Monica’s Riverview is located 1 I (eye) Street on the pier in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. For menu and more information see www.visitmonicas.com.

By Willow Park Mercantile

Santa Claus is Coming to Willow Park Mercantile! Join us Dec 13th 2:30pm-5pm and take a Free Selfie with Santa in our antique One-Horse Open Sleigh! We also will have on site a professional photographer offering 4×6 instant pics for only $5.

This event will be fun for the entire family.

Be sure to allow extra time to shop our Winter Wonderland!

Willow Park Mercantile is located at 205 G Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.

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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.

See videos of the festivities on the Antioch Herald Facebook page.

The 2025 Holiday Delites Parade Winners:

BEST DECORATED – Delta Veterans Group

BEST PERFORMANCE – Step 2 This Dance & Performing Arts

MOST SPIRITED – Vega Stars Elite

Frank Ballesteros’ adaptation of ‘A Christmas Carol’ showcases local Antioch community theater talent

By Carla Baker Marymee

“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.

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 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.

For more information, email jim.lanter.b8jq@statefarm.com  or call 925-584-9265.

Rivertown Treasure Chest is located at 306 G Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. For more information visit www.rivertowntreasurechest.com.

Lighted Parade, Christmas Tree Lighting, Holiday Sip & Shop Artisan Fair

Deadline for Parade Entries: Nov. 28th

Presented by City of Antioch Recreation Department and Celebrate Antioch Foundation

Join Antioch for the annual Holiday Delites Celebration in historic, downtown Rivertown on December 6, 2025. Enjoy the Holiday Sip & Shop Artisan Fair brought to you by the Celebrate Antioch Foundation before lining the street to see the lighted parade go by with an appearance by Santa at the end!

The event includes the parade filled with live performers and moving floats, family photo opportunities with Santa and the Grinch, cookie decorating and much more. You and your family won’t want to miss this!

Discover over 30 talented artisan vendors featuring beautiful handmade crafts, unique décor, jewelry and more — the perfect place to find thoughtful Christmas gifts!

Sign up your group to light up the night with your festive floats, bright costumes and holiday spirit when you visit our website. Prizes awarded to parade category winners. Let’s make this celebration the brightest yet! Become part of the magic that is Holiday Delites by visiting antiochca.gov/holiday-delites.

Holiday Sip & Shop Artisan Faire

12-5 pm. On G Street. Vendor Registration: celebrateantioch.org,

Lighted Parade

Begins at 5 pm at W. 3rd and H Streets, east to E Street, north to W. 2nd and west to Waldie Plaza across from City Hall. Parade Registration at Holiday Delites Parade Entry. Deadline: November 28th at 5:00 p.m. Details at www.antiochca.gov/220/Holiday-Delites-Celebration-Parade

Christmas Tree Lighting

At 6 pm in Waldie Plaza on W.  2nd Street across from City Hall. Enjoy AUSD Band and Choir Performances and photos with Santa and the Grinch.

Sponsors

Special thanks to our sponsors: Carbon Health, Republic Services, AT&T and Antioch Charter Academy.

Please note: Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting are scheduled as tentative based on weather conditions. In case of heavy downpour, the parade and tree lighting will unfortunately be cancelled.

For more information, please visit our website. For inquiries, contact recreation@antiochca.gov.

Champion small businesses in Antioch’s historic downtown and #ShopSmall

Win prizes by playing Downtown Antioch Business Bingo!

Did you know there are over 36 million small businesses in America? Small businesses are vital to communities like in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. Shop Small on Saturday, November 29 and throughout the holiday season to support the job creators in our community.

Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010 and officially cosponsored by the Small Business Administration since 2011. It is an important part of small businesses’ busiest shopping season. 

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, now more than ever, small businesses need our support. Please join SBA, Downtown Antioch Association and the Rivertown merchants as they celebrate small business contributions to the community by shopping at a small business on Small Business Saturday.

This holiday season, don’t forget to #ShopSmall, Shop Local, Shop Rivertown and support local businesses on Small Business Saturday, November 29 and all year long!

Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown is located between W. 10th Street and the river and from A Street to L Street. Learn more: www.sba.gov/saturday, https://downtownantioch.com and follow Antioch Rivertown on Facebook.

#ShopSmall

Landscaping improved; SJJPA Board’s 2023 vote hasn’t yet changed

By Jaden Baird, PIO, City of Antioch

ANTIOCH, CA — On March 24, 2023, the San Joaquins Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) Board voted to decommission the Antioch-Pittsburg San Joaquins train station. In keeping with this decision, Antioch’s Amtrak station will cease operations for the foreseeable future in 2027.  

In late 2024, SJJPA convened the Ad Hoc Antioch Train Station Working Group (ATSWG). This was at the direction of the SJJPA Board and SJJPA Board Vice Chair Diane Burgis, and in response to requests from community leaders. The ATSWG brings together a diverse mix of voices—including local elected officials, Antioch staff, Antioch community members and SJJPA staff—who are all committed to working collaboratively on this important matter. 

The ATSWG has met four times to explore the future of the Amtrak Gold Runner (formerly San Joaquins) Station in Antioch. Group discussions to date have focused on measures implemented by the City of Antioch to improve the safety of Gold Runner riders at the station, as well as plans to beautify the station and its surroundings (while still in use before decommissioning is completed). Antioch has made a total of $375,000 in budgetary commitments to implement these improvements in the short- and long-term. SJJPA Board Vice Chair Diane Burgis has shared her appreciation for Antioch’s efforts stating, “San Joaquins riders should feel safe and welcome at our stations, including here in East Contra Costa County. I’m grateful to the Antioch community and Antioch’s city leaders for stepping up and collaborating with staff.”  

The collaborative approach undertaken by the ATSWG—including City of Antioch representatives, Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE) Action Antioch, Contra Costa County partners and SJJPA and Amtrak Staff—demonstrates a strong commitment to improving Antioch Station safety, appearance, and functionality.  

The City of Antioch’s stated goal as part of the ATSWG effort was to request that the SJJPA Board reconsider its decision to decommission the station, ensuring the continued operation of passenger rail service while advancing infrastructure improvements that will enhance regional connectivity, improve reliability, and support future growth along the San Joaquins corridor.

“I appreciate the joint discussions about reasons the station was decommissioned and the significant investment the City is making to position the Antioch-Pittsburg Station for consideration to be recommissioned,” said Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal.

ATSWG community representatives Eddie Gums, Tachina Garrett and Devin Williams of ACCE Action Antioch, as well as many other residents during SJJPA hearings and council meetingss, have expressed their opposition to the planned closure of the Pittsburg–Antioch station as a reflection of general community sentiment. While they appreciate the formation of the ATSWG, the three stated, “The initial decision was made without prior public notice, and the community must be involved in any major, life-altering transportation decisions that affect us”. 

Gums, Garrett and Williams “urge the committee to prioritize transparency, robust public engagement and consideration of the long-term impacts this closure will have on residents.” 

At the time of this statement’s release, the SJJPA Board’s March 24, 2023, decision to decommission the Antioch Amtrak Station remains unchanged and will be executed as planned in 2027. (See related articles here, here, here, here and here).