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!
Seasonal Celebrations 2025
Photos with Santa in Fresno—Don’t miss Santa at the mall this year from November 14th–December 24th. Signing Santa on the 2nd, 9th, and 16th; Pet night on the 1st; and Santa Cares on the 7th and 8th. See times, prices, and reservations online. Fashion Fair, 645 E. Shaw Avenue, Fresno. (559) 224-1591
Photos with Santa in Visalia—Make a date with Santa November 17th–December 24th at Fashion Court, near Macy’s. Pet nights are the 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, and 16th. See times, prices, and reservations online. Visalia Mall, 2031 S. Mooney Boulevard, Visalia. (559) 733-3899
Christmas at Kearney in Fresno—Step back in time for a Victorian turn-of-the-century holiday! Take a guided tour of the beautifully decorated trees November 21st–January 4th. Meet Santa at the Mansion on December 6th–7th and enjoy a tea party December 13th. Check website for ticket prices and times. Kearney Mansion, 7160 W. Kearney Boulevard, Fresno. (559) 441-0862
IllumiNature in Fresno—Handmade Chinese lantern displays will illuminate the Zoo November 22nd–26th, 28th–30th, December 4th–7th, 8th, 11th–23rd, 26th–30th. Check website for January and beyond dates. 5–9 p.m. Tickets: $17–$25. Fresno Chaffee Zoo, 894 W. Belmont Avenue, Fresno. (559) 498-5910
Winter Wonderland Ice Rink in Coarsegold—Glide into the season November 22nd–January 4th. Check website for days and hours. Tickets: $15–$25. Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, 711 Lucky Lane, Coarsegold. (866) 794-6946
Winter Wonderland Ice Rink in Hanford—Enjoy ice skating, Santa photos, pet photos, princess breakfast, superhero breakfast, Santa storytime, and more November 22nd–January 11th. Check website for event days and times. Tickets: $16–$25. Civic Park, 400 N. Douty Street, Hanford. (559) 585-2525
Christmas at River Park in Fresno—Find holiday fun all month long November 28th–December 30th! Enjoy holiday music, train rides, character meet-and-greets, and so much more. Visit website for days, times, and prices. River Park, 71 E. Via la Plata, Fresno. (559) 437-4855
Glice Skating in Bass Lake—Enjoy skating on glice (synthetic ice) November 28th–January 31st. Check online for days and times. Tickets: $5–$15, good for a 2-hour session and skate rental. The Pines Resort, 54432 Road 432, Bass Lake. (800) 350-7463
Carriage Rides in Clovis—Take a free horse drawn carriage ride through the beautifully decorated streets of Old Town Clovis November 29th–December 21st. Fridays from 5–8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from 1–4 p.m. (559) 298-5774
Christmas at Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp—Celebrate the season at the lodge November 29th–December 24th. Enjoy gingerbread, snow globe, and ornament workshops and breakfast with Santa. Tickets: $10–99. Visit website for days and times. Tenaya at Yosemite, 1122 Highway 41, Fish Camp. (559) 692-8974
Photos with Santa in Merced—Get in the holiday spirit and get your Santa photos done November 29th–December 24th. Check website for pet photos, times, cost, and reservations. Marketplace at Merced, 851 W. Olive Avenue, Merced. (209) 723-3981
Santa’s Summit in Friant—Families will enjoy ice skating, Santa’s workshop, sledding, food vendors, and holiday magic! Tickets: $15–$20. November 29th–January 4th. December 1st–21st: Monday–Friday from 4–10 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday 12–10 p.m. December 22nd–January 4th: daily 12–10 p.m. Table Mountain Casino Resort, 777 Jackpot Lane, Friant.
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. Plus, pick out a Christmas tree! Open November 29th–December 23rd. Steam trains run 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on weekends. Tree sales 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on select days. Pajama Christmas 6–8:30 p.m. on select days. Tickets: $5–$40. Hillcrest Farms, 6943 S. Reed Avenue, Reedley. (559) 638-2762
Candy Cane Lane in Clovis—Celebrate the holidays with a drive or walk down Candy Cane Lane, through December 1st–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. Free! Off Peach and Alluvial Avenues, Clovis.
Candy Cane Lane Parade in Visalia—Kick off the holiday season on December 1st from 6:30–9:30 p.m. with floats, bands, dancers, and more! Main Street, Visalia. (559) 334-0141
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 December 1st–25th. Check website for updated days and times. Van Ness Boulevard from Shields to Shaw, Fresno. (559) 348-9200
Christmas Tree Lighting in Clovis—Full of music and holiday cheer, families won’t want to miss this festive event on December 1st from 6–8:30 p.m. Plus, there might even be a special guest from the North Pole! Clovis Civic Center, 1033 Fifth Street, Clovis. (559) 324-2000
Holiday Fun at the Library in Fresno—Head to the library to build a gingerbread house, visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, enjoy a Christmas party, do winter crafts, listen to holiday music, and more! December 2nd–13th. Visit website for locations, days, and times. Free! Fresno County Public Library, Fresno. (559) 600-7323
Winter Concerts at FCC in Fresno—Expect great music and singing from Fresno City College. Symphony Orchestra on December 2nd, Choir on December 3rd, and Symphonic Band on December 9th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $5–$8. Fresno City College, 1101 E. University Avenue, Fresno. (559) 442-8221
Tree Lighting in Sanger—Watch the tree lighting, see Santa, and enjoy festivities at this 42nd annual event on December 3rd from 5:30–8 p.m. Tree lighting at 6:45 p.m. Brehler Park, Seventh & N Streets, Sanger. (559) 875-4575
Children’s Christmas Parade in Porterville—Enjoy this community parade on December 4th from 7–9 p.m. Route follows Main Street from Morton to Olive Avenue, Porterville. (559) 784-7502
Hometown Holiday in Tulare—Don’t miss this free event featuring Santa photos, carolers, holiday movies, kids activities, and even snow! December 4th–7th from 5–7 p.m. Zumwalt Park, 455 E. Tulare Avenue, Tulare. (559) 334-0141
Winter Celebration Concert in Fresno—Enjoy an evening of joyful music and festive spirits from 7–8 p.m. on December 4th. Fresno Pacific University, 1717 S. Chestnut Avenue, Fresno. (559) 453-5588
Winter Concerts from New Horizons in Fresno—Music from classical to contemporary—and, of course, Christmas—will be performed by New Horizons Band & Orchestra of Fresno in two free concerts on December 4th and 9th at 7 p.m. 4th at Bullard High School Auditorium, 5445 N. Palm Avenue. 9th at University Presbyterian Church, 5739 N. Cedar Avenue. Fresno. (559) 250-8094
Christmas in the Park & Electrical Farm Equipment Parade in Reedley—Join for this annual celebration on December 5th! From 5–9 p.m. there will be food trucks, crafts, vendors, and the tree lighting at 6 p.m.—all at Pioneer Park. At 7 p.m. the parade begins with tractors, buses, combines, and many antique vehicles all lit up on G Street, Reedley. (559) 638-3548
Christmas Parade in Atwater—Join on December 5th at 7 p.m. for the “Candyland Christmas”–themed parade. Call for route. Atwater. (209) 355-4912
Christmas Parade in Lindsay—Join for a free meal, hot chocolate, apple cider, cookies, a tree lighting and more on December 5th. Tree lighting at 5:45 p.m. Parade begins at 6 p.m. Downtown, Lindsay. (559) 562-7102
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Madera—This annual ceremony features holiday magic, photos with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, food trucks, and more on December 5th from 5:30–8 p.m. Tesoro Viejo, 4150 Town Center Boulevard, Madera. 822-3375
Downtown Christmas Parade & Christmas in the Park in Madera—Families will enjoy this festive light parade on December 5th at 7 p.m. Parade route: Yosemite Avenue, between A and H Streets. After the parade, enjoy music, goodies, pictures with Santa, the tree lighting, and more until 10 p.m. Courthouse Park, 210 W. Yosemite Avenue, Madera. (559) 481-8313, (559) 481-1711
Orchard Walk Night Market in Visalia—You’re invited to sip, shop, and snack enjoying food, drinks, music, and supporting the neighborhood! December 5th from 5–8:30 p.m. Orchard Walk Plaza (North Visalia Target parking lot), 3226 N. Dinuba Boulevard, Visalia.
Tree Lighting in Coarsegold—Celebrate at the holiday market, visit with Santa, and join for carols on December 5th from 6:30–8 p.m. Coarsegold Community Center, 35610 Highway 41, Coarsegold. (559) 683-1443
Tree Lighting at CrossCity in Fresno—Families are invited to this free event! Enjoy a drone show, live music, horse-drawn carriage rides, cookie and ornament decorating, inflatables, and selfies with Santa! December 5th from 6–9 p.m. CrossCity Christian Church, 2777 E. Nees Avenue, Fresno. (559) 323-9675
Winter Fest & Christmas Parade in Caruthers—Join this annual event on December 5th from 4–9 p.m. Winterfest begins at 4 p.m., the parade begins at 6:30 p.m. on Tahoe Avenue, and the pageant begins at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy vendors, food, bounce houses, raffles, and more! Caruthers Fairgrounds, 13599 S. Raider Avenue, Caruthers. (559) 203-0399
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 6th from 6:30–9 p.m. Old Town, Clovis & Pollasky, Clovis. (559) 575-4311
Christmas Tree Lighting in Oakhurst—This 37th annual tree lighting will feature vendors, crafts, food, and more from 4–9 p.m. on December 6th. 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
Country Christmas at Ford Farms in Lindsay—Meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch on December 6th, 13th, and 20th from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tickets: $10, kids 2 and under are free. Enjoy Christmas music, food vendors, a petting zoo, and more! Ford Farms, 22827 Road 180, Lindsay. (559) 577-0445
Downtown Christmas Parade in Lemoore—Streets will be lined with a variety of vehicles, floats, entertainment, and more for “Cowboy Christmas” on December 6th at 6 p.m. D Street, Downtown Lemoore. (559) 924-6744
Electric Light Parade & Tree Lighting in Dinuba—”Winter Wonderland Express”–steps out at 5:30 p.m. on December 6th, 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. (559) 591-5900
Holiday Hit Parade in Merced—Enjoy this community parade on December 6th beginning at 2 p.m. Downtown, Main Street, Merced. (559) 226-5600
Holiday Open House at ARF in Fresno—Enjoy a bake sale, raffles, vendors, pictures with Santa, and more on December 6th from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Animal Rescue of Fresno, 4545 E. Dakota Avenue, Fresno. (559) 225-5715
Holiday Open House at Fig in Fresno—Start the day with horse-drawn carriage rides and holiday vendors. Then enjoy holiday treats as you prepare for photos with Santa. December 6th from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Fig Garden Village, 790 W. Shaw Avenue, Fresno. (559) 412-5296
Hometown Lighted Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting in Chowchilla—Join on December 6th at 5:30 p.m. on Robertson Boulevard. Following the parade at 6:45 p.m., is the tree lighting ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, 600 W. Robertson Boulevard, Chowchilla. (559) 665-8615
Santa Lucia Celebration & Festival of Lights Parade in Kingsburg—Come walk the Swedish Village on December 6th. Enter the gingerbread house contest, watch the parade, and more! Downtown Kingsburg. (559) 897-1111
Toyland Parade in Sanger—Bring the kids to this fun, 77th annual festive parade in Downtown Sanger December 6th at 11 a.m. Parade route begins at Academy Avenue, Sanger. (559) 875-4575
Christmas Concert & Tree Lighting in Visalia—Join for a magical evening on December 7th! Experience the concert, tree lighting, fun kids activities, and more at 4 or 6 p.m. Childcare available. Gateway Church of Visalia, 1100 S. Sowell Street, Visalia. (559) 732-4787
Magical Winter Tales in Fresno—Enjoy this festive concert featuring tales from Vienna to Hungary on December 7th at 2:30 p.m. Call for ticket information. Paul Shaghoian Concert Hall, 2770 E. International Avenue, Fresno. (559) 512-1726
The Grinch Who Gave Back Christmas in Porterville—Bring the whole family to this free event featuring toys, resources, photos with Santa and The Grinch, giveaways, music, and more! December 10th from 3–6:30 p.m. Porterville College Stadium, 100 E. College Avenue, Porterville. (559) 793-2527
Winter Wonderland in Tulare—Enjoy this free Christmas light event at the Tulare Fairgrounds. December 10th–14th from 5:30–9:30 p.m. Parking: $5. Tulare Fairgrounds, Tulare.
Seasonal Fun with PARCS in Fresno—Celebrate the season with Fresno PARCS with Holly Jolly Family Bingo and a Winter Celebration on December 12th; Gingerbread Wonderland and Grinchmas on the 13th; Winter Wonderland on the 17th; a Holiday Workshop on the 23rd; and so much more. Go online or call for times, locations, and more information. Free! Fresno, (559) 621-7529
Winter Wonderland in Fresno—Join for festive ice skating with holiday displays in the lobby and on the ice! December 12th–January 5th. Times vary daily, visit website or call for available session times. Tickets: $19. Gateway Ice Center, 2473 N. Marks Avenue, Fresno. (559) 277-2233
Downtown Christmas Parade in Fresno—The 96th annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade “Let It Glow” is on December 13th from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Downtown, Fulton Street from Inyo to Calaveras, Fresno. (559) 490-9966
Home for the Holidays in Fresno—This annual musical celebration features an evening of seasonal favorites on December 13th at 7:30 p.m. Arrive early to enjoy lobby caroling, hot chocolate, and pictures by the tree. Tickets: $21–$98. William Saroyan Theatre, 730 M Street, Fresno. (559) 261-0600
Live Nativity in Fresno—Step into Bethlehem and experience the story of the first Christmas come to life December 13th–15th from 6–8 p.m. for free. California Temple, 6290 N. Valentine Avenue, Fresno. (559) 437-9451
Merry Mountain Christmas Parade in Mariposa—This historic foothill town’s parade begins at 5 p.m. in Old Town Mariposa on December 13th. After the parade, enjoy the tree lighting and other holiday fun! Old Town, Main Street, Mariposa. (209) 966-2456
The North Pole Market in Tulare—Let the holiday spirit sweep you away to the biggest indoor market around on December 13th from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Enjoy Santa photos, letter writing,cheerful tunes, and more. Free entry! International Agri-Center, 4500 S. Laspina Street, Tulare. (559) 688-1030
Voices of Christmas in Fresno—Join for this program that is filled with carols and celebration on December 14th from 3–5 p.m. Tickets: $12–$25. University Presbyterian Church, 1776 E. Roberts Avenue, Fresno. (559) 994-9275
Cookies with Santa in Madera—Skip writing Santa a letter and come tell him yourself! Santa is taking a break from his workshop to come to Madera! Come by Madera PD on December 16th at 5 p.m. to enjoy a cookie while you meet and take pictures with Santa! Madera Police Department, 330S. C Street, Madera.
A Holiday Celestial Spectacular in Visalia—Join for live musical performances, kids games and activities, sweet treats, pictures with Santa, and a feature at the planetarium on December 19th from 4–7 p.m. Planetarium showings at 4:15, 5:15, 6:15, and 7:15 p.m. Tickets: $5. Tulare Planetarium & Science Center, 11535 Avenue 264, Visalia. (559) 733-6433
Candlelight Concerts in Fresno—This live, multi-sensory experience in an awe-inspiring location will bring the holiday magic alive on December 19th. Enjoy Christmas Carols on Strings at 6:15 or 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $40–$59. The Grand 1401, 1401 Fulton Street, Fresno. (402) 249-2445
Kitty Christmas & Merry Mutts in Fresno—On December 20th from 1–5 p.m., join for a festive afternoon filled with holiday cheer and photos with Santa for both kids and pets. Photos 2–4 p.m. Purchase holiday goodies and make a real difference for animals who need a little extra love this season. Valley Animal Center, Fresno.
Santa’s Big Day in Tulare—Join Santa and friends at the outlets! Meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, Buddy the Elf, the candy princess, and even the Grinch—one day only! Enjoy live music, deals, free photos, letters to Santa, and more. December 20th from 12–6 p.m. Center Courtyard, in front of Columbia Factory. Don’t miss Santa’s Big Day Out—a festive celebration the whole family will love! Tulare Outlets, Tulare.
Drive-In Drone Light Show in Clovis—Families will enjoy this fun and festive synchronized soundtrack of the sky December 26th–28th at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. $25–$40 per car. Visit skyedreams.com for themes. Clovis Rodeo Ground parking lot, 748 Rodeo Drive, Clovis.