Grammy-nominated R&B singer bringing Christmas show to Modesto. When, where

Brian McKnight will bring his holiday show to the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto. It’s just one of several holiday events, along with some comedy, planned for Nov. 29-Dec. 5 in the greater Modesto region.

Brian McKnight

R&B artist Brian McKnight brings his “Season’s Greetings” tour to the Gallo Center. McKnight has released 19 albums over the past 25 years, including two best-selling Christmas albums, earning him 17 Grammy nominations. McKnight is a multi-instrumentalist who plays piano, guitar, bass, drums, percussions, trombone, tuba, flugelhorn and trumpet. He will be joined by his full band.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2

WHERE: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto

TICKETS: $65-$115

ONLINE: galloarts.org

“Merry-Achi Christmas”

José Hernandez and his Mariachi Sol de México make a sixth appearance at the Gallo Center with the “Merry-Achi Christmas” show. A fifth-generation mariachi musician, Hernández “has broken countless barriers in the world of mariachi music and is recognized as having turned the genre into the international sensation it is today,” according to the center’s website. Limited tickets remained available.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29

WHERE: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto

TICKETS: $35-$75

ONLINE: galloarts.org

“Whose Live Anyway?”

The improvisational comedy show “Whose Live Anyway?” returns to the Gallo Center. Cast members Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis and Joel Murray will invent their humor on the spot with audience participation as a key. All ages are welcome, but expect “PG-13“ language during the performance.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3

WHERE: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto

TICKETS: $55-$85

ONLINE: galloarts.org

“Holiday Pops!”

The Modesto Symphony Orchestra’s tradition continues at the Gallo Center with its “Holiday Pops!” concert. Vocalist and pianist Tony DeSare joins principal pops conductor Ryan Murray and the MSO Chorus for a program of jazzy holiday favorites. Limited tickets remained available.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5; 2 p.m. Dec. 6

WHERE: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto

TICKETS: $43-$100

ONLINE: galloarts.org

“We Own The Laughs”

Comedy show “We Own The Laughs: Modesto” returns to the State Theatre. The evening will feature performances by Jenn Sterger, Darius Bennett and headliner Uncle Lazer. Hosting will be Colin Casados.

WHEN: 8 p.m. Nov. 29

WHERE: State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto

TICKETS: $40-$60

ONLINE: www.thestate.org

“Sinatra At The State”

A musical return to the golden era of The Rat Pack is back at the State Theatre with the “Sinatra At The State” show. Enjoy an afternoon of classic Christmas and crooner tunes, performed by local talent.

WHEN: 2 p.m. Dec. 4

WHERE: State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto

ADMISSION: Free

ONLINE: www.thestate.org

Festival of Lights

Turlock’s annual Festival of Lights celebration kicks off the holidays in the city. The event includes a tree-lighting ceremony at Central Park with music, nearly 200 vendors and a drone show in downtown.

WHEN: 5-9 p.m. event; tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.; drone show 8:30 p.m. Nov. 28

WHERE: Downtown Turlock

ADMISSION: Free

CALL: 209-634-6459

Winter Fest

A new celebration in Modesto, the Historic Properties Winter Festival, will be held at the McHenry Mansion, McHenry Museum and McClatchy Square Park in Modesto. The event marks the reopening of the museum and mansion with its holiday decorations. Victorian Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on the mansion grounds for photos. There will be gingerbread cookie decorating at the park and winter-themed crafts and activities at the museum, as well as roaming carolers outdoors. Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

WHEN: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 29

WHERE: The mansion is at 906 15th St.; the museum at 1402 I St.; and the park is across the street from the museum

ADMISSION: Free

CALL: 209-961-5231

Christmas parade

The lighted Turlock Downtown Christmas Parade has the theme “Dreamland” this year. The route will begin at the corner of Canal Drive and Main Street, run along Main Street, up Broadway and end at the Stanislaus County Fairground.

WHEN: Parade starts 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5

WHERE: Through Turlock (see above)

ADMISSION: Free

CALL: 209-668-5594

Lamplight tour

Christmastime in Columbia in 1855 will be re-created in a walking play. Participants meet at the Columbia Museum and walk through the decorated town, led by lantern-carrying guides. The event is not recommended for children under 10.

WHEN: Tours every 15 minutes beginning at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 6

WHERE: Columbia State Historic Park

TICKETS: $30, $10 ages 10-14

ONLINE: friendsofcolumbiashp.com