6 Things To Do This Week in and around Modesto

Spirit of Giving Festival

The sixth annual Spirit of Giving Festival returns to help those in need. The event includes the Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk, a free kids run for those under 10 to help chase out the Grinch, a street fair with vendors and information, and more. Proceeds benefit low-income children, seniors and individuals with disabilities throughout the city of Modesto and the Modesto Gospel Mission.

WHEN: 7-8 a.m. registration; 8:30 a.m. run/walk; kids fun run 9:45 a.m.; festival until 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12

WHERE: Tenth Street Plaza, 1010 Tenth St., Modesto

TICKETS: Free to attend; $15-$35 race registration

CALL: 209-577-5344

ONLINE: www.modestospiritofgiving.org

KAT Country Christmas

Have a KAT Country Christmas at the holiday show featuring a lineup of up-and-coming musicians. The live acoustic show sponsored by KAT Country 103 FM will feature country artists Chase Bryant, Love and Theft, “American Idol” alum Lauren Alaina and Mo Pitney. The event is a benefit for St. Jude Children’s Research.

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11

WHERE: State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto

TICKETS: $20

CALL: 209-527-4697

ONLINE: www.thestate.org

Holiday Candlelight Concert

Modesto Symphony Orchestra’s annual Holiday Candlelight Concert celebrates the season. The annual event brings together the orchestra, MSO Chorus, Johansen High School Viking Singers and Opus Handbell Ensemble for an evening of classic songs such as “Joy to the World” and “Away in a Manager,” conducted by MSO Chorus Director Daniel R. Afonso Jr.

WHEN: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15

WHERE: St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 1200 Maze Blvd., Modesto

TICKETS: $10-$55

CALL: 209-523-4156

ONLINE: www.modestosymphony.org

Opus Handbell Ensemble

Ring in the holidays, quite literally, with the Opus Handbell Ensemble. The community handbell choir has been performing together since 1992, and its annual Gallo Center for the Arts show has become a seasonal tradition. The group is led by artistic director Richard J. Colla, and its performance will honor the late Bette Belle Smith.

WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17

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

TICKETS: $8-$15

CALL: 209-338-2100

ONLINE: www.galloarts.org

SantaCon 2015

Central Valley bar hoppers can get into the holiday spirit, and spirits, at SantaCon 2105. The annual downtown Modesto Santa-themed bar crawl will start at the Firkin & Fox and visit more than a half-dozen establishments. Participants are encouraged to dress in Santa costumes and bring cash to pay at the stops.

WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11

WHERE: Firkin & Fox Pub, 1111 I St., Modesto

TICKETS: Free

CALL: 209-575-2369

ONLINE: www.facebook.com/ModSantaCon

Songs of the Season

Sierra Repertory Theatre presents its annual Songs of the Season fundraising show. Performances will include holiday music and selections from the company’s 2016 season, which included “My Fair Lady” and “Hank Williams: Lost Highway.” Sierra Rep Artistic Director Scott Viets hosts the evening, which features complimentary desserts and champagne.

WHEN: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15

WHERE: Sierra Repertory Theatre, East Sonora Theatre, 13891 Mono Way, Sonora

TICKETS: $30

CALL: 209-532-3120

ONLINE: www.sierrarep.org

This story was originally published December 8, 2015 at 2:37 PM with the headline "6 Things To Do This Week in and around Modesto."