Modesto Other Christmas Activities 2026

Spectators line the streets of downtown Modesto to watch an array of decorated, illuminated floats competing for honors based on creativity, music, and the use of lights. The procession follows this year's "Winter Wonderland" theme and includes a special appearance...

Visitors glide across a tent-covered outdoor ice rink set up in downtown Modesto. Guests can skate using provided figure or hockey skates, use skate walkers, and watch the Zamboni resurface the ice between sessions. Off the ice, spectators and skaters...

Participants run or walk a scenic course passing the McHenry Mansion and looping through Graceada and Enslen Parks, with many dressing in festive holiday outfits like Santa, elf, or Grinch costumes. Children can join the untimed fun run to help...

Spectators gather to enjoy a traditional holiday procession bringing Christmas cheer to the community. The parade showcases festive floats entered and designed by local businesses, community organizations, and families.

This community gathering celebrates Christmas with a seasonal posada. Attendees come together to observe the holiday tradition hosted by the church congregation.

Passengers embark on a train journey to the North Pole while listening to the story of The Polar Express and enjoying hot chocolate and treats served by onboard chefs. At the North Pole, Santa boards the train to give each...

Tree of Lights brings community members together to recognize and remember loved ones through memorial and honorary tree lightings. Visitors gather for ceremonies involving local community organizations and watch the trees illuminate. Memory boards placed at each site display the...

Visitors gather along downtown streets to watch a parade of floats and performances presented by local businesses, bands, schools, and community clubs. Santa arrives with an escort from the local fire department and is welcomed by a children's choir for...

Downtown Brentwood hosts the annual holiday parade celebrating with the theme Brentwood Express. Spectators can watch equestrian entries, community groups, and floats travel through downtown.

Visitors can watch a festive parade down Main Street featuring floats, marching bands, and community groups, as well as an official Santa and Mrs. Claus. Following the parade, a tree lighting ceremony takes place in front of the Museum on...

The parade travels down Monterey Road featuring floats and Santa's Magic Ship of Christmas, concluding with the Mayor and Santa lighting the community tree. Spectators can hear parade entrants described from announcer trucks and enjoy musical entertainment from The Peninsulaires...

Visitors can celebrate the holidays at the plaza with choir singing and live performances from local school marching bands. The event also hosts arts and crafts alongside a variety of food vendors. Attendees can gather to watch the lighting of...

Visitors can watch live musical performances by local school choirs and bands leading up to the illumination of a 30-foot tree. The festivities include arts and crafts, Letters to Santa, and the Clover Express. Guests can also visit a cozy...

Visitors can take to the ice and glide into the festive spirit at City Center Bishop Ranch. The outdoor holiday rink welcomes skaters throughout the winter season.

Guests gather to celebrate the start of the holiday season with the lighting of the holiday tree. The celebration features musical performances by the Monte Vista Band and a group of singers. The evening builds up to a special grand...

Visitors can take to the ice for 90-minute skating sessions in downtown Oakley. An onsite snack bar provides food and beverages, and beginning skaters can use skate helpers for balance and control. Spectators and non-skaters are welcome to attend without...

Visitors can gather near Market Broiler to count down to the lighting of the holiday tree while enjoying holiday music. Families can also take part in a meet-and-greet photo opportunity with Santa Claus, get face painting and balloon art, and...

Guests can meet the Grinch and take festive photos together. The community gathering brings visitors together to celebrate the holiday season.

Participants create their own version of 'A Starry Night Christmas' with step-by-step guidance from a local artist. The session supplies all necessary materials, including paints, brushes, an apron, and a canvas to take home. Guests paint along to music in...

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...

Discover the Turlock Christmas CanTree, a festive event celebrating the holiday spirit. This unique gathering offers a heartwarming experience for the community.

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...

Experience the magic of the Turlock Santa Truck Program, a cherished holiday tradition! For decades, this festive event has brought Santa and his elves directly into Turlock neighborhoods throughout December. The iconic, decorated 1955 American LaFrance pumper, complete with lights,...

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...

Experience the festive spirit at Christmas on Main, a beloved community event in Escalon. This celebration brings residents together for a heartwarming holiday experience.

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Experience the enchantment of downtown Pleasanton's Magical Holiday Evening. This festive community gathering offers a delightful hot cocoa bar and a chance to contribute to a local toy drive. Stroll through the beautifully decorated streets and soak in the holiday...

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...

Step into a winter wonderland at Jellystone Park™ Tower Park for their 'Merry Magic' event. This festive celebration brings holiday cheer with a special Christmas party, engaging entertainment, and a chance to meet Santa Claus. Families can showcase their creativity...

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...

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...

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...