Families filled downtown Gustine on Nov. 29 for the Old-Fashioned Downtown Christmas, a daylong celebration hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Gustine Recreation Department. The festivities began with breakfast with Santa at GPS Hall, followed by children’s games, crafts and a vendor fair along 5th Street. Cornerstone Studio featured a silent auction of wreaths, trees and centerpieces, while Santa’s Workshop at Cornerstone Dance gave children the chance to make holiday crafts. In the afternoon, Santa Claus read a story in front of the community Christmas tree before posing for photos at Gustine Lions Park, and the Gustine Volunteer Fire Department offered fire truck rides. As evening fell, families gathered downtown for cookies, hot cocoa and coffee before the Christmas tree lighting at 6 p.m. at 5th Street and 4th Avenue. The annual parade followed immediately after, capping a day of community tradition and holiday cheer.