Things to do in Modesto: Holiday entertainment during the Christmas season
Holiday entertainment will be winding down, but there’s still plenty to see, hear and enjoy in Modesto in the days leading up to Christmas, including some traditional favorites. Here’s a look at just some of the events planned Dec. 17 to Dec. 24.
Candlelight concert
The Modesto Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Candlelight Concert is back at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. Traditional Christmas hymns and carols will be performed by the MSO, the symphony’s chorus and the Opus Handbell Ensemble.
WHEN: 8 p.m. Dec. 21
WHERE: St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 1200 Maze Blvd., Modesto
TICKETS: $10-$58
ONLINE: www.modestosymphony.org
Christmas at the State
The State Theatre will show 11 Christmas films through Dec. 24. Movies planned are “The Polar Express” (Dec. 20-22), “A Christmas Story” (Dec 20-23), “Home Alone” (Dec. 20-22), “Die Hard” (Dec. 20-21); “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (Dec. 21), “Elf” (Dec. 21-22), “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (Dec. 21-23), “White Christmas” (Dec. 22-24), “It’s A Wonderful Life” (Dec. 22-23), “The Santa Clause” (Dec. 23) and “Miracle on 34th Street” (Dec. 23-24).
WHEN: Various times Dec. 20-24
WHERE: State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto
TICKETS: $6
ONLINE: thestate.org
“The Nutcracker”
This is the final weekend to see Central West Ballet present the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” at the Gallo Center. The story follows Clara, a little girl who receives a nutcracker on Christmas Eve and then dreams of fanciful and magical adventures.
WHEN: 2 p.m. Dec. 18-19
WHERE: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto
TICKETS: $23 to $65
ONLINE: galloarts.org
Rockin’ Holidays
You have three more chances to catch the Rockin’ Holidays festivities in downtown Modesto. The Christmas event features lights, garland, retro decorations, snow machine flurries and music. Rockin’ Santa and his elves also will be there.
WHEN: 6-9 p.m. Dec. 17-18 and Dec. 23
WHERE: Tenth Street Plaza, Modesto
TICKETS: Free
Mistlin exhibit
This is the final week to see the Central California Art Association member artists’ “Home for the Holidays” exhibit at the Mistlin Gallery. A variety of works are included in every medium. Many are smaller in scale and the gallery encourages people to shop for the holidays.
WHEN: Through Dec. 23: 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, noon-4 p.m. Saturdays
WHERE: Mistlin Gallery, 1015 J St. Modesto
TICKETS: Free
ONLINE: ccaagallery.org
This story was originally published December 15, 2021 at 7:00 AM.
