Discover 37 verified other christmas activities in Modesto and nearby areas.
Welcome to our guide to Modesto Christmas activities! Beyond the lights, markets, and shows, there are many other festive experiences to enjoy. We've compiled a diverse collection of holiday fun to help you make the most of the season in Modesto.
You'll find a variety of seasonal celebrations happening throughout the city. Keep an eye on local parks and community hubs for special events and festive gatherings that capture the holiday spirit.
This guide offers a glimpse into the wide range of holiday activities available, ensuring there's something for everyone. Explore the unique festive experiences Modesto has to offer and create lasting memories this Christmas!
Annual holiday parade with 'Elves Just Want To Have Fun' theme
Experience the magic of Modesto's annual Celebration of Lights Holiday Parade, themed "Elves Just Want To Have Fun" for 2025. This beloved community event features a vibrant parade route winding through downtown, showcasing creative floats and festive spirit. Join residents...
Victorian mansion illuminated by candlelight for holiday tours
Step back in time at McHenry Mansion's captivating events in Modesto, CA. Experience the magic of the 'Tours by Candlelight,' where the historic Victorian home glows with soft illumination and festive holiday decor. Discover the stories behind cherished Christmas traditions...
10th anniversary of outdoor ice skating in downtown Modesto
Modesto On Ice returns for its 10th season, transforming downtown Modesto into a festive winter wonderland. This fully covered outdoor rink offers a magical experience for friends and families to create cherished holiday memories. From mid-November through mid-January, it's the...
Community event by Central Valley Association of REALTORS®
Discover the Turlock Christmas CanTree, a festive event celebrating the holiday spirit. This unique gathering offers a heartwarming experience for the community.
Candlelit concert with orchestra, chorus, and handbells.
Experience the warmth and beauty of the holiday season at the Modesto Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Candlelight Concert. This special performance features beloved traditional Christmas hymns and carols, brought to life by the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, the MSO Chorus, and the...
Community holiday celebration
Experience the festive spirit at Christmas on Main, a beloved community event in Escalon. This celebration brings residents together for a heartwarming holiday experience.
Santa's truck tours neighborhoods playing music and handing out candy.
The Turlock Santa Truck Program is a cherished holiday tradition where Santa and his elves tour neighborhoods in a specially decorated 1955 American LaFrance pumper. This festive event, operating throughout December, fills the streets with Christmas music and cheer, culminating...
Annual downtown Christmas parade
Get ready for the Turlock Downtown Christmas Parade, an annual spectacle that lights up the first Friday in December. Businesses, community groups, and families are invited to showcase their holiday spirit by entering a float in this cherished local tradition....
Santa's arrival and Christmas Parade
Get ready for the holiday season as Santa Claus officially arrives in Patterson! Join the "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" event to welcome him, followed by a festive Christmas Parade that will fill Downtown Patterson with holiday spirit. Details...
Special letter-writing event for Santa
Children can send their holiday wishes to Santa Claus through a special letter-writing event hosted by the City of Patterson. This heartwarming activity allows young ones to participate in a beloved Christmas tradition, ensuring their messages reach the North Pole.
Immersive winter wonderland with family activities and Santa visits.
Great Wolf Lodge transforms into a magical winter wonderland for its annual Snowland celebration. Families can enjoy a host of festive activities, including arts and crafts, holiday-themed games like Bingo and Trivia, and lively dance parties. Meet Santa Claus and...
Annual community parade and tree lighting ceremony
Join the Lathrop community for their cherished annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. This festive event brings residents together to celebrate the holiday season with a vibrant parade and a heartwarming tree lighting ceremony. It's a perfect opportunity to embrace...
Holiday tree lighting at an aviation museum
Join the Castle Air Museum for their annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, a magical event that ushers in the holiday spirit. This special occasion transforms the museum grounds into a festive wonderland, perfect for families and individuals looking to embrace the...
Magical train ride to the North Pole with Santa.
Embark on a magical one-hour train journey to the North Pole, inspired by the classic story of The Polar Express™. Passengers will enjoy hot chocolate and a treat onboard while Santa Claus himself boards the train to present each guest...
Community parade and Santa-led tree lighting
Experience the festive spirit at the 'Holiday Sights and Sounds Parade' and the beloved tree lighting ceremony in Downtown Livermore. This cherished tradition brings the community together with dazzling floats and performances from local groups. Following the parade, join in...
Meet Santa and shop local in Downtown Delta.
Experience the magic of Winterfest 2025 in Downtown Delta! This festive event invites you to shop local, enjoy live music, and partake in delightful kids' activities. Warm up with hot cocoa and cookies, and don't miss the chance to meet...
Annual Holiday Parade and City Tree Lighting Ceremony
Get ready for the 43rd Annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting in Brentwood! This festive event kicks off the holiday season with a dazzling parade featuring illuminated floats and community groups. Following the parade, join the City of Brentwood for...
Community parade, Santa photos, and holiday market.
Get ready for the enchanting Lighting of the Night events! This festive celebration includes a dazzling parade, opportunities to capture holiday memories with Santa photos, and a vibrant Holiday Market showcasing local artisans and seasonal treats. Join the community in...
Community ice rink with seasonal holiday tradition
Oakley On Ice invites visitors to experience the magic of winter with its outdoor ice skating rink. Glide across the ice during scheduled sessions, with options for both skaters and those needing a little extra balance assistance. Enjoy festive treats...
Youth music festival celebrating the holidays
Discover the joy of the holiday season at the Pleasanton Holiday Youth Music Festival. This event showcases the impressive talents of young musicians, filling the air with festive melodies and a vibrant community spirit. It's a heartwarming celebration of music...
Community parade and tree lighting with Santa
Experience the magic of the holidays at the Pleasanton Hometown Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony. This beloved annual event brings the community together for an evening of festive cheer, featuring a vibrant parade with floats and marching bands, followed...
Annual holiday lights parade and tree lighting ceremony
Get ready for the enchanting Holiday Lights Parade and Tree Lighting in Downtown Morgan Hill. This beloved annual event promises a spectacular display of festive spirit, culminating in the magical illumination of the holiday tree. It's the perfect way to...
Annual Holiday Lights Parade with community spirit
Get ready for the dazzling Morgan Hill Holiday Lights Parade on December 6, 2025! This cherished annual event showcases the vibrant community spirit and unique heritage of Morgan Hill. Organized by the dedicated Morgan Hill Kiwanis Club, the parade promises...
Illumination of a 30-foot holiday tree
Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Dublin Annual Holiday Tree Lighting! This cherished event features dazzling performances by local school choirs and bands, culminating in the breathtaking illumination of a 30-foot holiday tree. Families can enjoy the...
Full-day community Christmas celebration
Join the Ward Christmas Party for a day filled with holiday cheer and community spirit. This event offers a welcoming atmosphere for all to celebrate the festive season together.
Community tree lighting ceremony led by Santa Claus
Experience the magic of the holiday season as Santa Claus arrives to lead the community in a festive countdown, illuminating Milpitas's 30-foot holiday tree. Enjoy enchanting performances by local talent, including the Milpitas Community Concert Band, and savor warm hot...
Diverse holiday events in San Ramon
Discover a festive array of holiday events in San Ramon, CA, perfect for getting into the seasonal spirit. From Christmas celebrations and fall festivals to spooky Halloween parties and creative workshops like wreath making, there's something for everyone. Explore popular...
City-wide convention of Santas
Get ready for a festive and unconventional celebration as San Jose hosts its annual SantaCon. This event is a unique gathering where participants dress as Santa Claus for a day of lighthearted fun and community spirit. It's an opportunity to...
Adult-focused gingerbread decorating workshop
Unleash your inner decorator at the Heritage Holiday Adult Gingerbread Workshop in Downtown San Jose. This event offers a fun, hands-on experience where participants can craft and decorate their own festive gingerbread creations. It's a perfect way to embrace the...
Community tree lighting with Santa's arrival
Join the City Center Bishop Ranch for their 2nd Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. This festive event features captivating performances by the Monte Vista Band and talented singers, culminating in Santa's much-anticipated arrival. It's the perfect community gathering to usher...
Ice rink with rink-side fire pits and Kristi Yamaguchi.
Experience the magic of the season at the Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink. Glide across the ice during 90-minute sessions, with extended weekend hours and special holiday breaks. Enhance your visit by reserving a cozy fire pit or a private...
Free family holiday celebration and tree lighting
Join Pacific Commons for a free, family-friendly holiday celebration and tree lighting ceremony. Experience the festive atmosphere as they illuminate the holiday tree, kicking off the most wonderful time of the year. It's a perfect evening to gather with loved...
Combined twilight parade and tree lighting ceremony
Pittsburg is set to illuminate the night with its inaugural Twilight Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 6th. This combined event promises a magical community celebration, featuring a parade of glowing, illuminated floats and culminating in the lighting...
Premier amusement park with waterpark and year-round attractions.
California's Great America transforms into a winter wonderland for WinterFest, offering a magical holiday experience. Guests can enjoy thrilling rides, festive decorations, and the unique Pacific Gliders attraction. The park also features the South Bay Shores waterpark, making it a...
Festive holiday evenings with snow showers and Santa.
Experience the enchanting 'Spirit of The Row' holiday event series. Join them for three magical evenings in December featuring live performances by local arts and community groups, delightful snow showers in Park Valencia, and cherished photo opportunities with Santa and...
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at historic Shadelands Ranch.
Experience the magic of the holiday season with a special visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the historic Shadelands Ranch. This festive event offers a wonderful opportunity for families to create lasting memories. Bring your camera to capture precious...
Festive winter holiday events
Experience the magic of the holiday season in Sunnyvale with a variety of festive events planned throughout November and December. While specific details are still being finalized, attendees can anticipate a delightful array of activities designed to bring cheer and...
See the location of all other christmas activities around Modesto and nearby areas
Open Map →While Modesto itself may not have permanent ice rinks, temporary seasonal rinks sometimes pop up in the area or nearby towns. Check local event listings closer to the holidays for any winter sports or ice skating opportunities.
Santa meet-and-greets are common at Modesto holiday events, often found at shopping centers, community gatherings, and Christmas markets. Keep an eye on local event calendars for specific dates and locations.
Special holiday train rides and unique seasonal events are sometimes offered by local attractions or historical societies near Modesto. These often require advance booking, so check event details early.
Many free holiday activities in Modesto include exploring neighborhood Christmas lights, attending community tree lighting ceremonies, and enjoying festive window displays downtown. Local parks may also host free seasonal events.