Welcome to Modesto, CA, where the holiday season sparkles with festive cheer and community spirit! Visitors and locals alike can revel in the magic of events such as the Modesto Celebration of Lights Parade, where illuminated floats bring the streets alive. The enchanting Christmas in the Park transforms Greyson Park into a winter wonderland, complete with themed holiday displays and a scavenger hunt for kids.
Step back in time with a visit to the Victorian Christmas at McHenry Mansion, where you can enjoy traditional Victorian parlor games in a beautifully restored 19th-century setting. From parades to historic experiences, Modesto offers a variety of holiday events that celebrate the season in delightful and memorable ways.
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Got questions? Like to help? Check out our Modesto Holiday discussion here!
The Top Christmas Events in Modesto
- Modesto Celebration of Lights Parade
- Christmas in the Park
- Victorian Christmas in McHenry Mansion
- Modesto Certified Farmers Market Holiday Market
- Santa Con Modesto
- Nutcracker Ballet
- Holiday Pops Concert
- Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
- Holiday Ice Skating
Modesto Holiday Light Displays
Modesto Celebration of Lights Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade with illuminated floats
Description:
Modesto's streets come alive with the glow of twinkling lights during the annual Celebration of Lights Parade. This community-driven event showcases illuminated floats crafted by local organizations and businesses. Spectators can marvel at the creativity on display as each float tells a unique story through light and design. The parade route follows the historic path of Modesto's first electric streetcar line, established in 1890. You'll feel the excitement in the air as music and laughter fill the streets, creating a joyous atmosphere for all ages.
Website:
Modesto Celebration of Lights Parade
Christmas in the Park
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday displays in a public park setting
Description:
Greyson Park transforms into a winter spectacle during Christmas in the Park. This outdoor event features interactive holiday displays scattered throughout the park's winding paths. Visitors can explore themed areas, each offering a unique take on holiday traditions from around the world. The park's century-old oak trees serve as natural backdrops for the elaborate scenes. Children delight in finding hidden elves among the displays, part of a park-wide scavenger hunt. The event honors Modesto's agricultural heritage with a special exhibit showcasing vintage farm equipment adorned with twinkling lights.
Website:
Modesto Holiday Markets and Shopping
Modesto Certified Farmers Market Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Local artisans and farmers offering unique holiday gifts and produce
Description:
The Modesto Certified Farmers Market Holiday Market brings together local artisans and farmers for a unique shopping experience. This special edition of the year-round market focuses on holiday-themed offerings, from handcrafted gifts to seasonal produce. Visitors can discover one-of-a-kind presents while supporting local businesses. The market showcases Modesto's agricultural bounty, with farmers offering winter crops and holiday-themed treats. Shoppers can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafts, gaining insight into the artistry behind the products. This event continues a tradition of community markets in Modesto dating back to the early 20th century.
Website:
Modesto Certified Farmers Market Holiday Market
Modesto Holiday Giving Opportunities
Santa Con Modesto
What to Expect:
Charity-focused Santa-themed pub crawl
Description:
Santa Con Modesto turns the city's downtown into a sea of red and white as participants don Santa suits for a charitable pub crawl. This lively event combines holiday cheer with community giving, as revelers collect donations for local charities while visiting participating venues. The streets buzz with energy as hundreds of Santas spread joy throughout the city center. Participants can join in holiday-themed games and contests at each stop. Santa Con Modesto builds on the city's history of community engagement, transforming a simple pub crawl into a force for local good.
Website:
Modesto Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Local dance company's unique interpretation of the classic ballet
Description:
Modesto's own Central West Ballet brings a fresh perspective to the timeless Nutcracker story. This production infuses local flavor into the classic tale, with sets inspired by Modesto's landmarks and history. Dancers glide across the stage, their movements telling a story that resonates with both tradition and innovation. The performance features a live orchestra, filling the theater with Tchaikovsky's iconic score. Audience members can spot subtle nods to Modesto's agricultural heritage woven throughout the costumes and choreography. This annual production has become a cherished part of Modesto's cultural landscape since its debut over two decades ago.
Website:
Holiday Pops Concert
What to Expect:
Blend of classical and contemporary holiday music
Description:
The Modesto Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops Concert delivers a dynamic blend of classical and contemporary holiday music. This annual performance surprises audiences with unexpected arrangements of familiar tunes, breathing new life into holiday classics. The concert features collaborations with local choirs and guest artists, creating a rich tapestry of sound. Concertgoers can enjoy the orchestra's rendition of a piece composed specifically for Modesto, celebrating the city's musical heritage. The event takes place in the historic Gallo Center for the Arts, a cornerstone of Modesto's cultural scene since 2007.
Website:
Modesto Other Holiday Activities
Victorian Christmas in McHenry Mansion
What to Expect:
Authentic 19th-century holiday experience in a historic mansion
Description:
Step back in time at the McHenry Mansion's Victorian Christmas celebration. This meticulously restored 1883 Italianate mansion opens its doors for a truly authentic 19th-century holiday experience. Each room is adorned with period-appropriate decorations, transporting visitors to a bygone era. The air is filled with the subtle scent of pine and spices, enhancing the historical ambiance. Guests can participate in traditional Victorian parlor games, offering a glimpse into holiday entertainment of the past. The mansion, once home to Modesto's founding family, showcases the city's rich architectural heritage.
Website:
Victorian Christmas in McHenry Mansion
Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
What to Expect:
Interfaith candlelight service in a historic downtown church
Description:
Modesto's Candlelight Christmas Eve Service brings together people of various faiths for a moment of unity and reflection. Held in one of downtown's oldest churches, the service combines traditional elements with inclusive, modern touches. As candles are lit, the historic sanctuary gradually fills with a warm, gentle light. Attendees can participate in a unique ritual of writing messages of hope for the community, which are then displayed throughout the year. The service incorporates music from diverse cultural traditions, reflecting Modesto's multicultural population. This event has been a unifying force in the community for over 50 years.
Website:
Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
Holiday Ice Skating
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating rink in a California climate
Description:
Modesto's Holiday Ice Skating rink brings a touch of winter wonder to the Central Valley. This outdoor rink, set up in the heart of downtown, offers a unique experience in Modesto's mild climate. Skaters glide across the ice under the warm California sun or starry evening skies. The rink features special themed nights, including costume parties and disco skate sessions. Visitors can try their hand at curling during designated times, introducing this winter sport to the community. The ice rink has become a beloved holiday tradition since its introduction in 2015, drawing residents and visitors alike to the city center.
Website:
Nearby Events
Christmas Light Parade (Turlock)
What to Expect:
Nighttime parade with creatively lit vehicles and floats
Description:
Modesto's Christmas Light Parade illuminates the night with a procession of creatively lit vehicles and floats. This unique event challenges participants to transform ordinary modes of transportation into extraordinary light displays. From bicycles adorned with LED strings to elaborately decorated trucks, the parade showcases the community's ingenuity and spirit. Spectators line the streets, captivated by the moving light show. The parade route passes by several of Modesto's historic buildings, their facades serving as backdrop to the glowing spectacle. This event has grown from a small neighborhood gathering to a city-wide celebration over the past decade.
Website:
Winter Wonderland (Riverbank)
What to Expect:
Indoor holiday experience with interactive exhibits
Description:
Modesto's Winter Wonderland transforms an expansive indoor space into a multi-sensory holiday experience. This event features a series of interactive exhibits that go beyond traditional decorations. Visitors can explore a maze of holiday-themed rooms, each offering a unique activity or display. The event incorporates cutting-edge technology, including virtual reality experiences that transport guests to wintry landscapes. Children can participate in hands-on workshops, creating their own holiday crafts. Winter Wonderland pays homage to Modesto's diverse community by showcasing holiday traditions from around the world. This innovative approach to holiday celebrations has quickly become a regional attraction since its inception.