The holidays are a time for family, food, and reconnecting with loved ones. And if you're one of the many Fresno County locals hosting out-of-town family and friends this season, you’ve probably faced the question: “What else is there to do around here?”
Look no further, Fresno County has plenty things to explore between family dinners, gift exchanges, and evenings at home. If you and your guests are looking to get out of the house, walk off a second helping of pie, or squeeze in a little last-minute gift shopping, we’ve rounded up the best activities, attractions, and hangouts that locals love and visitors will appreciate.
Local Eats That Impress Your Guests
Skip the chain restaurants and show what the #1 ag producer in the nation has to offer
If you’re looking for somewhere to kick off the holidays, skip the big chains and treat your family to the flavors that make Fresno County. The Annex Kitchen always delivers a memorable meal with upscale Italian dishes that use local produce. Westwoods BBQ, up near River Park Shopping Center, serves up barbecue dishes in a family-friendly atmosphere, this spot can handle larger groups of parties (always call ahead to check availability!). In Old Town, Clovis Salsa Cantina brings a casual vibe with Mexican dishes and margaritas that bring the energy up for a family night out. To show your guests a piece of Fresno County history, take them to Schoolhouse Restaurant and Tavern to try classic recipes like their meat loaf, or locally made bread inside of an old schoolhouse originally built in 1890! For a quick grab-n-go option that doesn't skimp on flavors, heading to Sam's Italian Deli is one of our favorites to show-off to guests that have never been before. Pick up handmade meatballs or party platters to feed a larger group that can enjoy it inside the deli or take it back home. Go here for more options.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Have kids visiting? Grandparents who like to take in the scenery? Or a friend who loves quirky, local culture? Take your holiday guests to these places.
Family-friendly attractions are also easy to find. We always recommend a visit to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, especially during their IllumiNature light event. This event goes through select dates beginning November 22 through January 31. Go here for ticket info. If your visitors are looking for something more relaxed, a walk through the Shinzen Japanese Garden in Woodward Park offers peace and open-air without having to leave the city. Go here for holiday hours and seasonal events. Arte Américas in Downtown Fresno showcases local culture with rotating exhibits, while Storyland is a fun throwback for locals and a new adventure for little ones. Go here for more attractions to visit.
Last-Minute Gift Shopping
Need to pick up a few more gifts or give your guests a reason to leave the house? These spots blend shopping and local flavor.
Holiday shopping doesn't have to mean chaotic malls. The Row at Heritage Grove provides a modern, walkable shopping area including boutique shopping at Rivival 23, local designer floral shop, FleurElise and Fresno favorite, Ampersand Ice Cream shop to get monthly rotating ice cream flavors. Its never too cold to try an ice cream scoop made fresh! Fig Garden Village mixes national retailers like Williams Sonoma, Pottery barn, and a locally-owned jewelry store, Orloff Jewelers. Check out local favorite restaurants in the shopping center like La Boulangerie, Hungry Bear Cookies, and neighborhood salons and spas, making it an easy stop for gift cards and holiday errands. In Old Town Clovis, your guests can enjoy antiques and handmade jewelry at SheraChic Boutique and 5th Street Antiques. For jewelry lovers and blind-box chasers, check out Let Me Take a Look Gift Shop next to Fresno State, Brass Unicorn in Tower District for crystals and spiritual finds, and Judging by the Cover to support an independently-owned bookstore that carries Fresno based authors in Downtown Fresno.
Visit a Holiday Market or Local Farmers Market
Nothing beats strolling a local market some fresh produce or artisan finds. Share our local markets with visitors to find a special gift only crafted in Fresno County.
Markets are still thriving through the winter within season fruits and produce. The Old Town Clovis Farmers Market continues on Saturday mornings offering fresh produce and artisan goods. Raphio Chocolate is available year around at their storefront, or you can visit their vendor pop-up at Vineyard Farmer's Market every Wednesday afternoon to grab gift boxes of freshly made chocolate and homemade hot sauces, all made fresh in Fresno. In north Fresno, River Park shopping center has a weekly Tuesday evening farmer's market with food trucks and craft vendors. Keep an eye out for pop-up holiday vendor fairs across Fresno County here.
Nightlife & Breweries
After the kids go to bed and the dinner dishes are done, take your adult guests out for a nightcap.
When it’s time for the adults to unwind, there’s a nightlife scene that your guests may not expect. For craft beer lovers, Tioga-Sequoia Beer Garden in Downtown Fresno is always buzzing and often hosts trivia nights and live music, it gets pretty lively even during the holiday season. Check out MachineHead Brewing Co. to taste their award-winning German-ale style beer crafted in Clovis, Pink Fuzz. Crow & Wolf Brewing Co. and Backyard Social Club host weekly events including food trucks and live music on the weekends. If cocktails are more your guests’ speed, Modernist in Downtown Fresno has Christmas themed drinks in fun glasses to get into the spirit, Neat & Noir in Downtown Fresno hosts weekly themed events and seasonal drink menus, and The Howlin' Wolf in Tower District decks out their bar and you can catch weekly live music or karaoke nights! Go here for more breweries and bars in Fresno County.
Final Tip: Use Our Free App!
Want more ideas while your family is still in town? Download the Visit Fresno County app to explore events, walking trails, restaurant maps, and more. It’s like having a local guide in your pocket...even if you are the local!
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