Step into the festive season in Chico with our detailed guide. For Chico natives and visitors alike, our guide reveals the city's holiday magic.
One cannot begin their holiday season without the charming Christmas Preview, where downtown Chico transforms into a winter wonderland filled with lights, street performers, and holiday cheer. Explore the grandeur of nineteenth-century celebrations with historical tours and beautifully adorned spaces at Christmas at Bidwell Mansion. And the Nutcracker Ballet is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing exquisite dance performances that capture the spirit of Christmas. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Chico
- Christmas Preview
- Christmas at Bidwell Mansion
- Nutcracker Ballet
- Santa's Workshop
- Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting
- North State Symphony Holiday Concert
Chico Holiday Light Displays
Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Community gathers to illuminate a giant sequoia
Description:
Chico's downtown plaza comes alive as the community gathers to illuminate a towering giant sequoia. This living Christmas tree, planted in the early 1900s, stands as a testament to the city's history and natural beauty. Local choirs perform carols, their voices rising into the crisp night air. The mayor leads the countdown, building anticipation before the switch is flipped, bathing the plaza in a warm glow. Afterward, you can enjoy hot cocoa and cookies while admiring the tree's twinkling lights.
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Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting
Chico Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Preview
What to Expect:
Downtown businesses transform into a holiday spectacle
Description:
Chico's historic downtown bursts to life during the annual Christmas Preview. Local shops and eateries extend their hours, offering special treats and discounts as the streets fill with the aroma of cinnamon and spice. Visitors can enjoy live performances by local musicians and dance troupes scattered throughout the area. This tradition, dating back to the 1970s, has become a cornerstone of Chico's holiday season. You'll find one-of-a-kind gifts crafted by local artisans, perfect for those seeking unique presents.
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Chico Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Local dancers bring a classic tale to life
Description:
The Nutcracker Ballet leaps onto the stage in Chico, showcasing the talent of local dancers. This timeless holiday story unfolds through graceful movements and Tchaikovsky's iconic score. The production features elaborate costumes and sets, bringing the Land of Sweets to vivid life. Aspiring ballerinas can participate in a pre-show workshop to learn basic ballet moves. This annual performance has been a Chico tradition for over three decades, inspiring generations of dance enthusiasts in the community.
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North State Symphony Holiday Concert
What to Expect:
Professional orchestra performs holiday classics with a twist
Description:
The North State Symphony's Holiday Concert elevates familiar tunes with orchestral grandeur. This professional ensemble, comprised of musicians from across Northern California, presents a program that blends traditional carols with contemporary arrangements. The concert features a guest soloist, adding a fresh voice to beloved melodies. Audience members can participate in a pre-show instrument "petting zoo," getting hands-on with orchestral instruments. This annual performance, a Chico tradition since 2001, showcases the region's rich musical talent and brings classical music to the heart of the North State.
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North State Symphony Holiday Concert
Chico Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at Bidwell Mansion
What to Expect:
Victorian-era holiday experience in a historic mansion
Description:
Step back in time at Bidwell Mansion's Christmas celebration. The 19th-century Italianate-style villa dons period-accurate decorations, transporting visitors to a bygone era. Docents in Victorian attire guide guests through the lavishly adorned rooms, sharing tales of the Bidwell family's holiday traditions. Explore the mansion's original furnishings and learn about Chico's founding father, John Bidwell. The event culminates with a special candlelit tour, offering a glimpse into how the wealthy celebrated Christmas in the 1800s.
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Santa's Workshop
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday crafting experience for children
Description:
Santa's Workshop in Chico buzzes with activity as children create their own holiday treasures. Little elves-in-training can craft ornaments, decorate cookies, and write letters to Santa. The workshop, staffed by local volunteers, provides all materials and guidance for each project. Parents can capture memories at the photo booth, complete with props and a festive backdrop. This event, initiated by the Chico Parks Department in 2005, has become a beloved tradition for families seeking hands-on holiday fun.
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Nearby Events
Parades of Lights (Oroville)
What to Expect:
Illuminated parade floats cruise through historic downtown
Description:
Oroville's streets glow with the Parade of Lights, as illuminated floats and vehicles wind through the historic downtown. The procession features local businesses, community groups, and schools, each competing for the coveted "Best Use of Lights" award. Spectators line the route, bundled up against the crisp evening air. Children can spot Santa riding atop the fire truck that traditionally closes the parade. This event, a staple of Oroville's holiday season since the 1990s, brings the community together in a dazzling display of creativity and holiday spirit.