event calendar.