Visalia, CA, transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season, offering a delightful array of events for both locals and visitors. The enchanting Candy Cane Lane Parade lights up downtown with a spectacular display of floats and performers, infusing the community with holiday cheer.
For a nostalgic experience, step back in time at the Christmas at Kearney Mansion, where early 20th-century traditions come alive. Don't miss Tulare's Holiday of Lights Parade, a dazzling spectacle that merges classic charm with modern lighting technology, creating memorable experiences for all ages.
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Got questions? Like to help? Check out our Visalia Holiday discussion here!
The Top Christmas Events in Visalia
See these and even more events listed below!Visalia Holiday Giving Opportunities
Christmas Tree Auction
What to Expect:
Uniquely decorated trees auctioned for charity
Description:
The Christmas Tree Auction in Visalia elevates holiday decorating to an art form. Local businesses and organizations showcase their creativity by designing one-of-a-kind themed trees, each telling a unique story. Bidders compete for these masterpieces, with proceeds benefiting local charities. The event, rooted in Visalia's tradition of community support, has raised substantial funds for worthy causes over the years. Attendees can admire the intricate details of each tree, from hand-crafted ornaments to innovative lighting techniques. The air buzzes with excitement as the auctioneer's rapid-fire calls drive up bids, turning holiday spirit into tangible support for those in need.
Website:
Visalia Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Candy Cane Lane Parade
What to Expect:
Longest-running nighttime parade in Central California
Description:
Visalia's Candy Cane Lane Parade illuminates downtown streets with a dazzling procession of floats and performers. This cherished tradition, running for over 75 years, showcases the community's creativity and holiday spirit. Spectators can marvel at intricately designed floats adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. The parade's rich history reflects Visalia's enduring commitment to bringing joy to residents and visitors alike during the holiday season. You'll feel the excitement build as the sound of marching bands fills the air, heralding the arrival of this beloved annual spectacle.
Website:
Visalia Other Holiday Activities
Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Trees decorated to represent different cultures and traditions
Description:
Visalia's Festival of Trees celebrates global diversity through the lens of holiday traditions. Each meticulously decorated tree represents a different culture, showcasing unique ornaments, lights, and symbolic elements. Visitors embark on a world tour, learning about holiday customs from every continent. The festival, housed in a repurposed historic theater, honors Visalia's multicultural heritage and commitment to inclusivity. Guests can participate in hands-on workshops, creating ornaments inspired by various cultural traditions. You'll be struck by the kaleidoscope of colors and styles, each tree telling a story of celebration and unity. The event fosters cross-cultural understanding, bringing the world's holiday spirit to the heart of California's Central Valley.
Website:
Nearby Events
Christmas at Kearney Mansion (Fresno)
What to Expect:
Historic mansion decorated in period-specific holiday decor
Description:
Step back in time at Kearney Mansion, where holiday traditions of the early 20th century come alive. The meticulously preserved rooms transport visitors to a bygone era, each adorned with authentic decorations from the 1900s. Docents in period attire share fascinating stories about the Kearney family's holiday customs. Guests can participate in a Victorian-inspired ornament-making workshop, creating a unique keepsake to take home. The mansion, built in 1903, stands as a testament to the agricultural wealth that shaped the region. The aroma of freshly baked gingerbread wafts through the halls, adding to the immersive historical experience.
Website:
Tulare's Holiday of Lights Parade (Tulare)
What to Expect:
Combines traditional parade with a dazzling light show
Description:
Tulare's Holiday of Lights Parade transforms the city into a glowing spectacle of movement and color. This innovative event merges the charm of a classic small-town parade with cutting-edge lighting technology. Floats and performers become living light displays, creating a mesmerizing visual symphony. Spectators can interact with the parade by waving special light-up wands, becoming part of the show themselves. The parade route follows historic Main Street, highlighting Tulare's rich agricultural heritage. As the procession passes, the twinkling lights reflect off storefronts, creating a captivating atmosphere that celebrates both past and present.
Website:
Tulare's Holiday of Lights Parade
Christmas in the Park (Hanford)
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday village with live entertainment
Description:
Christmas in the Park transforms Visalia's central green space into a bustling holiday village. This immersive experience goes beyond static displays, offering a dynamic mix of activities and performances. Visitors can craft personalized ornaments in Santa's workshop or join in impromptu caroling sessions led by local choirs. The park's layout pays homage to Visalia's historic downtown, with miniature replicas of iconic buildings adorned for the season. You'll discover something new around every corner, from ice sculpture demonstrations to pop-up storytelling nooks. The event celebrates the diverse cultural traditions that have shaped Visalia's holiday customs over generations.
Website:
Santa's Holiday Parade (Porterville)
What to Expect:
Incorporates local agricultural themes into holiday floats
Description:
Santa's Holiday Parade in Visalia blends traditional Christmas cheer with a celebration of the region's agricultural heritage. Unique floats showcase the area's bounty, with citrus fruits and cotton bolls adorning holiday scenes. The parade winds through streets lined with historic buildings, connecting past and present. Spectators can spot local farmers riding atop decorated tractors, a nod to the community's roots. The event culminates in a special appearance by Santa, arriving on a custom-built sleigh inspired by vintage farm equipment. Children delight in the shower of locally grown oranges tossed from floats, a sweet reminder of Visalia's fertile lands.
Website:
Fresno Chaffee Zoo's Holiday Magic (Fresno)
What to Expect:
Zoo animals interact with holiday-themed enrichment activities
Description:
Fresno Chaffee Zoo's Holiday Magic offers a unique twist on seasonal celebrations, bringing holiday cheer to the animal kingdom. Visitors witness playful penguins diving for fish-filled candy canes and lions pawing at gift-wrapped treats. The event highlights the zoo's conservation efforts, educating guests about protecting endangered species. Families can embark on a special nocturnal tour, observing how different animals behave after dark amidst the glow of holiday lights. The zoo's historic 1920s architecture provides a charming backdrop for this unconventional holiday experience. You'll gain a new appreciation for wildlife as you watch animals engage with specially designed holiday-themed enrichment activities.
Website:
Fresno Chaffee Zoo's Holiday Magic
Holiday Crafts Fair (Exeter)
What to Expect:
Showcases handmade crafts using local materials and techniques
Description:
Visalia's Holiday Crafts Fair celebrates the region's artisanal heritage with a focus on locally sourced materials and traditional techniques. Skilled craftspeople demonstrate their expertise, from woodworking with native California oak to weaving with locally grown cotton. Visitors can purchase one-of-a-kind gifts that tell the story of the San Joaquin Valley's rich cultural tapestry. The fair, held in a restored historic warehouse, connects modern makers with the area's industrial past. You'll discover the subtle scent of cedar and pine as you browse booths filled with handcrafted treasures. Artisans share the stories behind their creations, offering insight into the region's evolving craft traditions.
Website:
Christmas Posada (Lindsay)
What to Expect:
Traditional Mexican Christmas celebration with authentic food and customs
Description:
Visalia's Christmas Posada brings the vibrant traditions of Mexico to the heart of California. This immersive cultural experience recreates the journey of Mary and Joseph, with participants processing through beautifully decorated streets. Authentic Mexican cuisine tantalizes taste buds, offering a culinary journey through regional specialties. Visitors can join in breaking a star-shaped piñata, a symbolic act representing the triumph of faith over temptation. The event, steeped in centuries-old traditions, reflects the rich Hispanic heritage of the San Joaquin Valley. You'll be captivated by the haunting melodies of traditional posada songs echoing through the night, creating an atmosphere of reverence and joy.
Website:
Winter Wonderland on Ice (Tulare)
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating rink with themed skating nights
Description:
Winter Wonderland on Ice brings a touch of frosty fun to Visalia's mild climate. This outdoor rink transforms the city center into a hub of winter activity, complete with themed skating nights that range from '80s disco to fairytale fantasy. Skaters glide beneath twinkling lights, creating a picturesque scene against the backdrop of Visalia's historic architecture. Visitors can participate in ice sculpture workshops, learning the art of carving from skilled artists. The rink's location in the heart of downtown pays homage to Visalia's long-standing tradition of community gatherings. You'll feel a rush of excitement as you step onto the ice, experiencing a slice of winter in California's agricultural heartland.
Website:
Reedley Christmas Parade (Reedley)
What to Expect:
Incorporates the city's railroad history into parade elements
Description:
Reedley's Christmas Parade celebrates the town's rich railroad heritage with a unique holiday twist. Vintage train cars, decked out in festive decor, serve as moving stages for performers. The parade route follows the historic rail line that once brought prosperity to this small farming community. Spectators can marvel at intricately designed floats that pay homage to Reedley's past and present. The event culminates with Santa arriving on a beautifully restored locomotive, a nod to the city's enduring connection to the rails. You'll hear the nostalgic sound of train whistles mingling with holiday tunes, creating a symphony of seasonal cheer and historical remembrance.
Website:
Holiday Gift Bazaar (Three Rivers)
What to Expect:
Focuses on eco-friendly and sustainable gift options
Description:
Visalia's Holiday Gift Bazaar stands out for its commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious shopping. Vendors showcase an array of environmentally friendly gifts, from upcycled art pieces to organic, locally-made beauty products. The event, held in a LEED-certified building, educates visitors about reducing their carbon footprint during the holiday season. Shoppers can participate in workshops on eco-friendly gift wrapping techniques using natural materials. The bazaar reflects Visalia's growing focus on environmental stewardship, a movement rooted in the region's agricultural heritage. You'll discover innovative, planet-friendly alternatives to traditional holiday consumables, supporting local artisans who prioritize sustainability in their craft.
Website:
Holiday Home Tour (Kingsburg)
What to Expect:
Showcases historic homes with period-specific holiday decor
Description:
Visalia's Holiday Home Tour opens the doors to the city's architectural gems, each adorned in era-appropriate holiday splendor. This self-guided journey through time allows visitors to explore meticulously preserved residences, from Victorian mansions to mid-century modern homes. Docents share fascinating stories about each property's history and the evolution of holiday traditions in Visalia. Guests can admire authentic decorations and furnishings that transport them to holidays past. The tour highlights the city's commitment to historic preservation, showcasing buildings that have stood for over a century. You'll feel the warmth of nostalgia as you step into living rooms frozen in time, each decorated to reflect its unique period and the family that once called it home.