Modesto’s big holiday kickoff, Christmas Tree Lane in Ceres. What you need to know
Celebrating Christmas dominates the top entertainment options in the Modesto region for the week of Dec. 3-9, including the kick off of Christmas Tree Lane in Ceres. Modesto also holds its festivities. Here’s a look at just some of what’s happening.
Modesto holiday celebrations
Modesto holds its festivities Dec. 3. The day begins with Breakfast with Santa, 8-11:30 a.m., at the Modesto Senior Citizens Center, 211 Bodem St. Tickets are $10. The Celebration of Lights Parade begins at 5:30 p.m. at I and 14th streets. Then stay for the kickoff of the ongoing Rockin’ Holiday at Tenth Street Plaza. The Rockin’ Holiday tree will be lighted after the parade. The event also will feature lights, garland, retro decorations, snow machine flurries, music by Gravel & Grace and free pictures with Santa and his elves.
WHEN: Various times (see above), Dec. 3
WHERE: Various locations (see above)
ADMISSION: Free
ONLINE: www.modestogov.com/553/Holiday-Parade
Christmas Tree Lane kickoff
The Ceres Christmas Festival & Parade kicks off Christmas Tree Lane, the largest neighborhood light display in the region. A festival at Costa Fields at Smyrna Park on Moffett Road begins the night from 5-7 p.m. featuring holiday activities, Santa, entertainment, food and craft vendors and more. The parade begins at 7:15 p.m. at the park and travels through Christmas Tree Lane.
WHEN: Various times (see above), Dec. 3
WHERE: Smyrna Park, Ceres
ADMISSION: Free
CALL: 209-538-5648
Oakdale parade
The community celebrates the season with its Oakdale Christmas Parade. The route starts at the intersection of South Oak Avenue and Poplar Street before ending at E and Second streets.
WHEN: 5 p.m. Dec. 3
WHERE: See above
ADMISSION: Free
ONLINE: oakdaleoes.com
Patterson festivities
It will be A Magical Christmas in Patterson as the city celebrates. A candy cane hunt from 10 am.-1 p.m. kicks off at Thompson Chevrolet, 701 S. Second St., where kids can get a map to begin. A holiday boutique is set for 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Patterson Fire Station No. 1, 344 W. Las Palmas Ave. The lighting of trees starts 5:45 p.m. at the downtown Plaza Circle with an electrical light parade at 6 p.m. through downtown. Pictures with Santa can be taken after the parade at US Bank, 13 Plaza Circle.
WHEN: Various times (see above), Dec. 3
WHERE: Various locations (see above)
ADMISSION: Free
CALL: 209-895-8000
“A Christmas Story”
Gallo Center Repertory Company brings the classic tale “A Christmas Story” to the venue. Based on the 1983 film and on Jean Shepherd’s book “In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash,” the play follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in the 1940s and his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas.
WHEN: 7 p.m. Dec. 9-10, 2 p.m. Dec. 10-11
WHERE: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto
TICKETS: $19-$39
ONLINE: galloarts.org
This story was originally published November 30, 2022 at 8:00 AM.
