Join us this December 13th for National Wreaths Across America Day at Oak View Memorial Park Cemetery to help us honor those who’ve served by sponsoring a wreath to be placed on a veteran’s grave in honor of their service and sacrifice.
The mission of Wreaths Across America is to “Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom. Our volunteers are the beating heart of the program and work year-round to share this important mission and inspire others to join.”
Join the more than two million volunteers and supporters who will gather to Remember, Honor and Teach at more than 5,200 participating locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad.
Santa arrived during the Holiday Delites Parade riding in the Antioch Historical Society’s old fire truck. Later, the Antioch and Deer Valley High School Marching Bands performed Christmas carols together in Waldie Plaza following the Christmas Tree lighting. All photos by Allen D. Payton
See photos and parade winners
By Allen D. Payton
The Antioch community joined together to begin the Christmas season with the annual Holiday Delites Celebration with the parade and Christmas Tree lighting in 46-degree weather in historic, downtown Rivertown on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. The event began with a Sip & Shop with local stores open and vendor booths on G Street.
Before the Christmas Tree Lighting in Waldie Plaza, City staff handed out gifts of STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – Kits to children while families took photos with Santa and the Grinch.
The countdown to the Christmas Tree Lighting was led by Mayor Ron Bernal who was joined by Mayor Pro Tem Louie Rocha, Councilwomen Monica Wilson and Tamisha Torres-Walker, City Clerk Michael Mandy and Parks and Recreation Director Shahad Wright.
Following the tree lighting, the Deer Valley Choir sang Christmas carols followed by the Antioch and Deer Valley High School Marching Bands who joined together to perform more Christmas carols.
Join local communities, friends and family take a step for health at the 49th Annual Holiday Run & Walk for Health – a memorial to Paul Schorr – at Contra Loma Regional Park, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025.
Hosted by Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Antioch and Rotary Club of the Delta (Antioch), this cherished community event that promotes fitness and well-being was founded 49 years ago by Tom Torlakson, former Antioch Councilman, County Supervisor, State Assemblyman, State Senator and California Superintendent of Public Instruction. The event honors the legacy of Paul Schorr, a dedicated race director who passionately supported local runners as well as local Kiwanis and Rotary members, who passed away on April 12, 2023.
2013 Holiday Run 3-mile race participants begin. Herald file photo
Participants of all ages are encouraged to lace up their shoes and enjoy a day of fun camaraderie and holiday spirit. Come be a part of this time-honored tradition.
Race Schedule:
7:30 AM – Registration Opens
9:00 AM – 1 Mile 9:35 AM – 5K Run/Walk
10:15 AM – Kid’s Dash with Santa
Holiday Run Course Map.
The event is located at Contra Loma Regional Park – 1200 Frederickson Lane, Antioch. As you enter the park, you will stop at a parking booth. Tell them you are here for the Kiwanis/Rotary Run and they will tell you were to park. The race will take place in the parking lot of the swimming lagoon.
Frank Ballesteros’ adaptation of ‘A Christmas Carol’ showcases local Antioch community theater talent
By Carla Baker Marymee
Ebenezer Scrooge played by Joe Ballesteros in the 2025 Humbug play in Antioch. Photo: The Mad Hatter Players
“Humbug,” a Bay Area tradition is returning for its 49th year. Joe Ballesteros is performing as the character of Ebenezer Scrooge in “Humbug,” as an injury prevents his father, Frank Ballesteros, from performing. “Humbug” is an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella entitled, “A Christmas Carol.”
Presented at the Paulette Taylor Studio, located at 307 G Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown, show times are: Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Dec. 22 & Dec. 23 at 7 p.m.; and Christmas Eve at 11 a.m.
“Humbug” mirrors the traditional story of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol,’ similar to the 1954 classic movie and the 1980’s version played by George C. Scott. The production includes one spirit (Jacob Marley) and three ghosts that represent Scrooge’s past, present, and future, with each embodying a different theme.
However, there are a few minor modifications. While Frank Ballesteros’ adaptation of the classic Christmas Carol finds Scrooge understanding that true fulfillment comes from compassion, generosity, and human connection, he also accepts Christ in his heart.
“It’s the same message of Christmas, one of the most iconic and beloved Christmas stories of all time. The message is especially important today. Plays like ‘A Christmas Carol’ are central to many people’s holiday experience because it continues to embody the season’s spirit,” Joe Ballesteros said.
“This play evokes a sense of tradition. Many families in Antioch have made attending this holiday play a cherished annual tradition. The play brings a room of strangers together, providing a shared cultural touchstone, uniting families and communities through storytelling,” Jim Lanter, show producer said.
The actors portraying Bob Cratchit and family, including Tiny Tim (center front) in the 2025 Humbug play in Antioch. Photo: The Mad Hatter Players
Presented by the Madd Hatter Players, the actors include: Ebenezer Scrooge-Joe Ballesteros; Bob Cratchit-Curtis Moore; Anne Cratchit-Kelly Halvorson; Peter Cratchit-John Hilton; Belinda Cratchit-Vivienne Riley; Martha Cratchit-Tori Gregory; Elizabeth Cratchit- Avery Simmons; Edwina-Zoey Siino; Edward-John Hilton; Tiny Tim-Nello Siino; Frederick Holywell-Christien Green; Mrs. Cooper-Patti Blevins; The Collector-Suzanne Pamphile; Jacob Marley-Christian Nance; Ghost of Christmas Past-Jenna Riley; Ghost of Christmas Present-Adriana Arceo; Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come-Anthony Chaves; Belle-Jessica Miller Drum; Ebenezer-Jaime Aragon Jr.; Mr.Fezziwig-Robert Sisk; Mrs. Fezziwig-Deborah Misquez; Dick Williams-Elijah Enriquez; Young Ebenezer-Ruhaan Kumar; Fan- Marisa Misquez; Stern Man-David Calvo; Georgina–Olivia Dukes; Alice-Chole Coon; Jane-Paisley Greenlaw; Ignorance-Odin Slaughter; Want-Genevieve Slaughter.
The actors who portray the three Spirits and Jacob Marley (2nd from left) in the 2025 Humbug play in Antioch. Photo: The Mad Hatter Players
The play is sponsored by the Rotary Club of the Delta and Jim Lanter State Farm Insurance. The play is produced by Jim Lanter and directed by Joe Ballesteros, Curtis Moore, and Kelly Halvorson.
The doors will open 45 min. before show time. The audience is urged to arrive early as tickets will only be sold at the door: Adults $20, Seniors $15, and Children $8.
Parking is readily available at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center, Antioch City Hall, and Pantell’s Music Box parking lot.
Gift Wrapping Event at Barnes & Noble Thursday, Dec. 4; plus, Warm Coat and CANTREE Food Drives and more
By Jody Drewery, President, Women’s Council of REALTORS®
Real Estate is not just about buying and selling homes — it’s about showing up for our community. I’m proud to be a part of the Delta Women’s Council of REALTORS® and the Delta Association of REALTORS® Community Foundation, where giving back is at the heart of what we do.
This season, we have several opportunities to make a difference — and you don’t have to be a REALTOR® to help.
First, join us this Thursday! Delta Women’s Council of REALTORS® will be at Barnes & Noble in the Streets of Brentwood (2475 Sand Creek Road, Suite 100) for a community Gift Wrapping Event and hosting Adopt-a-Senior.
You can also:
Donate to the Warm Coat Drive (see above) or
Donate a Gift Card
Donate canned goods to the CANTREE Food Drive (see below)
Every contribution, big or small, helps someone in need — and with the year many families have had, from economic challenges to government impacts, there has never been a more meaningful time to come together.
If you’d like additional information or want to get involved, please call (925) 818-1977 or visit www.facebook.com/WCRDelta. Let’s collaborate and spread some love throughout our community.
Customers drive through the Tunnels of Joy at the Chick-fil-A Antioch at Lone Tree Way in the Slatten Ranch Shopping Center. Photo by Allen D. Payton
Donations, 10% of specific sales support effort through Dec. 31
By Allie Packer
Chick-fil-A Antioch at Lone Tree Way has partnered with Tunnels of Joy to bring the spirit of the season to life—one car at a time. The restaurant transformed its drive-thru into a “Tunnel of Joy,” complete with Christmas lights, festive décor and live carolers. This special effort is to support six-year-old Angelo Venegas, a local child bravely battling brain cancer. Guests will find QR codes on signage and in carry-out bags, providing them an easy way to donate for Angelo through Dec. 31. Additionally, the restaurant will donate 10% of the sale of all Peppermint Chip Milkshake sales to support Angelo during the same time frame.
“We’re honored to partner with Tunnels of Joy to help bring light, hope and joy to families battling health challenges during the holiday season,” said Evan Hawthorne, local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Antioch at Lone Tree Way. “We invite our community to join us in celebrating the season and supporting a cause that truly touches the hearts of so many people in our community.
“Tunnels of Joy” is a Brentwood-based neighborhood group dedicated to raising funds and awareness for pediatric cancer patients and their families. Tunnels of Joy creates holiday light displays, featuring a walking path illuminated by lights and festive decorations.
Source: Tunnels of Joy
According to a post on the Tunnels of Joy Facebook page, “The reason for The Tunnels of Joy Season…ways to donate:
1. Venmo Donations go directly to the family. Just scan the QR Code.
2. Donation Boxes are located at Tunnels of Joy on La Costa Dr and Torrey Pines…you can also drop off letters to Angelo here.
3. Chick fil A on Lone Tree is donating a percentage of its Peppermint Shake sales to Angelo, now through Dec 31st.”
Chick-fil-A Antioch is located at 5705 Lone Tree Way in the Slatten Ranch Shopping Center, is open 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed Sunday.
Support foster children and low-income families; Toy Drive Dec. 13
By Michael Young, Hope With Lights Ministry
Come see the Hope With Lights Ministry annual Toy Drive & Light Show all about Christmas featuring songs by Bluey, Taylor Swift and more at 4416 Belvedere Way in Antioch, Sunday through Thursday, 5:30 pm to 8 pm, Fridays and Saturdays till 9 pm, now through January 1st. Don’t miss out!
Toy Drive
On Saturday, Dec. 13 from 5:30 pm to 8 pm, come help us support foster children and low-income families by dropping off new toys for girls or boys and see the amazing lights and sounds of the Christmas Season. Treats will be served!
Hosted by E3 Realty and The Money Store.
About Hope With Lights Ministry
Hope With Lights Ministry is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing joy, light and lasting impact to foster children, low-income families and underserved communities.
Our main event is the annual Christmas Light Show & Toy Drive. Through an amazing Christmas light show and community collaboration, Hope With Lights highlights the needs of foster children and support families facing food insecurity. We empower these families with meaningful resources. With every twinkle, every toy and every act of kindness, we aim to build a brighter day for those in need.
“And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” Matthew 25:40
We are proud to hold the Candid Silver Seal of Transparency, demonstrating our commitment to openness and accountability. Every donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law and directly supports our mission to bring light, hope and joy to foster children and families in need.
Antioch Police are collecting donations and will join the Vistalli family at their “Disney House” on Dec. 6, 2025, for a drive-by donation event. Herald file photo
With Antioch Unified School District during Giving Tuesday Dec. 2, Disney House Event Dec. 6
Also accepting blankets, gloves, socks, hats and scarves and cash or Venmo donations
By Allen D. Payton
Please help Antioch Police help families in our community this Christmas season during the Department’s 29th Annual Help for the Holidays giveaway. Donations are accepted at the Antioch Police Facility lobby and on two days. In addition, donations will be accepted on Giving Tuesday, the global day of generosity held each year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, this year on Dec. 2 as well as on Saturday, Dec. 6 at the annual Disney House drive-by event.
Stop by to see Cinderella, Tiana, Belle and the incredible decorations the Vistalli family has on display!
Take a drive by the “Disney House” with over 35,000 lights and more than 70 handmade wooden cut-outs. The Vistalli family, Officers and friends will be on-hand collecting new unwrapped toys as well as new blankets, gloves, socks, hats and scarves and cash or Venmo donations, that will be donated to APD’s Help for the Holidays giveaway program which will provide extra help for those struggling this Christmas season.
Kristen Vistalli refers to the annual event as the “Spirit & Support Gift Giveaway.”
