Seasonal Celebrations 2019

PICTURES WITH SANTA

Photos with Santa Claus in Fresno

• Enjoy the Santa Claus Experience in front of the IMAX and Edwards Theaters in Riverpark through December 28th. Families will enjoy those coveted minutes with St. Nick! 250 Paseo Del Centro. 437-4855

• North Pole’s most famous resident will be at Santa HQ located in Fashion Fair Mall’s Center Court through December 24th. Hours vary, call for more information. Mrs. Claus will step in as Signing Santa and will be joined by the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services Center of Fresno from 6-8 p.m. on December 3rd, 10th, and 17th for the hearing impaired. Join for Kids Club (with Santa!) from 10-11:30 a.m. on December 10th. 645 E. Shaw Avenue. 224-1591

Photos with Santa in Clovis

• Find Santa for a holiday photo opportunity through December 24th, Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-8 pm. Sunday and Christmas Eve 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Join Santa for a morning storytime from 10-11 a.m. on December 4th and 11th. Pet photos with Santa are December 6th and 13th from 6-8 p.m. Sierra Vista Mall, Clovis and Shaw Avenues. 299-0660

Photos with Santa throughout the South Valley

• Santa Claus will be at the Hanford Mall for photos through December 24th, hours vary, call for more information. Don’t miss pet photos on December 2nd, 9th, and 16th from 4-8 p.m. 1675 W. Lacey Boulevard, Hanford. 583-1200

• Make a date with Santa through December 24th at the Visalia Mall, in Fashion Court. Hours vary, call for more information. Children with special needs are invited to Santa Cares Day for a sensory-friendly experience on December 8th from 8-9:30 a.m. Please, reserve a complimentary ticket online. Take paw-fect pictures with your dog or cat and Santa from 5 p.m. to close on December 2nd, 9th, and 16th. 2031 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia. 733-3898

Check out our calendar for times and dates when you can catch Santa at the library for a quick picture!

FESTIVITIES

Breakfast with Santa at Bass Lake—Bring your little ones to meet Santa and his elf weekend mornings in December. Enjoy a brief visit with Santa, followed by a family breakfast with a view of the beautiful lake! December 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, and 22nd. Hurry, tickets sell out! Registration required. Call for time and ticket information. Ducey’s on the Lake, 39255 Marina Drive, Bass Lake. 692-8857

Breakfast with Santa at Chaffee Zoo—Join Santa Claus for a delicious breakfast and photo opportunity December 7th from 8-10 a.m.! Then decorate a cookie and enter to win tickets to ZooLights! Tickets: $18-$25. Seating is limited. Fresno Chaffee Zoo, 894 Belmont Avenue, Fresno. 498-5910

Breakfast with Santa in Kerman—Kick-off the holiday season at Breakfast with Santa in Kerman! Enjoy a delicious breakfast, make a holiday craft, and have your picture taken with Santa! Tickets: $10. December 7th, 9-11 a.m. 15100 W. Kearney Plaza, Kerman. 846-9383

Breakfast with Santa in Lemoore—On December 8th from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. enjoy a pancake breakfast with Santa! Pictures with Santa will be available for $5. Children will also enjoy shopping for their family and the craft corner for extra charge. Tickets: $7-$30. Lemoore Recreation Center, 721 W. Cinnamon Drive. 924-6767

Breakfast with Santa in Oakhurst—Be sure to bring the whole family to the Oakhurst Community Center on December 7th from 7:30-11 a.m. to enjoy breakfast with Santa. Tickets: $6. 39800 Fresno Flats Road, Oakhurst. 658-5656

Breakfast with Santa in Visalia—Grab your hat and gloves and join Santa for breakfast! After breakfast, kids can visit with St. Nick and take a twirl on the rink. December 14th and 21st from 9-10:30 a.m. Tickets: $5-$10. Tickets are limited and are first come, first serve. Garden Street Plaza, 300 Main Street, Visalia. 713-4365

Candy Cane Hunt in Madera—Enjoy a candy cane hunt, meet Santa, participate in crafts, and play games! December 20th from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. John Wells Youth Center, 701 E. Fifth Street, Madera. 661-5495

Carriage Rides and Holiday Open House in Visalia—Hear holiday tunes played by strolling musicians and take a ride on our horse-drawn carriage down Main Street in downtown Visalia 5-8 p.m. December 5th, 12th, and 19th this holiday season. Call for more information and pricing. Main Street, Downtown Visalia, 732-7737

Carriage Rides in Clovis—Take a horse drawn carriage ride through the beautifully decorated streets of Old Town Clovis with the jolly man himself along for the ride from 1-4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through December 22nd. 298-5774

Christmas at Fresno Flats—Join for the annual Christmas at the Flats December 8th from 12-4 p.m. Enjoy the bake sale, soup car, hot cider, Christmas Market, Christmas Carols, s’mores roasting, games, crafts, hot chocolate bar, and more—all with a Victorian feel! Suggested donation: $2-$5. 49777 School Road, Oakhurst. 683-6570

Christmas at Kearney Mansion—Step back in time for a Victorian turn-of-the-century holiday! Take a self-guided tour of the beautifully decorated trees and historical photos through the decades on December 1st from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Meet Santa at the Mansion on December 7th from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Enjoy the elegance of a holiday tea party on December 14th from 3-5 p.m. See website for pricing. Kearney Mansion, 7160 W. Kearney Boulevard, Fresno. 441-0862

Christmas Fun in the Garden in Clovis—Celebrate the holidays at the Clovis Botanical Gardens on December 14th from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Enjoy shopping, ornaments, and photos with Santa. $10 per family. 945 N. Clovis Avenue, Clovis. 298-3091

Exeter’s Christmas Open House—It’s fun to be in Downtown Exeter on December 5th, 12th, and 19th from 5-9 p.m. as merchants open doors wide and welcome families for festive fun. Have your photo taken with Santa, enjoy holiday caroling, and free old-fashioned fire truck and carriage rides! 592-2919

Gingerbread Village Family Night in Fresno—Bring the family by for a fun and festive time as your help build a gingerbread village on December 12th. Free for all ages! Call for time and more information. Inspiration Park, 5770 W. Gettysburg Avenue, Fresno. 621-2974

Gingerbread Wonderland in Fresno—This is a fun and engaging event for individuals, families, and groups of all kinds regardless of age or experience. Come by and create a gingerbread house masterpiece that can be eaten or displayed! Proceeds benefit Fresno’s resource and referral agency for child care: Central Valley Children’s Services Network. December 19th from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. December 20th and 21st from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Authorized Vac & Sew, 5233 N. Blackstone Avenue. 456-1100

Grinch Light Show Party in Exeter—The Grinch is coming to Exeter on December 5th from 5-9 p.m.! Don’t miss the photo opportunities, food, entertainment, and a beautifully lit up town. Light show is on south E street. Downtown Exeter, 592-2919

Half Dome Ice Skating in Yosemite—Families will love skating under Half Dome as they enjoy the beautiful outdoors of Yosemite Valley. Open weekdays 3:30-6 p.m. and 7-9:30 p.m. Weekends 12-2:30 p.m., 3:30-6 p.m., and 7-9 p.m. Weather permitting, varies daily, call before. Tickets: $9.50-$15.50. Yosemite National Park. 209-372-8333

Hmong New Year Celebration—Mark the end of the year’s hard work from December 26th through January 2nd from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. This week-long cultural celebration is the largest Hmong-American community event in the United States! Tickets: $4-$6. Fresno Fairgrounds, 1121 S. Chance Avenue, Fresno. hmongcultural.org

Holiday FAMily Day at Fresno Art Museum—Don’t miss art projects, an art treasure hunt, food, and seasonal music. December 15th from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will both be stopping by! 2233 N. First Street, Fresno. 441-4221

Holiday Party at California Autism Center—Families will enjoy this free, inclusive event on December 8th from 12-3 p.m. Take photos, enjoy treats, and more! Requested donation if able: new or gently used warm clothing, blankets, or packaged coffee. While this event is catered towards those with special needs, it is open to all! West Fresno Center, 4152 W. Swift Avenue #104, Fresno. 475-7860

Holiday Party at Fresno Bully Rescue—Bring the whole family, including fido, for treats, cookies, hot cocoa, apple cider, and more! Take a dog-friendly photo with Santa all while benefiting a good cause! December 7th from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Fresno Bully Rescue, 11740 E. Belmont Avenue, Sanger. 276-7611

Ice Skating in Visalia—Enjoy the ultimate outdoor entertainment experience in the South Valley. Free (with donation of small teddy bear) skate nights are December 5th, 12th, and 19th from 5-8 p.m. Claim free ticket in advance at 120 S. Church Street, Visalia. Themed skate nights are from 6-9 p.m. on December 20th (Whoville) and December 27th (Superhero.) Dress up as your favorite character and don’t miss the selfie station! Themed night tickets: $5. Regular night tickets: $10, day and hours vary. Garden Street Plaza, Downtown Visalia. 732-7737

Kids Christmas Carnival in Visalia—Kids will enjoy this free event on December 7th from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Take photos with Santa, enjoy activities, cookie decorating, bounce houses, hot chocolate bar, and a live nativity. Gateway Visalia, 1100 S. Sowell Street, Visalia. 732-4787

New Year’s Eve Celebration in Exeter—Celebrate the New Year with a food, dancing, and entertainment on December 31st from 6-9 p.m. You’ll want to stay until the very end for a spectacular fireworks show! Call for more information. Downtown Exeter. 592-2919

Old-Fashioned Christmas Candlelight Tours in Porterville—The Zalud House comes alive with the holiday spirit featuring special seasonal displays, vintage decorations, and yuletide piano music. The guided tours and refreshments are sure to provide an enjoyable evening for the whole family. December 6th, 7th, 13th, and 14th from 6-8 p.m. Tickets: $1-3. 393 N. Hockett Street, Porterville. 791-7695

Santa Lucia Festival in Kingsburg—December 7th is a day of family-friendly events from 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Enjoy music, food, and craft booths. Of special interest for children, is the Gingerbread House exhibit at the library, the arrival of Santa Claus, and dancing around the Christmas Tree. And don’t miss the Festival of Lights Parade down Draper Street at 5:30 p.m. Swedish Village, Kingsburg. 897-1111

Santa’s Village at Holmes Playground—Enjoy winer carnival games, make holiday crafts, and decorate cookies on December 6th from 4-7 p.m. Don’t forget to snap a photo with Santa! Free for all ages! 212 S. First Street, Fresno. 621-PLAY

Santa’s Village at Teague Elementary—Bring the whole family out for some holiday fun rain or shine on December 7th from 12-3 p.m. Enjoy free food, games, crafts, and more! Don’t miss the Mini Santa Parade, family photos, and lots of fun. Teague Elementary, 4725 N. Polk Avenue, Fresno. 274-4700

Steam Trains in Reedley—Experience the magic of moonlight stream train rides in this cozy and relaxed atmosphere. Kids will also enjoy play areas and trails. Weekends in December (through the weekend before Christmas) from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets: $4. Hillcrest Farm, Reed and Adams, Reedley. 638-2762

Tenaya Lodge Ice Skating in Fish Camp—Tenaya’s sparkling, white ice rink measures an expansive 80 feet and is open for day and evening sessions. Enjoy warming up around the fire pit and enjoying the beautiful scenery. 9-11 a.m., 1-3 p.m., and 5-8 p.m. daily. Tickets: $13-$26. Weather dependent. 1122 Highway 41, Fish Camp. 692-8985

Trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree—On December 8th at 2:30 p.m. chartered buses make the annual trip to the Kings Canyon National Park from Sanger. Seasonal activities include a wreath laying, carolers, and more all at the base of the General Grant tree. Don’t delay, call Sanger Chamber of Commerce now for information and reservations. 875-4575

Winter Wonderland in Corcoran—Families will enjoy this three day event featuring an ice skating rink, snow sledding hill, real reindeer, decorating cookies, holiday crafts, gingerbread house making, photo opportunities, and so much more! December 6th from 5-9 p.m., December 7th from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and December 8th from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Whitley and Chittenden Avenue, Corcoran. 992-4514

LIGHTS

Candy Cane Lane in Clovis—Celebrate the holidays with a drive or walk down Cindy Lane, off Peach and Alluvial Avenues, December 1st-25th. Over 100 homes are elaborately decorated with lights, displays and yard art guaranteed to thrill children and adults alike.

Christmas Tree Lane in Fresno—See all of the elaborate light displays and Christmas scenes that transform the houses of Fresno’s Van Ness Boulevard into a magical holiday event beginning December 3rd continuing through December 25th. The lane will be open from 6-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Walk-only nights are December 3rd and 11th. 348-9200

Christmas Tree Lighting in Chowchilla—Welcome Santa, enjoy refreshments, and holiday music at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting on December 7th at 5:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 600 W. Robertson Boulevard, Chowchilla. 665-8615

Christmas Tree Lighting in Clovis—School choirs sing holiday carols as Santa arrives by trolley at this annual event December 2nd at 6:30 p.m. to light the giant Christmas Tree with the Mayor. Enjoy refreshments and be sure to bring your camera for a picture with Santa! Clovis City Hall, 1033 Fifth Street. 324-2780

Christmas Tree Lighting in Madera—Let’s Light It Up!

Bring the whole family to join for the annual lighting of the Christmas Tree on December 6th from 5-8 p.m.

Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus, holiday crafts for kids, and more!Make sure to bundle up, it might be snowing! Tesoro Viejo Town Center, 4150 Town Center Boulevard, Madera. 462-8860

Christmas Tree Lighting in Sanger—Santa Claus is coming to town! Head to Brehler Square to watch the tree lighting and visit with Santa from 6:30-8 p.m. on December 4th. You won’t want to miss the special performances by local singers! Seventh and N Streets, Sanger. 875-4575

Christmas Tree Lighting in Tulare—Don’t miss the lighting of Tulare’s Christmas tree at 6 p.m. December 5th in Downtown Tulare. Parade will follow. Call for more information. 685-2350

Christmas Tree Lighting in Visalia—Families are invited to join the Visalia Police Activities League for the annual lighting on December 1st at 5:45 p.m. Enjoy the free refreshments, entertainments, and Saint Nick! Lincoln Oval Park, N. Court Street and NW. Second Avenue, Visalia. 334-0141

Oakhurst Community Christmas Tree Lighting—Kick off the holiday season on December 7th from 5:30-8:30 p.m. with a celebration in Oakhurst. There’s music, storytelling, bounce houses, entertainment, cider, and cookies, and the big man himself all ready for free pictures! 40307 Highway 41, Oakhurst. 683-7653

Santa Claus Lane in Clovis—Families will love driving or walking Santa Claus Lane to see this computer animated light show featuring 39 festive houses through New Year’s Eve. Light concessions and pictures with the big man himself will be available as well. 6-10 p.m. 3100 Block of Indianapolis in Clovis near Gettysburg and Locan. santaclauslaneclovis.com

The Living Nativity in Fresno—Come experience the reason for the season through live scenes, animals, petting zoo, Christmas carols, food, photos, and more! Make sure to dress warm as this is an outdoor, walking event. December 13th and 14th from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Life Cathedral Church of God, 6865 N. Maple Avenue, Fresno. 299-4747

The Living Nativity in Riverdale—Drive through this spiritual, outdoor Christmas production. December 22-25th from 6-9 p.m. Riverdale Assembly of God, 2813 W. Mt. Whitney Avenue, Riverdale. 867-3503

Zoolights in Fresno—A fun family event 5-8 p.m. on December 1st, 6th-8th, 13th-23rd, and 26th-30th. The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is transformed into a magical world of lights where families can stroll trough brilliantly lit pathways, take a photo with Santa, and enjoy live entertainment. Tickets: $6-$10. 894 W. Belmont Ave., Fresno. 498-5920

MUSIC

Choral Holiday Concert in Fresno—Enjoy this formal concert featuring “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” on December 6th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $5-$8. Fresno City College, 1101 E. University Avenue, Fresno. 442-8221

Fresno Pacific University Handbell Choir—Enjoy a free holiday performance by the Pacific Bronze handbell choir at 7:30 p.m. December 4th at Ashley Auditorium, McDonald Hall. FPU Main Campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Avenue, Fresno. 453-2267

Holiday Festival Concert in Visalia—Top choirs in the area are hard at work and are excited for you to join for an evening of holiday songs and music. Tickets: $8. December 3rd from 7-9 p.m. L.J. Williams Theatre, 1001 W. Main Street, Visalia. 735-8154

Holiday Memories in Fresno—Experience the magic of the season where there will be music for the whole family! 3 and 7 p.m. on December 8th. Concert is free, but you must reserve a ticket online. Fresno City College, 1101 E. University Avenue, Fresno. 440-9429

Messiah in Concert in Visalia—Enjoy the sounds of the Golden West and El Diamante High School Choirs. December 8th from 3-5 p.m. Tickets: $25-$50. Visalia Fox Theater, 308 W. Main Street, Visalia. 732-8600

Messiah Sing-Along!—This traditional Sing-Along event attracts up to 700 singers and listeners! After the event, the church will serve a soup and bread dinner known as the Soup-Along! Events are free of charge, but donations are welcome. Attendees are invited to feed the needy by bringing non-perishable food items. December 1st at 3 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, M and Calaveras Streets, Fresno. 485-6460

San Joaquin Chorale Concert in Fresno—Enjoy the sounds of the holidays and a capella Christmas on December 15th from 3-4:30 p.m. Tickets: $10-$15. University Presbyterian Church, 1776 E. Roberts Avenue, Fresno. 453-2267

TubaChristmas in Clovis—Families will want to head on over to Sierra Vista Mall to enjoy a tuba concert of Christmas music December 1st at 12 and 2 p.m. Don’t miss tuba-tooting at it’s finest! 1050 Shaw Avenue, Clovis. 356-9064

PARADES

Candlelight Christmas Parade of Lights in Madera—Join for a fun evening with a parade of lights! The parade runs on Yosemite Avenue from A to E Streets and steps out at 6 p.m. on December 5th in Downtown Madera. 706-0862

Candy Cane Lane Parade in Visalia—Families will enjoy this rockin’ parade as they go “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” on December 2nd from 7-8:30 p.m. Main Street, Downtown Visalia. 334-0141

Children’s Christmas Parade in Porterville—Grab a good spot for the Children’s Christmas Parade at 7 p.m. on December 5th. The parade runs Main Street from Morton to Olive., Porterville. 784-7502

Children’s Christmas Parade in Tulare—On December 5th the beautifully tree-lined historical streets of downtown Tulare are the backdrop for the 64th annual Children’s Christmas Parade. Enjoy “Christmas Around the World” with the tree lighting at 6 p.m. followed by the parade. Downtown Tulare. 685-2350

Children’s Electric Christmas Parade in Old Town Clovis—Usher in the holiday spirit with spectacular holiday floats glittering with lights as they make their way through the streets of Old Town Clovis on December 7th beginning at 6:30 p.m. Old Town Clovis.

323-8091

Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting in Corcoran—Enjoy this annual holiday parade December 5th at 6:30 p.m. at Whitley & Chittenden Avenues. Kids can meet Santa, enjoy food, free candy bags, and enjoy the tree lighting. Downtown Corcoran. 992-4514

Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade in Selma—Plan to be at Lincoln Park for the tree lighting, parade, craft and food booths, and a chance to see Santa. December 7th from 5:30-8 p.m. Santa will be in attendance for pictures with all the girls and boys! 2301 Selma Street, Selma. 891-2235

Dinuba’s Christmas Light Parade and Tree Lighting—The parade steps out at 5:30 p.m. on December 7th in Downtown Dinuba, E. Tulare Street through S. L Street. You’ll see floats, marching bands, wheels, equestrian, and more! Following the parade is the Holiday Tree Lighting at the Entertainment Plaza, 289 S. L Street. If weather does not permit, parade will reschedule for December 14th. 591-5940

Exeter’s Christmas Parade—This special parade themed “Christmas on the Farm” on December 6th starts at 6:30 p.m. on Pine Street. Families will enjoy the sparkling lights, floats, marching bands, singing, dancing, baton groups, animals, and Santa! Downtown Exeter. 592-5262

Exeter’s Doo Dah Parade—Don’t miss the hilarious Doo Dah Parade on December 31st t 6 p.m. This parade is filled with ridiculous, humorous, and ludicrous floats, perfect for a night of laughter with the whole family. Call for more information. Downtown Exeter. 592-2919

Fresno’s Downtown Christmas Parade—The 90th annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade is on December 7th at 2 p.m. Enjoy performers, marching bands, organizations, and more! Parking is free! Fulton Street, between Inyo and Calaveras, Downtown Fresno.

490-9966

Huron’s Christmas Parade—Watch down Lassen Avenue for floats plus Santa and Mrs. Claus on a fire engine, rain or shine, at 12 p.m. on December 14th. Carnival, food booths, music and games. Festivities to follow parade from 1-4 p.m. 945-2241

Kerman’s Parade and Pageantry of Lights—Get in the holiday spirit for a “Country Christmas!” December 14th at 6 p.m. Welcome Santa Claus to Kerman and join in a fun evening of sparkling lights and smiling faces. Madera Avenue, C to G Street, Downtown Kerman. Arrive early and shop at the Holiday Gift Fair starting at 4 p.m. 846-6343

Lemoore’s Christmas Parade—Come one, come all! Be on D Street in Lemoore on December 7th at 6 p.m. for the wonderful sights and sounds of Christmas at this family-friendly parade. This year’s theme is “The Greatest Christmas Parade.” Downtown Lemoore.

924-6401

Lindsay’s Christmas Celebration—Lighted vehicle Christmas parade at 6 p.m. on December 13th at the Lacey Memorial Building. Santa will arrive at the Lindsay Police Department on with a toy for every child. Enjoy lots of food and more. Downtown Lindsay. 562-4929

Merry Mountain Christmas Parade in Mariposa—This historic foothill town’s parade “12 Days of Christmas” begins at 5 p.m. on Main Street on December 14th. Enjoy cocoa, a bonfire, and more until 9 p.m. Don’t forget to take a picture with Santa! 209-966-2456

Reedley’s Electrical Farm Equipment Parade—Come early to downtown Reedley on December 5th for a good spot to see this parade “Holiday Movies” of tractors, buses, combines, and many antique vehicles all lit up with Christmas lights. Parade begins at 7 p.m., get there early for food and festive fun! Downtown Reedley. 638-5484

Sanger’s Toyland Parade—Bring the kids to this fun, kid-friendly festive parade in Downtown Sanger December 7th at 11 a.m. Stay and enjoy the Christmas Fest activities after the parade. And don’t miss your chance for fun photo opportunities! Academy and Tenth Street to 7th Street,ending at P and Ninth Streets. 875-4575

Winter Fest and Christmas Parade in Caruthers—Join for this annual event on December 6th from 3-9 p.m. The light parade begins at 6:30 p.m. on Tahoe Street. After the parade, head to the fairgrounds to see Santa, enjoy art, crafts, food, entertainment, carnival rides, raffles, and more! Caruthers Fairgrounds. For more information visit the Caruthers Chamber Facebook Page.