It's the season for celebrating and the Fresno area definitely has a lot of spirit.

From old favorites like Christmas Tree Lane to new holiday festivities like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, there are a number of ways to get out and celebrate the holidays this month.

This weekend marks the unofficial beginning of the Christmas event mania -- with Christmas Tree Lane opening, the City of Fresno lighting its tree, TubaChristmas, the Clovis Christmas Parade and the Tower District turning into a Winter Wonderland.

After that, there are a number of notable holiday adventures to enjoy up until Santa coming down the chimney.

Here's a look at 12 good ones -- almost like our own little 12 Days of Christmas.

Christmas Tree Lane

There is no local Christmas tradition more popular or well-known than Christmas Tree Lane.

The stretch of decorated houses along Van Ness Boulevard is a family tradition that's recognized far and near.

The 88th year of Christmas Tree Lane begins Dec. 3 and runs through Dec. 26. The first of the two popular walk nights is Dec. 3.

The other is Dec. 14.

The lights are on until 10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and until 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Holiday Fun in the Tower

There's a full-on Christmas takeover in the Tower District this year.

Fresno's hip entertainment district is offering three nights of Christmas-themed celebrations that include carolers, Santa station in front of the Tower Theatre and pedicab rides around the various area restaurants and shops.

The first celebration is Dec. 4, and then continuing on Dec. 10 and Dec. 18. The fun starts at 6 p.m. each night.

Details: (559) 497-8362.

TubaChristmas

TubaChristmas is as self-explanatory as an event can come. It's a tuba-tooting celebration of Christmas.

What's cool about it, though, is that anyone with a tuba can participate in this annual tradition.

This year's concert is Dec. 4 at Manchester Shopping Center, with performances at noon and 1 p.m. Each performance is 30 minutes.

Any interested players can show up at 9 a.m. for registration. Practice follows at 10 a.m. Then it's performance time. Performing and watching is free.

TubaChristmas is not just a Fresno tradition. This year, 240 cities are having TubaChristmas celebrations.

Details: (559) 356-9064.

Cindy Lane

Many people call it Cindy Lane, others call it Candy Cane Lane. Some people know it simply as Wawona Estates.

Whatever you call it, it's established itself as a solid contender for best Christmas display in the Valley.

Sure, it doesn't get the same national attention as Christmas Tree Lane, but its voltage is equally impressive.

The neighborhood is tucked away in Clovis, on Alluvial Avenue, between Willow and Peach avenues.

Most people park their cars and walk the neighborhood. There are no official days or hours, but this weekend should be a good first look.

Zoo Lights

Chaffee Zoo gets into the holiday spirit with its annual Zoo Lights celebration.

It's a special evening event (5-8 p.m.), where two miles' worth of lights give you a new view of the zoo. The lights are shaped into animals and other familiar holiday scenes.

Zoo Lights is running Dec. 3-5, Dec. 10-12, Dec. 17-23 and Dec. 26. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for kids, with a $1 discount for zoo members.

You can also get a dollar off by donating two cans of food that will be given to Community Food Bank.

Details: (559) 498-5910.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

Fresno gets a new holiday treat this year, with the first Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Save Mart Center.