Hey Sonar: Let’s sleigh this holiday season

Fun outings, festive traditions, and Signal staff winter break inspo to kick off your break

Sonar • December 19, 2025

Sonar’s postcard from last year’s ice rink. (Jason Andre Fuentes)

Hey Sonar:

After the stress of FINALS I am looking to have some holiday fun. What can I do with my BFFs and family leading up to Christmas?

— Signed, Sugar Plums

Hey SP! I am SOOOOO glad you asked. Sonar loves a holiday and loves to make it merry. Here are some localish activities to check out.

Grab an axe and make way to the Stanislaus National Forest, where you and your party can chop down a Christmas tree or a Yule log. Stop by Stanislaus National Forest to purchase your permit and download a map.

Sonar says it’s a great idea when adventuring into the woods to let someone know where you are heading, when you are leaving and when to expect you back…just in case.

Did somebody say ice skating?!?! Because Sonar sure did. There are rinks in Modesto Modesto On Ice, Turlock Turlock Fields of Ice and for a longer day trip San Francisco Union Square Ice Rink. Look out for special events like Drag on Ice, or Tuesday Theme Skates or sign up for a lesson.

If you prefer twinkling lights bundle up and take a walk down Christmas Tree Lane in Ceres. The neighborhood puts on an impressive display with music, carolers, cocoa vendors and even holiday movies projected on houses. Whether you walk or drive, its a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

If you like your holiday with a side of history? Visit the McHenry Mansion for Victorian Candlelight Tours. Travel back in time to enjoy a night of storytelling, magical decorations and interactive exhibits. Sonar loves a Victorian mansion that gives a little spooky vibe and McHenry Mansion delivers.

Not sure what to do after the holiday rush ends? Here’s some winter-break inspiration from Signal staff members:

Ella Adams (Editor): plans on reading books, seeing the snow and is heading to Seattle.
Teisy Zavala-Cortez (Photo/Video Editor): is spending her break in South Korea with her mother.
Kaihli Miner-Hill (Photo/Video Editor): will be reading, catching up on movies and TV and spending time with friends.
Sarah Jones (Webmaster): will be hosting family parties and hoping to catch up on some shows once things slow down.
Fernando Delgado (Lead Editor): plans on spending time with family and friends, taking a few casino trips and is visiting New York City hoping he doesn’t freeze.

Happy holidays and happy break,

Sonar

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About the Contributors

Sonar, Columnist

Sonar, a California Myotis, resides on campus in a bat box outside the music department. They offer advise on complex questions and flights of fancy for folks on the CSU Stan campus.

Katherine Zagone, Editor

Katherine Zagone is a returning student majoring in Theatre Arts. Katherine is excited to work for The Signal covering the arts and crime beats. Further Katherine will be launching Dear Sonar to address burning questions from Stan State students.

Fernando Delgado, Lead Editor

Fernando Delgado is a senior double majoring in Political Science and Economics. After graduating, he plans on going to law school, where he plans to study law and become a corporate lawyer. What interests him about news is how informative it is and how it gives a condensed version of everything going on in the world to help people stay up to date on issues going around. His hobbies are going to concerts with his friends, opening blind boxes, and playing video games.

Jason Andre Fuentes, Illustrator and Cartoonist

Jason Andre Fuentes is a transfer student at Stanislaus State, double majoring in Creative Media and Sociology. Beginning his Junior year with Signal, he wants to specialize in computer graphics and community outreach. What interests him about news is learning about local culture and events, like Modesto’s punk scene. Jason was inspired to pursue work in Social Media after designing posters for an LGBTQ+ club at Modesto Junior College. After graduation, he plans to be a graphic designer or web developer. For fun, Jason likes to emulate retro video games, see local bands with his friends, and code his Neocities website. His latest hobby is learning to skateboard.