Celebrating the holidays in Fresno County? Here are 9 fun, festive things to do
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Fresno.
From ice skating and visits with Santa Claus to a holiday parade, the area offers plenty of family-friendly activities.
Here are some of the fun, festive things you can do in and around Fresno this season:
See Santa Claus at the mall
You can snap a photo with Santa Claus and share your wish list with the Jolly Old Elf at Fresno’s Fashion Fair shopping mall.
Visits with Santa are free and usually last about 15 minutes, according to the Fashion Fair website.
Photo packages are available for purchase, the website said.
Guests who book their visits ahead of time can get a free personalized digital message from Santa powered by Portable North Pole.
Light up the night at IlluminNature
Festive handmade lanterns light up the Fresno Chaffee Zoo during IllumiNature, many of them in the shapes of various animals.
The event also features photos with Santa Claus, holiday-inspired food and drinks and live entertainment on select nights.
In addition, reindeer will be joining zoo for IllumiNature through Jan. 1, according to Emily Valdez, the zoo’s marketing manager.
- Where: Fresno Chaffee Zoo, 894 West Belmont Ave. in Fresno
- When: 5 and 7 p.m. entry times, through Feb. 1
- How much: $14 to $24, $13 to $18 children ages 2 to 11; $250 igloo rental
- Info: fresnochafeezoo.com, Facebook or Instagram
Drive down Christmas Tree Lane
Christmas Tree Lane has been a local tradition since 1920
Each December, North Van Ness Boulevard in Old Fig Garden becomes a one-way street lined with trees and homes decked out for the holidays with dazzling lights and decorations, according to the event website.
Visitors can drive the two-mile stretch from Shields to Shaw avenues or stroll the route on foot on select days, including Wednesday, Dec. 11.
- Where: North Van Ness Boulevard in Fresno
- When: Sunday to Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 6 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; through Wednesday, Dec. 25
- How much: Free
- Info: 559-348-9200 or christmastreelane.com
Go skating at Downtown Fresno Ice Rink
The Downtown Fresno Ice Rink is returning to the city after almost a decade.
In 2024, the rink will host a variety of activities, including date nights, friends-focused events and a Taylor Swift-themed night on Dec. 13.
Food, warm beverages, live music, vendors and more will be available, according to the website.
- Where: 1939 Mariposa St. in Fresno
- When: 4 to 10 p.m. Monday and Thursday, 4 to midnight Friday, 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday; Dec. 10 through Jan. 25. Special hours on Dec. 10, 14, 24, 25 and 31 and Jan. 1
- How much: $19.90, includes ice skates and 90 minutes of skating.
- Info: downtownfresno.org, Facebook or Instagram
Dance with ‘The Nutcracker’
World Ballet Company is presenting classic ballet “The Nutcracker,” just in time for the holidays.
Audience members can “follow young Clara on her journey through a winter wonderland filled with dancing snowflakes, magical toys and the Sugar Plum Fairy,” the event’s official description reads.
Dancers will be accompanied by a live orchestra performing Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s iconic score.
- Where: Saroyan Theatre, Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center, 730 M St. in Fresno
- When: 2 p.m. Dec. 14 and Dec. 15, 7 p.m. Dec. 21
- How much: $51 to $172
- Info: events.fresnoconventioncenter.com
Hike to an iconic Christmas tree
Celebrate a holiday tradition at the 99th annual Trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree.
Each year, crowds gather at the General Grant Tree in Grant Grove at Kings Canyon National Park to sing, pray and pay tribute to the 267-foot-tall natural wonder, according to the Sanger District Chamber of Commerce.
The National Park Service join in the festivities by placing a wreath at the base of the tree.
Chartered bus rides with coffee and pastries are available from Sanger to the park.
- Where: Kings Canyon National Park
- When: 2:30 p.m. Dec. 8
- How much: $20 to $35 park pass, $150 bus ride
- Info: sanger.org
Celebrate holiday history at Kearney Mansion
Fresno’s historic Kearney Mansion is decorated for the holiday season with more than a dozen Christmas trees.
Special events include a Christmas market on Dec. 7, meet-and-greets with Santa Claus on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8, and a Sip & Stich embroidery event on Dec. 12 with bottomless champagne and lessons from a needlework expert.
The Holiday Day Tea Party is sold out.
- Where: Kearney Mansion, 7160 West Kearney Blvd. in Fresno
- When: Various times and dates, through Jan. 5
- How much: Guided tours $12, $10 seniors and $8 children ages 5 to 12; $15 Santa meet-and-greet, $45 Sip & Stitch
- Info: valleyhistory.org
Stretch your legs at the Jingle Bell Run Toys for Tots
Stretch your legs and show off your holiday spirit while exploring Fresno’s Christmas Tree Lane at the Jingle Bell Run for Toys for Tots.
There’s a five-kilometer run and two-mile walk.
All registered participants get a Christmas-themed sweatshirts and jingle bells.
Each runner or walker should donate or bring a new, unwrapped toy, the event organizers said.
- Where: 4946 North Van Ness Blvd., Fresno
- When: 9 a.m. Dec. 14
- How much: $49.45 5K or walk, $54.75 virtual run
- Info: runsignup.com
Watch Fresno’s Downtown Christmas Parade
The theme of Fresno’s 95th annual holiday parade is “Under the Tree,” “showcasing all of the gifts, toys, games, and more that add fun to the season,” Downtown Fresno said on its website.
After the parade, event goers can enjoy vendor booths, photos with Santa Clause and more, according to Visit Fresno County.
- Where: Fulton Street from Inyo Street to Calaveras Street, Fresno
- When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 14
- How much: Free
- Info: downtownfresno.org