Holiday cheer is set to return to the Westside as Gustine and Newman prepare for their annual Christmas festivities.

In Gustine, the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Gustine Recreation Department will host the Old-Fashioned Downtown Christmas on Nov. 29, a daylong celebration filled with family activities and community traditions. The morning begins with breakfast with Santa at GPS Hall from 8 to 11 a.m., followed by children’s games, crafts and a vendor fair along 5th Street. A silent auction of wreaths, trees and centerpieces will take place at Cornerstone Studio, while Santa’s Workshop at Cornerstone Dance will give children the chance to make holiday crafts.

Santa Claus will read a book in front of the community Christmas tree at 1 p.m., then pose for photos at Gustine Lions Park. The Gustine Volunteer Fire Department will bring back fire truck rides from 1 to 3 p.m., loading passengers at the corner of 5th Avenue and Main Street. Later in the evening, cookies, hot cocoa and coffee will be served downtown before the Christmas tree lighting at 6 p.m. at 5th Street and 4th Avenue. The parade will follow immediately after.

The Chamber is also calling on creative makers to contribute to the décor auction by designing wreaths, trees or centerpieces. Blank items are available for $30, and completed pieces are due Nov. 28. For more information, residents may contact the Chamber office at 209-854-6975.

Newman will host its own Christmas tree lighting festivities on Dec. 6 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the downtown plaza. The event will feature live entertainment, artisan and food vendors, and opportunities for holiday shopping. The Newman Chamber of Commerce encouraged residents to browse booths for homemade and unique gifts, calling the evening “the perfect night” to finish Christmas shopping.