Seasonal Celebrations

In search of some festive family fun this holiday season? After finding the perfect Christmas tree and sipping some hot chocolate while decorating to your family’s satisfaction, don’t miss these seasonal celebrations. We’ve done the work for you and found the best of what the Central Valley has to offer. This guide lists activities for the whole family, including light displays, celebrations, tree lightings, parades, and more!

Breakfast with Santa at Bass Lake—Bring your little ones to meet Santa on December 9th from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Enjoy a visit with Santa, crafts, and a family breakfast with a view of the beautiful lake! Hurry, tickets sell out! Registration required. Tickets: $30. The Pines Resort, 54432 Road 432, Bass Lake. 642-3121

Breakfast with Santa in Lemoore—On December 9th from 8–11 a.m. enjoy a breakfast with Santa! Kids will also enjoy pictures with Santa, crafts, and more! Tickets: $5–$10. Purchase tickets by the 7th. Lemoore Recreation Center, 721 W. Cinnamon Drive. 924-6744

Breakfast with Santa in Oakhurst—Bring the whole family on December 2nd from 7:30–11 a.m. to enjoy breakfast with Santa, kids activities, holiday music, and photos with Santa. Tickets: $8. Oakhurst Community Center, 39800 Road 425B, Oakhurst. 683-5854

Breakfast with Santa in the Garden in Fresno—Join for a pancake breakfast with Santa, a storytime, and a chance to tell Santa what’s on your Christmas list. December 9th at 10 a.m. Tickets: $10–$20. Shinzen Friendship Garden, Woodward Park, 114 W. Audubon Drive, Fresno. 478-4848

Candlelight Tours in Porterville—The Zalud House comes alive with the holiday spirit featuring special seasonal displays, vintage decorations, and more. The guided tours and refreshments are sure to provide an enjoyable evening for the whole family. December 8th, 9th, 15th, and 16th from 6–8 p.m. Tickets: $1–$3. Zalud House, 393 N. Hockett Street, Porterville. 791-7695

Carriage Rides in Clovis—Take a free horse drawn carriage ride through the beautifully decorated streets of Old Town Clovis through December 17th. Fridays from 5–8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from 1–4 p.m. 298-5774

Christmas at Kearney Mansion in Fresno—Step back in time for a Victorian turn-of-the-century holiday! Take a guided tour of the beautifully decorated trees on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 12, 1, and 3 p.m. Meet Santa at the Mansion on December 2nd and 3rd from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Enjoy the elegance of a holiday tea party on December 9th at 11 a.m or 3 p.m. Tickets: $10, $50 for tea party. Kearney Mansion, 7160 W. Kearney Boulevard, Fresno. 441-0862

Christmas at River Park in Fresno—Find holiday fun all month long at River Park! Enjoy a Christmas light show through December 25th from 5–9 p.m., Santa photos, snow from Thursdays–Sundays from 5–9 p.m., and a Hanukkah celebration on December 10th from 3–6 p.m., train rides on December 3rd and 17th from 2–7 p.m., holiday character meet-and-greets on December 1st, 6th, 8th, 13th–15th, 19th–22nd from 5–7 p.m., and so much more. Follow River Park on social media for updated information for all their December happenings. River Park, 71 E. Via la Plata, Fresno. 437-4855

Christmas at Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp—Get building at the Gingerbread Decorating Workshop on December 19th, 21st, and 23rd from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Tickets: $99. Join Santa for a jolly holiday breakfast on December 20th and 22nd from 8–10 a.m. Tickets: $30–$65. Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, 1122 Highway 41, Fish Camp. 692-8974

Christmas at the Flats in Oakhurst—Join the annual Christmas at the Flats December 16th from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Enjoy the Christmas Market, live music, and more—all with a Victorian feel! Free! Fresno Flats Historical Village & Park, 49777 School Road, Oakhurst. 683-6570

Christmas at the Library in Fresno—Get into the holiday spirit with a one-man performance of A Christmas Carol at the Woodward Park branch at 6:30 p.m. Then enjoy music from Pipe on the Hob: A Holiday Celebration at 2 p.m. on December 9th at Woodward and on the 16th at Politi. Woodward Park Regional Library, 944 E. Perrin Avenue, Fresno. 600-3135. Politi Branch Library, 5771 N. First Street, Fresno. 600-0840

Christmas at the Library in Reedley—Come to the library to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Bring your camera and holiday cheer! December 16th from 1–2 p.m. Reedley Branch Library, 1027 E Street, Reedley. 638-2818

Christmas at the Plaza in Visalia—Celebrate the holiday season with pictures with Santa, a Christmas Market, festive food, train rides, storytimes, kids activities, and more on December 9th from 12–4 p.m. Free! Garden Plaza, 101 S. Garden Street, Visalia. 732-7737

Christmas at the Pines in Bass Lake—Get into the holiday spirit with all the fun at the lake! Snap a picture with Santa on December 3rd, 10th, and 17th from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Don’t miss pet Santa pictures on December 10th from 1–2 p.m. Then join for a Grinch-tastic event that will blend holiday cheer, scrumptious cupcakes, and the grumpiest—yet most endearing character—the Grinch himself, on December 3rd, 10th, and 17th from 3–5 p.m. Tickets: $20. The Pines Resort, 55432 Road 432, Bass Lake. 642-3121

Christmas Avenue in Visalia—Families will enjoy this free event on December 15th and 16th from 6–8 p.m. Walk through a Christmas light show and enjoy music, photo spots, a live nativity, and more! Gateway Visalia, 1100 S. Sowell Street, Visalia. 732-4787

Christmas at United Skates in Clovis—Welcome Santa and the Grinch to the rink on December 19th from 6:30–8:30 p.m. On December 23rd, enjoy Breakfast with Santa at 9 a.m. followed by roller skating! Tickets: $15–$20. United Skates of America, 2881 Peach Avenue, Clovis. 291-0242

Country Christmas at Ford Farms in Lindsay—Meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch on December 2nd, 9th, and 16th from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Tickets: $15, kids 2 and under are free. Enjoy Christmas music, food vendors, a petting zoo, crafts, photo ops, and more! Ford Farms, 22827 Road 180, Lindsay. 577-0445

Glice Skating at Bass Lake—Enjoy skating on glice (synthetic ice) on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Tickets: $15–$20, good for a 2-hour session and skate rental. The Pines Resort, 54432 Road 432, Bass Lake. 800-350-7463

Here Comes Santa Claus! in Clovis—Join on December 10th from 2 p.m.–6 p.m. for a free Christmas event! Enjoy hot chocolate & cookies, ornament crafting, a bounce house, free photos with Santa, face painting, and more! Clovis Veterans Memorial District, 808 Fourth Street, Clovis. 299-0471

HMONG NEW YEAR CELEBRATION  This yearly celebration provides a sense of identity and pride. Traditionally, this annual event celebrates the conclusion of the harvest season and marks the end of a year’s hard work, and serves as a Thanksgiving holiday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Tickets: $8–$12, Children 5 and under are free, Enjoy the Hmong New Year from December 28th–31st at the Fresno Fairgrounds, 1121 S. Chance Avenue, Fresno. 878-2744

Holiday Open House in Fresno—The trees will be lit, the bells will be hung, and the shelter cats and dogs will be practicing their caroling—howling and meowing! Celebrate the holidays, enjoy desserts, a raffle, and more! December 9th from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Animal Compassion Team, 2789 S. Orange Avenue, Fresno. 299-6364

Pajama Party with Santa in Hanford—Enjoy this PJ party with cookies, milk, cocoa, popcorn, a movie, and Santa! December 15th from 5–8 p.m. Tickets: $15–$20. Children’s Storybook Garden & Museum, 175 E. Tenth Street, Hanford. 500-9966

Santa Lucia Celebration in Kingsburg—December 2nd is a day of family-friendly events from 10:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Enjoy music, food, and craft booths. And don’t miss the Festival of Lights Parade down Draper Street at 5:30 p.m. Swedish Village, Downtown Kingsburg. 897-1111

Santa Storytime at Petunia’s in Fresno—Join for a free Christmas storytime, special craft, and guest appearance from Santa Bruce on December 2nd at 11 a.m. Petunia’s Place, 6027 N. Palm Avenue, Fresno. 438-1561

Santa’s Village in Fresno—This free, family event features games, entertainment, food, Santa, and maybe even some snow! December 2nd at 4 p.m. Teague Community Resource Center, 4718 N. Polk Avenue, Fresno. 578-8991

Steam Trains in Reedley—Experience the magic of moonlight stream train rides in this cozy and relaxed atmosphere. Kids will also enjoy play areas and trails. December 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, and 23rd from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tickets: $5. Hillcrest Farms, 6943 S. Reed Avenue, Reedley. 638-2762

Stories with Santa in Fresno—Watch as classic stories come to life through interactive Christmas performances on December 9th from 9:30–11:30 a.m. Plus, have a light breakfast, take pictures with Santa, and write a letter to Santa! Tickets: $10–$20. Fig Garden Womens Club, 4550 N. Van Ness Boulevard, Fresno. 224-9200

Winter Open House in Yokuts Valley—This free event is full of wild wonders! Mark your calendars for December 16th and head on up to the Creek at 11 a.m. Gates will close at 1:30 p.m. for the final tour of the day. Critter Creek Wildlife Station, 36710 Sand Creek Road, Yokuts Valley. 338-2415

Winter Wonderland at Gateway in Fresno—Join for festive ice skating with holiday displays in the lobby and on the ice! December 17th–January 7th. Times vary daily, visit website or call for available session times. Tickets: $16. Gateway Ice Center, 2473 N. Marks Avenue, Fresno. 277-2233

Winter Wonderland at Storyland in Fresno—Enjoy a magical day filled with activities and play! Meet beloved characters, enjoy fresh snow for sledding, build a snowman, enjoy crafts, and more! December 16th and 17th from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Tickets: $10. Storyland, 890 W. Belmont Avenue, Fresno. 486-2124

Winter Wonderland Ice Rink in Hanford—Enjoy ice skating with the family! Open through January 7th, weekdays 4–9:30 p.m. and weekends 12–9:30 p.m.—winter break hours vary. Tickets: $16–$18 for 90 minute session. Civic Park, 400 N. Douty Street, Hanford. 585-2525

A Tuba Holiday Concert in Fresno—This fun holiday celebration features a festive tuba performance! December 16th at 11 a.m. The New Manchester, 3602 N. Blackstone Avenue, Fresno. 227-1901

Choir & Orchestra Christmas Concert in Visalia—This free event features Christmas music followed by dessert on December 10th from 4–6 p.m. ASL interpreted. Gateway Visalia, 1100 S. Sowell Street, Visalia. 732-4787

Christmas at the Fox in Hanford—Enjoy a delightful afternoon of Christmas classics. The Kings Symphony Orchestra is excited to share live music and holiday cheer with the community! December 17th at 4 p.m. Hanford Fox Theater, 326 N. Irwin Street, Hanford. 584-7823

“Crosswind Evening of Praise and Worship” in Fresno—On December 7th at 7 p.m. families can enjoy, “Crosswind Evening of Praise and Worship” presented by Fresno Pacific University. Featured student ensembles. Admission is free. Lyles Theater, Warkentine Culture and Arts Center, 4838 E. Butler Avenue, Fresno. 453-2267

Holiday Choral Concert in Fresno—Listen to the sounds of the season on December 3rd from 2:30–4:30 p.m. Tickets: $5–$10. Fresno State, Concert Hall, 2380 E. Keats Avenue, Fresno. 278-2654

Home for the Holidays in Fresno—This annual musical celebration features an evening of seasonal favorites on December 16th at 7:30 p.m. Arrive early to enjoy lobby caroling, hot chocolate, and pictures by the tree. Tickets: $30–$92. William Saroyan Theatre, 730 M Street, Fresno. 261-0600

“Lessons & Carols” in Fresno—Join for this annual program that is filled with carols and celebration on December 3rd at 3 p.m. Hosted by Fresno Pacific University. Tickets: $15. First Presbyterian Church, 1540 M Street, Fresno. 453-3677

“Stories of Christmas” in Fresno—It’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas! Join for this festive holiday concert on December 2nd at 3 p.m. Tickets: $14. Paul Shaghoian Concert Hall, 2770 E. International Avenue, Fresno. 440-9429

Winter Magic! in Fresno—Families will enjoy this Youth Orchestras of Fresno concert. General admission is free of charge, and premium reserved seats are available for $15–$25. December 3rd, 3–5 p.m. Paul Shaghoian Concert Hall, 2770 E. International Avenue, Fresno. 512-1726

Candy Cane Lane in Clovis—Celebrate the holidays with a drive or walk down Candy Cane Lane, through December 25th from 6–10 p.m. Over 100 homes are elaborately decorated with lights, displays, and yard art guaranteed to thrill children and adults alike! Off Peach and Alluvial Avenues, Clovis.

Christmas in the Park in Reedley—This event will be filled with vendors, entertainment, pony rides, photos with Santa, and holiday cheer on December 1st from 4–9 p.m. The Christmas Tree Lighting begins at 6 p.m. and the parade will follow. Pioneer Park, G Street, between Eighth and Ninth, Reedley. 638-3548

Christmas Tree Lane in Fresno—Drive down Van Ness Boulevard and see all of the elaborate light displays and Christmas scenes that transform the houses into a magical holiday event beginning December 1st continuing through December 25th. The lane will be open from 6–10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6–11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Walk-only nights are December 2nd and 12th. Van Ness Boulevard from Shields to Shaw, Fresno. 348-9200

Christmas Tree Lighting at CrossCity in Fresno—Families are invited to this free event in the courtyard. Enjoy a drone show, live music, horse-drawn carriage rides, cookie decorating, ornament decorating, bounce houses, and photos with Santa! December 1st from 6–9 p.m. CrossCity Christian Church, 2777 E. Nees Avenue, Fresno. 323-9675

Christmas Tree Lighting in Coarsegold—Enjoy the tree lighting, live music, a craft fair, pictures with Santa, and a chili cook-off on December 9th from 10 a.m.–7 p.m.  Tickets: $5–$10. Coarsegold Historic Village, 35300 Highway 41, Coarsegold. 760-0806

Christmas Tree Lighting in Oakhurst—This 33rd annual tree lighting will feature vendors, crafts, food, and more starting at 4 p.m. on December 2nd Tree lighting begins at 6 p.m. and Santa will arrive afterward on his big red sleigh! Talking Bear, 40307 Highway 41, Oakhurst.
683-7766

Christmas Tree Lighting in Old Town Clovis—Join for this free annual tree lighting on December 4th from 6–8:30 p.m. Enjoy music, holiday cheer, and guests from the North Pole! City of Clovis Civic Center, 1033 Fifth Street, Clovis. 324-2000

Journey to Bethlehem in Fresno—This live, drive-thru event takes you back to the very first Christmas. Drive through the Marketplace of Jerusalem and the Village of Bethlehem on your way to see the newborn king. December 15th–17th from 6–8 p.m. Approach from the North entrance. Bethany Church Fresno, 9161 N. Maple Avenue, Fresno. 434-2500

IllumiNature in Fresno—This fun experience features handmade Chinese lantern displays illuminated throughout the Zoo—many designed in various animal shapes and sizes. Guests will enjoy other specially themed areas including nature, Christmas, and Lunar New Year. Plus, delicious holiday-inspired food and drinks, live entertainment, and reindeer feedings. December 1st–3rd, 7th, 9th, 10th, 14th–23rd, and 26th–30th. Tickets: $18–$22. Fresno Chaffee Zoo, 894 W. Belmont Avenue, Fresno. 498-5910

Children’s Electric Christmas Parade in Clovis—Usher in the holiday spirit with spectacular holiday floats glittering with lights as they make their way through the streets of Old Town Clovis on December 2nd from 6–9 p.m. Clovis & Pollasky, Old Town Clovis. 575-4311

Christmas Light Parade in Kerman—”A Fairytale Christmas” steps out at 6 p.m. right after the tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. Welcome Santa to Kerman and enjoy all the festive fun on December 9th. Parade follows Madera Avenue to C Street to G Street. Downtown Kerman, 846-6343

Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting in Corcoran—Enjoy this 104th annual holiday parade December 7th at 6:30 p.m. Kids can meet Santa after the parade! Whitley & Letts Avenue, Corcoran. 992-4514

Christmas Parade in Exeter—Join the community in celebrating holiday spirit and the charms of the city. Enjoy the parade, Santa visits, food, and more on December 1st at 5:30 p.m. Pine Street, Downtown Exeter. 592-2912

Christmas Parade in Tulare—Don’t miss this fun parade at 6:30 p.m. on December 7th. Down K street south to Inyo, east in Inyo to L, back up L to the Tulare Public Library. Downtown Tulare. 685-2350

Downtown Christmas Parade in Fresno—The 94th annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade “Winter Wonderland on Fulton” is on December 2nd from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Fulton Street, Downtown Fresno. 490-9966

Downtown Christmas Parade in Lemoore—Streets will be lined with a variety of vehicles, floats, entertainment, and more for “T’was the Night Before Christmas” on December 2nd at 6 p.m. Follett & D Streets, Downtown Lemoore. 216-0505

Electrical Farm Equipment Parade in Reedley—Come early to downtown Reedley on December 1st for a good spot to see the parade where tractors, buses, combines, and many antique vehicles will be all lit up with Christmas lights. Parade begins at 7 p.m. G Street, between Eighth and Fourteenth, Reedley. 638-3548

Electric Light Parade and Tree Lighting in Dinuba—”A Storybook Christmas”–themed parade steps out at 5:30 p.m. on December 2nd in Downtown Dinuba, E. Tulare Street then left on L Street. Following the parade is the Holiday Tree Lighting and pictures with Santa at Entertainment Plaza, 289 S. L Street. Downtown Dinuba. 591-5940

Hometown Lighted Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting in Chowchilla—Join on December 2nd at 5:30 p.m. on Robertson Boulevard. Following the parade, is the tree lighting ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, the meet and greet with Santa, holiday stations, and more! Veterans Memorial Park, 600 W. Robertson Boulevard, Chowchilla. 665-8615

Merry Mountain Christmas Parade in Mariposa—This historic foothill town’s parade begins at 5 p.m. in Old Town Mariposa on December 9th. After the parade, head to the Historic Courthouse for pictures, free cocoa, food, the tree lighting, and more! Main Street, Old Town Mariposa.
209-966-2456

Toyland Parade in Sanger—Bring the kids to this fun, kid-friendly festive parade in Downtown Sanger December 2nd at 11 a.m. Parade route begins on 12th and Academy, Sanger. 875-4757

Winter Fest and Christmas Parade in Caruthers—Join this annual event on December 1st from 4–9 p.m. The light parade begins at 6:30 p.m. on Tahoe Street. After the parade, head to the fairgrounds for an evening of vendors, food, pictures with Santa, and more! Caruthers Fairgrounds, 13599 S. Raider Avenue, Caruthers. 864-2620

Fashion Fair Mall in Fresno—North Pole’s most famous resident will be in Fashion Fair Mall’s Center Court through December 24th. Santa Cares runs from 10–11 a.m. on December 9th. Santa Signs runs from 5–7 p.m. on December 5th, 12th, and 19th. Bring your favorite fur friends to experience the magic from 4–7 p.m. on December 5th. Visit fashionfairmall.com/santaphotos for hours, reservations, and pricing. Fashion Fair Mall, 645 E. Shaw Avenue. 224-1591

Hanford Mall in Hanford—Santa Claus will be at the Hanford Mall for photos through Christmas Eve. Visit hanfordmall.com or call for hours and pricing. Hanford Mall, 1675 W. Lacey Boulevard, Hanford. 583-1200

Merced Mall in Merced—Santa Claus is coming to town! Head to the mall for Santa photos through December 24th. Paws & Claws pet photos are on December 4th from 3–7 p.m. Visit mercedmall.com/events for hours, reservations, and pricing. Merced Mall, 851 W. Olive Avenue, Merced. 209-723-3981

River Park in Fresno—Enjoy this real Santa experience with no lines and lots of holiday cheer! Open through December 24th. Visit holidaymagicstudios.com for time options and to make your required reservation. Email support@holidaymagicstudios.com for hours, reservations, and pricing. River Park, 180 Paseo Del Centro, Fresno. 425-4015

Sierra Vista Mall in Clovis—Santa is coming to town! Visit whereissanta.com or call for  days, times, prices, and booking options online. Through December 24th. Sierra Vista Mall, 1050 Shaw Avenue, Clovis. 299-0660

The New Manchester in Fresno—The man in the red suit will be at the north end of the mall for meet and greets and photos December 2nd–24th. Visit thenewmanchester.com for hours, reservations, and pricing. The New Manchester, 3602 N.Blackstone Avenue, Fresno. 227-1901

Visalia Mall in Visalia—Make a date with Santa through December 24th at Fashion Court, near Macy’s. Children with special needs are invited to Santa Cares Day for a sensory-friendly experience on December 3rd from 9–10 a.m. Take paw-fect pictures with your dog or cat and Santa from 4–7 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays through December 5th. Visit visaliamall.com for hours, reservations, and pricing. Visalia Mall, 2031 S. Mooney Boulevard, Visalia. 733-3899