Christmas Town to come alive. Festive destination will light up in Modesto region

For many parents, if there’s anywhere to take your kids right now, it’s a place called Christmas Town.

Luckily for those in the greater Modesto region, the Mother Lode has just such a place, a drive away for families and holiday lovers alike.

Christmas Town Sonora, dubbed so by the city’s chamber of commerce, gets all things yuletide started on Wednesday, Nov. 26 – the day before Thanksgiving.

And everything is free to attend.

This marks the fifth year Historic Downtown Sonora will transform into a holiday destination. And it’s the highlight for November in The Bee’s monthly feature that offers fresh ideas to parents for getting out and about in the region with their children.

“Christmas Town Sonora is more than lights and decorations – it’s about bringing people together,” Katie Dunn, president of the Historic Sonora Chamber of Commerce, said in a press release. “This celebration honors the traditions we love while showcasing the generous spirit and creativity of our town.”

Most of the events go on in December, but they kick off this month.

The celebration begins with a lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 26, viewable from the Sonora Fire Museum and Senior Lounge parking lot, 125 N. Washington St., “officially launching the joyful season,” according to the press release.

The lot faces the Red Church (St. James Episcopal, 42 Snell St.), where the church itself and a large tree in front will be set aglow. There will be a program, hot cocoa and coffee.

After people enjoy their Thanksgiving meals on Thursday, the 42nd annual Downtown Sonora Christmas Parade will be held on Friday, Nov. 28, beginning at 6 p.m. The route, from the Red Church to Restano Way, will be filled with floats, marching bands, organizations and – you guessed it – an appearance by Santa Claus.

Santa will “ho-ho-ho” daily in Christmas Town, along with Mrs. Claus, spreading cheer, taking photos and hearing wishes at Santa’s House in front of Courthouse Park at various times from Dec. 5-21 (see website below for specific hours).

There will be three opportunities to hop on the Holly Jolly Wagon – 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 5, Dec. 12 and Dec. 19. The horse-drawn holiday carriage will feature the festive lights of historic downtown Sonora. There will be two stops for riders to join or depart, at the Red Church and Courthouse Park, 60 N. Washington St.

A Celtic Christmas concert featuring the Sequoia Tree-O is set for 2 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Red Church.

On Dec. 14, join the Clauses to create gingerbread houses using graham crackers, candy and icing in two seatings, noon and 2 p.m., at the IOOF Lodge, 10 W. Dodge St. There also will be a story time and music. While free, people must RSVP to take part at christmastownsonora.org/event/decorate-gingerbread-2025-noon.

A Holiday Movie Matinée at the Sonora Opera Hall on Dec. 20 beginning at noon will feature free holiday treats and four films: “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure,” “Shrek the Halls,” “Merry Madagascar” and “Christmas with the Kranks.”

While taking part in the yuletide events, people can stop by and view Christmas Tree Lane at Courthouse Park, up from Dec. 5 through the end of the year. It features more than 50 decorated trees by nonprofit groups. There also will be a mailbox there, where children can send their letters to the North Pole.

For more on Christmas Town Sonora, see christmastownsonora.org.