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 2024
Photos with Santa in Fresno—Don’t miss Santa at the mall this year from November 14th–December 24th. Signing Santa on the 3rd, 10th, and 17th; Pet night on the 2nd; and Santa Cares on the 8th. See times, prices, and reservations online. Fashion Fair, 645 E. Shaw Avenue, Fresno. 224-1591
Photos with Santa in Visalia—Make a date with Santa November 15th–December 24th at Fashion Court, near Macy’s. Pet nights are the 2nd, 3rd, 9th, and 10th. See times, prices, and reservations online. Visalia Mall, 2031 S. Mooney Boulevard, Visalia. 733-3899
IllumiNature in Fresno—Handmade Chinese lantern displays will illuminate the Zoo November 23rd, 24th, 26th, 27th, 29th, 30th, December 1st, 5th, 7th, 8th, 12th–15th, 19th–23rd, and 26th–30th. Check website for January and beyond dates. 5 and 7 p.m. Tickets: $13–$24. Fresno Chaffee Zoo, 894 W. Belmont Avenue, Fresno. 498-5910
Christmas at Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp—Enjoy ice skating daily 9–10 a.m., 11 a.m.–4 p.m., and 5–8 p.m. from November 25th–December 31st. Check website for January and beyond dates. Tickets: $20–$25. Join Santa for a jolly holiday breakfast on December 22nd from 9–11 a.m. Tickets: $25–$55. Tenaya at Yosemite, 1122 Highway 41, Fish Camp. 692-8985 and 692-8974
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 29th–December 29th on Fridays–Sundays at 12, 1:30, and 3 p.m. Meet Santa at the Mansion on December 7th and 8th from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tickets: $10. Check website for January dates. Kearney Mansion, 7160 W. Kearney Boulevard, Fresno. 441-0862
Glice Skating in Bass Lake—Enjoy skating on glice (synthetic ice) Thursdays 3–9 p.m., Fridays 2–9 p.m., Saturdays 12–9 p.m., and Sundays 1–7 p.m. November 29th–December 29th. Check website for January and beyond dates. Tickets: $15–$20, good for a 2-hour session and skate rental. The Pines Resort, 54432 Road 432, Bass Lake. 800-350-7463
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, and reservations. Tickets: $10–$46. Marketplace at Merced, 851 W. Olive Avenue, Merced. 209-723-3981
Carriage Rides in Clovis—Take a free horse drawn carriage ride through the beautifully decorated streets of Old Town Clovis November 30th–December 22nd. Fridays from 5–8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from 1–4 p.m. 298-5774
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 30th–December 23rd and December 26th–29th. Steam trains 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on select weekends. Tree sales 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on select days. Pajama Christmas 6–8:30 p.m. on select days. Events sell out. Tickets: $5–$10. Hillcrest Farms, 6943 S. Reed Avenue, Reedley. 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! Off Peach and Alluvial Avenues, Clovis.
Christmas at River Park in Fresno—Find holiday fun all month long at River Park! Enjoy holiday music on December 1st, 15th, 21st, 22nd, and 24th, times vary; watch the Christmas light show December 5th–25th from 5–10 p.m.; all aboard for train rides on December 9th and 30th from 4–8 p.m., say hi at holiday character meet-and-greets on December 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th–22nd from 6–8 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 United Skates in Clovis—Join for Olaf Skate on December 1st from 12:30–3 p.m., Jack’s Christmas Nightmare on December 14th from 3:30–6 p.m., lunch with Santa on December 15th from 12:30–3 p.m., glow-in-the-dark skating with the Grinch on December 20th from 7–9:30 p.m., and Elf roll on December 21st from 3:30–6 p.m. Tickets: $14–$20. United Skates of America, 2881 Peach Avenue, Clovis. 291-0242
Christmas Open House in Lemoore—Come see Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy live music, go on a hayride, enjoy arts, crafts, and games, and more on December 1st from 2–5 p.m. Sarah Mooney Museum, 542 W. D Street, Lemoore. 904-9669
Christmas Tree Lighting in Visalia—Join for this annual event on December 1st at 5:45 p.m. Enjoy free refreshments, entertainment, and meet Santa! Lincoln Oval Park, Court & Second Streets, Visalia. 732-2233
Holiday Horns in Fresno—This fun holiday celebration features a festive musical performance! December 1st at 1 p.m. The New Manchester, 3602 N. Blackstone Avenue, Fresno. 227-1901
Tree Lighting Celebration in Lemoore—Get in the holiday spirit with an inspiring celebration on December 1st in Downtown Lemoore, D & Fox Streets, Lemoore. 924-6744
Candy Cane Lane Parade in Visalia—Kick off the holiday season on December 2nd from 6:30–9:30 p.m. with floats, bands, dancers, and more! Main Street, Visalia. 334-0141
Christmas Tree Lighting in Clovis—Join for this free annual tree lighting on December 2nd 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
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 3rd–25th. The lane will be open from 6–10 p.m. Sundays–Thursdays and 6–11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Walk-only nights are December 3rd and 11th. Van Ness Boulevard from Shields to Shaw, Fresno. 348-9200
Tree Lighting in Sanger—Watch the tree lighting at this 41st annual event on December 4th at 6:30 p.m. Brehler Park, Seventh & N Streets, Sanger. 875-4575
Children’s Christmas Parade in Porterville—It’s a “Razzle Dazzle Christmas” on December 5th from 7–9 p.m. Enjoy this community parade on Main Street, Porterville. 784-7502
Christmas Parade in Tulare—Don’t miss this fun “The Songs of Christmas” parade at 6:30 p.m. on December 5th. Departs at K Street & San Joaquin Avenue, Downtown Tulare. 685-2350
Downtown Christmas Parade in Madera—Families will enjoy this festive light parade on December 5th from 6–7 p.m. Yosemite Avenue, between A and E Streets, Madera. 519-2717
Photos with Santa in Fresno—The man in the red suit will be at the north end of the mall for meet and greets and photos on select days from December 5th–24th. Check online for hours, reservations, and pricing. The New Manchester, 1901 E. Shields Avenue, Fresno. 227-1901
Winter Concert in Fresno—Expect great music and singing from the Fresno City College Choirs on December 5th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets available online. Fresno City College, 1101 E. University Avenue, Fresno. 442-8221
Christmas in the Park & Electrical Farm Equipment Parade in Reedley—Join for festive fun on December 6th! From 5–9 p.m. there will be food trucks, crafts, vendors, train rides, photos with Santa 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, between Eighth and Fourteenth, Reedley. 638-3548
Christmas Parade in Atwater—Join on December 6th at 7 p.m. for the “Twelve Days of Christmas”–themed parade. Starts on the corner of Broadway & Winton and ends on Third. 209-357-6321
Christmas Parade in Exeter—Join the community in celebrating holiday spirit and the charms of the city. Enjoy the parade and more on December 6th at 6:30 p.m. Downtown Exeter. 592-2919
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 6th from 5:30–8 p.m. Tesoro Viejo, 4150 Town Center Boulevard, Madera. 822-3375
Home for the Holidays in Fresno—This annual musical celebration features an evening of seasonal favorites on December 6th at 7:30 p.m. Arrive early to enjoy lobby caroling, hot chocolate, and pictures by the tree. Tickets: $36–$96. William Saroyan Theatre, 730 M Street, Fresno. 261-0600
“Old-Fashioned Christmas” 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 6th, 7th, 13th, and 14th from 6–8 p.m. Tickets: $1–$3. Zalud House, 393 N. Hockett Street, Porterville. 791-7695
Seasonal Fun with PARCS in Fresno—Celebrate the season with Fresno PARCS with an Adaptive Winter Formal on December 6th; Christmas parties on the 13th, 14th, 19th, and 20th; Grinchmas on the 13th and 19th; Gingerbread Building on the 13th, 20th, and 23rd; Workshops on the 16th, 19th, 20th, and 23rd; and a PJ Karaoke Night on the 19th. Go online or call for times, locations, and more information. Fresno, 621-7529
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 selfies with Santa! December 6th from 6–9 p.m. CrossCity Christian Church, 2777 E. Nees Avenue, Fresno. 323-9675
Tree Lighting in Coarsegold—Celebrate at the holiday market, visit with Santa, and join for carols on December 6th from 6:30–8 p.m. Coarsegold Community Center, 35610 Highway 41, Coarsegold. 683-1443
Winter Fest & Christmas Parade in Caruthers—Join this annual event on December 6th 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, giveaways, and more! Caruthers Fairgrounds, 13599 S. Raider Avenue, Caruthers. 864-2620
Breakfast with Santa in Oakhurst—Bring the whole family on December 7th from 7:30–11 a.m. to enjoy breakfast with Santa, kids activities, holiday music, and photos with Santa. Tickets: $10, kids 5 and under are free. Oakhurst Community Center, 39800 Road 425B, Oakhurst. 683-5854
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 7th from 6–9 p.m. Clovis & Pollasky, Old Town Clovis. 575-4311
Christmas at the Plaza in Visalia—Celebrate the holidays with treats, a Christmas market, local artists, free train rides, and pictures with Santa. December 7th from 12–3 p.m. Garden Street Plaza, 101 S. Garden Street, Visalia. 732-7737
Christmas Tree Lighting in Oakhurst—This 36th annual tree lighting will feature vendors, crafts, food, and more starting at 4 p.m. on December 7th. 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
Cookies & Cocoa with Santa in Fresno—Enjoy warm cocoa and cookies while Santa reads a festive story. December 7th from 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Tickets: $15–$25. Shinzen Friendship Garden, Woodward Park, 114 W. Audubon Drive, Fresno. 478-4848
Country Christmas at Ford Farms in Lindsay—Meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch on December 7th, 14th, and 21st from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Tickets: $10, 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
Downtown Christmas Parade in Lemoore—Streets will be lined with a variety of vehicles, floats, entertainment, and more for “A Very Merry Disney Christmas” on December 7th at 6 p.m. D Street, Downtown Lemoore. 216-0505
Electric Light Parade & Tree Lighting in Dinuba—”Christmas Around the World”–steps out at 5:30 p.m. on December 7th 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
Holiday Open House at Fig in Fresno—Start the day with horse-drawn carriage rides and holiday vendors. Then sip hot cocoa and enjoy holiday treats as you prepare for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. December 7th from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Fig Garden Village, 790 W. Shaw Avenue #260, Fresno. 412-5296
Holiday Open House in Fresno—Enjoy a bake sale, raffles, vendors, pictures with Santa, and more on December 7th from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Animal Rescue of Fresno, 4545 E. Dakota Avenue, Fresno. 225-5715
Hometown Lighted Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting in Chowchilla—Join on December 7th 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. 665-8615
Santa’s House in Fresno—Take a photo with Santa, make an ornament, write a letter to Santa, enjoy entertainment, and more on December 7th from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Tickets: $10–$25. Fig Garden Women’s Club Clubhouse, 4550 N. Van Ness Boulevard, Fresno. 355-2601
Santa’s Village in Fresno—The whole family will enjoy this free event featuring photos with Santa, characters, activities, resources, and more from 4–6 p.m. on December 7th. Teague Community Center, 4718 N. Polk Avenue, Fresno. 578-8991
Toyland Parade in Sanger—Bring the kids to this fun, 76th annual festive parade in Downtown Sanger December 7th at 11 a.m. Parade route begins at Academy Avenue, Sanger. 875-4575
A Festival of Lessons & Carols in Fresno—Join for this annual program that is filled with carols and celebration on December 8th at 3 p.m. Hosted by Fresno Pacific University. Tickets: $15 + fee. University Presbyterian Church, 1776 E. Roberts Avenue, Fresno. 453-2267
Christmas Concert & Dessert in Visalia—This free event features Christmas music followed by dessert on December 8th at 4 p.m. ASL interpreted at 6 p.m. Gateway Church of Visalia, 1100 S. Sowell Street, Visalia. 732-4787
Here Comes Santa Claus! in Clovis—Join on December 8th 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
Holiday Choral Concert in Fresno—Listen to the sounds of the season on December 8th from 2:30–4:30 p.m. Tickets: $5–$10. Fresno State, Concert Hall, 2380 E. Keats Avenue, Fresno. 278-3056
Jazzy Winter Magic in Fresno—Experience an enchanting evening with a performance of The Nutcracker, a touch of Harry Potter, and a community sing-along on December 8th at 7 p.m. Tickets: $18–$29. Paul Shaghoian Concert Hall, 2770 E. International Avenue, Fresno. 512-1726
Pet Photos with Santa in Clovis—Get your family and pet photos done on December 8th from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Tickets: $25. Miss Winkles Pet Adoption Center, 85 Temperance Avenue, Clovis. 324-2465
Photos & Holiday Party with Santa in Sanger—Join for this annual event on December 8th from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Dog-friendly pet photos with Santa are $10. Human and dog treats available! Fresno Bully Rescue, 11740 E. Belmont Avenue. Sanger.
Trek to the Tree in Kings Canyon National Park—Families are invited to this 99th annual event beginning at 2:30 p.m. on December 8th. Tickets: $180. Call the Sanger Chamber for more information. General Grant Tree, 83918 Grant Grove Drive, Kings Canyon National Park. 875-4575
Candy Cane Holiday Fair in Oakhurst—Kick off your holiday shopping at this event on December 13th and 14th from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Oakhurst Community Center, 39800 Fresno Flats Road, Oakhurst. 692-2352
Christmas Avenue in Visalia—Families will enjoy this free event on December 13th and 14th from 6–8 p.m. Walk through a Christmas light show and enjoy music, photo spots, a live nativity, and more! Gateway Church of Visalia, 1100 S. Sowell Street, Visalia. 732-4787
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 13th–15th from 6–8 p.m. Approach from the North entrance. Bethany Church Fresno, 9161 N. Maple Avenue, Fresno. 434-2500
Christmas Tree Lighting in Coarsegold—Enjoy the tree lighting, live music, a craft fair, pictures with Santa, and a chili cook-off on December 14th from 3–7 p.m. Tickets: $5–$10. Coarsegold Historic Village, 35300 Highway 41, Coarsegold. 760-0806
Downtown Christmas Parade in Fresno—The 95th annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade “Under the Tree” is on December 14th from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Fulton Street, Downtown Fresno. 490-9966
Merry Mountain Christmas Parade in Mariposa—This historic foothill town’s parade begins at 5 p.m. in Old Town Mariposa on December 14th. After the parade, enjoy the tree lighting and other holiday fun! Main Street, Old Town Mariposa. 209-966-2456
Pageantry of Lights Christmas Parade in Kerman—”Gingerbread Village” steps out at 6 p.m. on December 14th. Parade follows Madera Avenue, C Street to G Street. Downtown Kerman, 846-6343
Holiday Concert in Fresno—Enjoy this festive concert featuring the Clovis Community Band on December 15th at 2:30 p.m. Call for ticket information. Paul Shaghoian Concert Hall, 2770 E. International Avenue, Fresno. 327-2876
A Holiday Celestial Spectacular in Visalia—The Stage and Space Collaborative is excited to bring you another interactive event—this time full of holiday cheer on December 19th from 4–8 p.m.! Join for performances from Tulare County student singers and the University Prep High School handbell choir, fun games and activities for kids, and pictures with Santa Claus! Sweet treats will also be available to purchase. Aurora: Lights of Wonder runs at 4:15, 5:15, 6:15, and 7:15 p.m. and is suggested for ages 8 and up; all ages are welcome. Tickets $5. The Planetarium & Science Center, 11535 Avenue 264, Visalia. 733-6433
Candlelight Concerts in Fresno—This live, multi-sensory experience in an awe-inspiring location will bring the holiday magic alive on December 20th. Enjoy Christmas Carols on Strings from 6:15–7:30 p.m. and The Nutcracker & More from 8:45–10 p.m. Tickets: $32. The Grand 1401, 1401 Fulton Street, Fresno. 402-249-2445