Last updated: November 11, 2024
Experience the joy of the season in Modesto with our ultimate guide. From Modesto old-timers to fresh faces, this guide ensures a holiday experience to remember.
Popular Events: The Celebration of Lights Holiday Parade transforms downtown Modesto into a winter wonderland, featuring festive floats and twinkling lights that invite the whole community to celebrate together. With unique artisanal crafts and delightful holiday treats, Dickens' Faire brings a touch of Victorian charm to the season. And the MSO: The Four Seasons Mixtape is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a musical journey through the seasons with a festive twist. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Modesto Holiday Light Displays
Celebration of Lights Holiday Parade
- What to Expect
- Community-driven parade with illuminated floats and a "Downtown Disco" theme.
- Description
- Modesto's Celebration of Lights Holiday Parade features illuminated floats, music, and a "Downtown Disco" theme, showcasing community creativity and spirit.
- Where
- Modesto | More Info : Celebration of Lights Holiday Parade
Modesto Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Dickens' Faire
- What to Expect
- Immersive Victorian holiday celebration with diverse activities.
- Description
- Immerse yourself in Victorian London at the Dickens Fair, featuring music halls, theatres, pubs, and charming shops filled with holiday revelry and colorful characters. Enjoy Port Chocolate and Champagne Tastings, a mysterious Pub Crawl, and other unique experiences.
- Where
- Modesto | More Info : Dickens' Faire
MSO: The Four Seasons Mixtape
- What to Expect
- A unique blend of classical music and cultural traditions.
- Description
- The Modesto Symphony Orchestra presents "The Four Seasons Mixtape," a concert featuring conductor Nicholas Hersh and violinist Audrey Wright. The program includes Felix Mendelssohn's Overture to "A Midsummer Night's Dream," Gabriela Ortiz's "La Calaca," and a mixtape of movements from Vivaldi, Richter, Ysaÿe, and Piazzolla. This event explores the seasons and their cultural associations through music.
- Where
- Modesto | More Info : MSO: The Four Seasons Mixtape
The Nightmare Before Christmas
- What to Expect
- Live orchestral performance of a beloved holiday film.
- Description
- The Modesto Symphony Orchestra presents Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas" in concert, featuring a live performance accompanied by a screening of the Disney classic.
- Where
- Modesto | More Info : The Nightmare Before Christmas
Holiday Bazaar
- What to Expect
- Community-driven parade with illuminated floats and a "Downtown Disco" theme.
- Description
- Modesto's annual Celebration of Lights Holiday Parade features a "Downtown Disco" theme, with illuminated floats, family-friendly events, and a festive atmosphere. The parade route includes historic streets, and entries are judged on their use of the theme, lights, music, and other creative elements.
- Where
- Modesto | More Info : Holiday Bazaar
Breakfast with Santa
- What to Expect
- Interactive breakfast event with Santa and holiday-themed activities for children.
- Description
- A delightful morning event featuring a delicious breakfast menu alongside festive activities. Families gather to share smiles, enjoy tasty treats, and meet Santa Claus, creating lasting memories. Children can partake in holiday crafts and storytelling while parents relax with hot beverages. This gathering brings warmth and cheer to the community during the holiday season.
- Where
- Modesto | More Info : Breakfast with Santa
Modesto Other Holiday Activities
BUNCO
- What to Expect
- Social dice-rolling game with group scoring.
- Description
- Bunco is a social parlor game played with twelve or more players, divided into groups of four, trying to score points by rolling three dice. The game is achieved when a player rolls three of a kind in a specific round number.
- Where
- Modesto | More Info : BUNCO
Fall Pumpkin Paint Night
- What to Expect
- Whimsical holiday-themed painting experience with instructor guidance.
- Description
- Join us for a night of holiday cheer as you create a delightful painting of Miss Holli Day. Our instructor, Ilya, will guide you through a whimsical character that brings the spirit of the season to life on canvas. Enjoy twinkling lights, holiday tunes, and special cocktails while surrounded by fellow art enthusiasts.
- Where
- Modesto | More Info : Fall Pumpkin Paint Night
Riverbank Cheese & Wine Festival
- What to Expect
- Unique wine and cheese tasting experience with live music.
- Description
- The Riverbank Cheese & Wine Festival is a one-day event featuring wine tastings, local cheeses, live music, and family-friendly activities. Explore different booths to sample unique flavors and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Riverbank | More Info : Riverbank Cheese & Wine Festival