The holiday season is here! What better way to get into the spirit than taking part in some of Fresno County's beloved events. Experience celebrations rooted in tradition and enjoy some of the new holiday spectaculars. Don't miss out on your chance to see the Grinch and Santa! Check out this list of events across Fresno County:
Christmas at Kearney: Holiday Tree Tours — November 21 - January 4 - Tours Available Friday-Sunday
Location: Kearney Mansion, 7160 W. Kearney Boulevard, Fresno, CA 93706
Time: 12:00PM, 1:30PM, 3:00PM
About the events: This year, each of the trees will feature the story of different mythical gift-bringers from around the world. Local decorators bring their own special interpretation and creativity, making each tree a story to remember. Purchase tickets here.
Free Horse Drawn Carriage Rides — November 29 & 30, December 5 - 21 - Available Friday-Sundays Only
Location: Old Town Clovis
Time: 1:00PM-4:00PM and 5:00PM-8:00PM
About the event: free horse-drawn carriage rides are back for the holidays, and yes, it’s just as charming as it sounds! Grab a hot cocoa and enjoy Old Town Clovis' shops decorated with Christmas window displays to soak up the season.
IllumiNature at Fresno Chaffee Zoo — Various dates beginning November 22 - January 31
Location: Fresno Chaffee Zoo, 894 W Belmont Ave, Fresno, CA 93728
Time: Times and dates vary. Click here for full calendar.
About the event: IllumiNature is back for a third year to bring a wild, dazzling flare to the holiday season. It will feature magnificent animal light displays of all shapes and sizes across the zoo with nature, Christmas, and Lunar New Year themes. You and your loved ones can enjoy the lights, holiday food, and drinks, live entertainment, and photos with Santa. Purchase tickets here
Tioga-Sequoia Beer Garden — November 26
Location: Downtown Fresno, Tioga-Sequoia Beer Garden 745 Fulton Street
Time: 5:00PM-10:00PM
About the event: Head to Tioga-Sequoia Beer Garden for an evening filled with friends, firepits, and fantastic food! Three food trucks will be on-site, serving up delicious bites to fuel your night. Warm up those vocal cords for karaoke kicking off at 7PM and a special Twilight theme Triva pub quiz at 7pm.
Julgransfest in Downtown Kingsburg — November 28
Location: Downtown Kingsburg, CA 93631
Time: 5:00PM-7:00PM
About the event: Take part in this Swedish Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration! Downtown Kingsburg, also known as the Kingsburg Swedish Village, will be decked out with holiday lights. You can sing Christmas carols while walking down Draper Street to the town Christmas tree. Once the tree is lit, stay and enjoy Swedish ring folk dancing.
Clovis Children's Electric Christmas Parade - December 6
Location: Old Town Clovis
Time: 6:30 pm
About the event: Join in on the holiday cheer during the Children's Electric Christmas Parade in Old Town Clovis. Floats featuring organizations and groups from all over Clovis will spread the holiday spirit during the annual parade. Click here for more information.
Sanger's 42nd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting — December 3
Location: Downtown Sanger, 1430 7th St #1400, Sanger, CA 93657
Time: 5:30PM
About the event: Start the holiday season in the Nation's Christmas Tree City! Sanger city officials lead the official Trek to the Nation's Christmas Tree each year. But if you're not able to make that trek, you can still see the Christmas season light up with the lighting of a sapling from the General Grant Tree (aka the Nation's Christmas Tree) in Brehler Park.
Reedley Christmas in the Park & Electric Farm Parade — December 5
Location: Pioneer Park, Reedley, CA 93654
Time: 5:00PM-9:00PM
About the event: Join the community of Reedley for their annual tree lighting ceremony and holiday parade. Enjoy food and retail booths, pony rides, photos with Santa and more! Click here for more information.
Santa Lucia Day in Kingsburg — December 6
Location: Downtown Kingsburg, CA 93631
Time: 5:30PM
About the event: Take part in this Swedish holiday tradition right in Fresno County. Santa Lucia Day marks the celebration of light during dark, cold winters. In Kingsburg, the festivities go from morning to night with a pageant, arts and crafts, baked goods and more. The Festival of Lights Parade will take place on Draper Street in Downtown Kingsburg starting at 5:30 pm.
Here Come's Santa Claus! — December 14
Location: Clovis Veterans Memorial District, 808 4th Street Clovis, CA 93612
Time: 2:00PM-6:00PM
About the events: This is a free community event with ornament creating, a bounce house, hot chocolate with cookies, and photos with Santa and the AUSA Holiday Concert beginning at 2:00PM.
100th Annual Trek to the Nation's Christmas Tree — December 14
Location: Grant Grove, Kings Canyon National Park
Time: Open to the public during park hours, ceremony begins at 2:30PM
About the event: Take part in this 100 year old holiday ceremony. Each year, the Fresno County community lays a wreath at the General Grant Tree in Kings Canyon National Park, which was designated as the nation’s Christmas tree in 1926 by President Calvin Coolidge. (Tickets are limited plan to book in advance) Click here for tickets.
Ice Rink Returns — December 5 - January 9
Location: 1940 Mariposa St. Fresno CA 93721, Downtown Fresno
Time: Check here for holiday hours and dates
About the event: Head to the rink for their grand opening on December 5 to shop local vendors, warm food, live music and more! The rink will be holding various events throughout the season. Go here to reserve your time slot and purchase tickets
96th Annual Fresno Christmas Parade - December 13
Location: Downtown Fresno
Time: 11:00AM- 1:00PM
About the event: See Downtown Fresno turn into a Winter Wonderland! Fresno's annual Christmas Parade will showcase the city's holiday cheer down Fulton Street. After the parade, there will be vendor booths, photos with Santa and more! Get more details here.
Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings — December 18-19
Location: The Grand 1401
Time: 6:15PM
About the event: The Listeso String Quartet will be preforming Christmas Carol classics such as: 12 Days of Christmas, Joy To The World, and O Holy Night under the gentle glow of candlelight. Purchase tickets here.
Lively Arts- The Nutcracker — December 20-21
Location: Saroyan Theatre, 848 M Street, 2nd Floor Fresno, California 93721
Time: 2:00PM
About the event: The holidays begin with The Nutcracker! The most favorite Christmas classic of all is coming to the William Saroyan Theatre in Downtown Fresno. Buy Tickets Here
Fresno Hmong New Year — December 26- 29
Location: Fresno Fairgrounds, 1121 S Chance Ave, Fresno, CA 93702
Time: 8:00AM-5:00PM
About the event: The largest Hmong American community event in the U.S. happens right here in Fresno County! Each year, thousands of people from all over the country come to Fresno to take part in this annual tradition. Celebrate culture and community with vibrant traditions, food, and music. Purchase tickets at the door of this event.
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