Monday Top Ten: Modesto’s Celebration of Lights Parade

The holiday season kicks into high gear in Modesto on Saturday, Dec. 5, with a day-into-night party downtown, punctuated by the annual Celebration of Lights Parade, dubbed “The Miracle on Tenth Street” this year.

Saturday is most festive day of the year in the city, with a variety of events that begin at 8 a.m. as kids line up to have Breakfast with Santa and continue all the way until 10:30 p.m. with a Rockin’ Holiday celebration.

To help you prepare for the many yuletide options, Ashley Weaver, recreation supervisor for the city of Modesto, runs down the Top Ten Things people should know about the Celebration of Lights Parade – and more:

1. The parade will be Saturday, Dec. 5, at 5:30 p.m. (traditionally, this parade is the first Saturday in December, so mark your calendar for Dec. 3, 2016).

2. The route begins in downtown at I and 14th streets, travels southwest on I to 10th, then northwest on 10th to J and northeast on J to 16th Street.

3. There will be more than 80 entries, including classic cars, junior high and high school bands, community, youth and nonprofit organizations, as well as local businesses.

4. This parade is Modesto’s only nighttime, lighted parade. All parade entries must have lights; loud music and entertainment are encouraged.

5. We will have radio stations and DJs along the parade route announcing each entry and keeping the spectators informed. The judges stand is on I street, in front of the courthouse.

6. A new downtown tree in Tenth Street Plaza will be lighted immediately following the parade.

7. Great event for family, friends, neighbors and distant relatives to enjoy together.

8. Santa always makes an appearance.

9. It is a great way to kick off the holiday season.

10. Check out all of the exciting things we are doing Dec. 5, including:

▪ Breakfast with Santa: 8 to 11:30 a.m. at the Senior Citizens Center, 211 Bodem St. Tickets available in advance or at the door.

▪ Dickens Faire and Modesto Certified Farmers Market: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on 15th Street between I and J streets

▪ Holiday Parade: 5:30 p.m., downtown Modesto

▪ Downtown Tree Lighting: Immediately following the parade at Tenth Street Plaza, 1010 10th St.

▪ Rockin’ Holiday Opening Party: 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Tenth Street Plaza

For more information, contact the Modesto Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Department at 209-577-5344 or email recreation@modestogov.com.

This story was originally published November 27, 2015 at 2:54 PM with the headline "Monday Top Ten: Modesto’s Celebration of Lights Parade."