Huge community Christmas celebrations set for this weekend in the Modesto region
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A holiday entertainment frenzy is coming up across the region — so many that we’re going to hit on only a couple of the big community celebrations from Dec. 5-12: Modesto’s extravaganza and the start of Christmas Tree Lane in Ceres. There also are shows and other happenings planned.
Modesto holiday celebrations
The city of Modesto hosts Breakfast with Santa to kick off a day-into-evening celebration. Enjoy pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausages, milk, orange juice and coffee. Santa will be there and Mrs. Claus will lead a story time. Also planned are arts and crafts for children.
WHEN: 8-11:30 a.m. Dec. 6
WHERE: Modesto Senior Citizens Center, 211 Bodem St.
TICKETS: $10, free to ages 2 and under
ONLINE: www.modestogov.com/3136/Breakfast-with-Santa
Later in the day will be a free Holidays Around the World event at the McHenry Museum, with hands-on activities and information about holidays celebrated worldwide.
WHEN: 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 6
WHERE: McHenry Museum, , 1402 I St., Modesto
ADMISSION: Free
CALL: 209-618-5387
Next up will be the Celebration of Lights Parade, with the theme this year of “Elves Just Want To Have Fun.” The route runs through downtown at the corner of 14th and I streets and will travel west on I Street to 10th, north on 10th Street to J Street and east on J street to 17th Street.
WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 6
WHERE: See above
ADMISSION: Free
ONLINE: www.modestogov.com/553/Holiday-Parade
After the parade, stroll the retro, garland-lined area that makes up Rockin’ Holidays on Tenth Street Plaza. Enjoy the Rockin’ North Pole, “snowfall” shows and Santa’s sleigh. Rockin’ Santa and his elves also will be there. A tree lighting will be held after the Modesto parade. Rockin’ Holidays continues through the season with lights, snow, music and Santa on Thursdays through Saturdays, 6-9 p.m., from Dec. 12-21.
WHEN: Tree lighting 7 p.m. Dec. 6
WHERE: Tenth Street Plaza, Modesto
ADMISSION: Free
ONLINE: www.facebook.com/rockinholiday
Christmas Tree Lane
The region’s large nightly neighborhood display kicks off as Ceres’ Christmas Tree Lane is set aglow. There will be arts and crafts, live music, food vendors, pictures with Santa and more, as well as a parade. The neighborhood will be lighted for touring through the season.
WHEN: 4-6 p.m. Dec. 6, parade 7 p.m.
WHERE: Ceres Community Center, 2701 Fourth St. Parade begins at Fowler and Moffett roads
ADMISSION: Free
CALL: 209-538-5628
“Into the Woods”
The Gallo Center Repertory Company presents “Into the Woods” at the downtown venue. In the production, familiar storybook characters “embark on quests to fulfill their deepest desires. While all of their wishes come true, they find themselves tangled in a web of magic, mystery and unforeseen consequences,” according to the center’s website. It features a score by Stephen Sondheim. Limited tickets were available.
WHEN: 2 p.m. Dec. 6-7, 13-14; 7 p.m. Dec. 11-12
WHERE: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto
TICKETS: $31-$51
ONLINE: galloarts.org
“The Nutcracker”
Central West Ballet presents its holiday tradition, “The Nutcracker.” The all-ages production follows Clara’s adventure to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. There will be a boutique in the lobby and Sugar Plum Fairy parties on stage after select matinées when children can meet favorite characters.
WHEN: 7 p.m. Dec. 12-13, 20; 2 p.m. Dec. 13-14, 20-21
WHERE: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto
TICKETS: $33-$79
ONLINE: galloarts.org
Holiday table viewing
The Modesto Garden Club will hold its Elegant Holiday Table Viewing at Del Rio Country Club. The public is invited to browse 30 tables, uniquely staged by members, with holiday settings for the season. Light refreshments will be served.
WHEN: 1-7 p.m. Dec. 10
WHERE: Del Rio Country Club, 801 Stewart Road, Modesto
TICKETS: $15, available at the door.
ONLINE: www.modestogardenclub.org
Winter Bash
The Modesto Children’s Museum will hold its second annual Winter Bash Family Party. The after-hours celebration invites families to “step inside a world of holiday magic for one (not so quiet) night only filled with discovery, creativity and seasonal joy,” according to a press release. Planned are holiday crafts, cocoa, cookies, carols and more, including access to the museum’s exhibits. Tickets, expected to sell out, can be reserved at the link below.
WHEN: 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 12
WHERE: Modesto Children’s Museum, 928 11th St.
TICKETS: $10-$20
