Explore the festive highlights of Merced with our guide. We’ve compiled all the key events and activities for you. Whether Merced is your lifelong home or your holiday destination, this guide maximizes your seasonal experience.
Christmas at Castle Air Museum offers historical splendor with aircraft adorned in holiday decor, making it a must-see for aviation enthusiasts. Marvel at the dazzling lights and decorations on Merced Christmas Tree Lane, creating a magical winter wonderland experience. And Merced's Annual Santa Claus Run is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a fun and spirited way to get involved in the community. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Merced
See these and even more events listed below!Merced Holiday Light Displays
Merced Christmas Tree Lane
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday light display on residential street
Description:
Bear Creek Drive in Merced bursts to life with a dazzling array of lights and decorations. This beloved tradition, started by residents in the 1960s, showcases the community's holiday spirit. Each home along the lane contributes its own unique display, creating a tapestry of twinkling lights and festive scenes. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll down the illuminated street, admiring the creativity and effort of local families. The lane's enduring popularity reflects Merced's strong sense of community and shared holiday traditions.
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Merced Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
City-wide light festival with diverse cultural celebrations
Description:
Merced's Festival of Lights illuminates the city with a vibrant tapestry of cultural celebrations. This unique event embraces the diversity of Merced, showcasing holiday traditions from around the world. Visitors can explore themed areas representing different cultures, each with its own light displays and traditional decorations. The festival, which began as a small community event, has grown to become a symbol of Merced's multicultural spirit. You'll discover new holiday customs as you wander through the glowing displays, each telling a story of heritage and celebration.
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Merced Holiday Giving Opportunities
Merced's Annual Santa Claus Run
What to Expect:
Charity run with participants dressed as Santa
Description:
Merced's streets fill with a sea of red as hundreds of Santas dash through town for a good cause. This whimsical run combines fitness, philanthropy, and holiday cheer in a unique way. Participants don Santa suits and jingle bells, creating a merry atmosphere as they race. The event, which began as a small community gathering, now raises significant funds for local charities. You can join the jolly crowd and run for a cause, experiencing the joy of giving while getting into the holiday spirit.
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Merced's Annual Santa Claus Run
Nearby Events
Christmas at Castle Air Museum (Atwater)
What to Expect:
Christmas celebration at a historic air museum
Description:
Castle Air Museum transforms into a holiday spectacle, blending aviation history with seasonal cheer. Vintage aircraft adorned with twinkling lights create a striking backdrop for this unique celebration. Visitors can explore the cockpits of decorated planes, offering a rare glimpse into military aviation's past. The museum, established in 1981, preserves the legacy of Castle Air Force Base, adding depth to the holiday experience. As you stroll through the illuminated grounds, the gentle hum of distant planes evokes a sense of nostalgia and wonder.
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Christmas at Castle Air Museum
Atwater Christmas Parade (Atwater)
What to Expect:
Small-town Christmas parade with a focus on local participation
Description:
Atwater's main street comes alive with the sights and sounds of a traditional small-town Christmas parade. Local schools, businesses, and community groups showcase their creativity with handcrafted floats and lively performances. The parade, a cherished tradition since the 1950s, reflects Atwater's close-knit community spirit. Spectators line the streets, cheering on their neighbors and friends as they pass by. The aroma of hot cocoa and cinnamon wafts through the air, adding to the cozy atmosphere of this heartwarming event.
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Living Nativity Scene (Livingston)
What to Expect:
Interactive living nativity with live animals and actors
Description:
Livingston brings the story of Christmas to life with a captivating living nativity scene. Local volunteers don period costumes, portraying Mary, Joseph, and other biblical figures with authenticity. Live animals, including sheep and donkeys, add realism to the scene, transporting visitors back in time. This immersive experience allows guests to walk through the nativity, observing the detailed recreations of Bethlehem life. The tradition of living nativities dates back to 13th century Italy, connecting Livingston's celebration to centuries of Christian heritage.
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Los Banos Christmas Parade (Los Banos)
What to Expect:
Agricultural-themed Christmas parade
Description:
Los Banos celebrates its agricultural heritage with a unique Christmas parade that blends holiday cheer with farming traditions. Decorated tractors and farm equipment take center stage, alongside more traditional floats. This event, which has been running for over 50 years, pays homage to the city's roots as an agricultural hub. Local farmers and ranchers showcase their pride in the community, creating a festive atmosphere that's distinctly Los Banos. Visitors can marvel at the ingenious ways participants incorporate holiday themes into agricultural displays.