The holidays are approaching quickly. Make sure to check out all the holiday fun going around and nearby Turlock.
1. If you can make the trip to the city of Ceres on the first Saturday in December, join them at Smyrna Park, located at 2650 Fowler Rd, to mark the grand opening of Christmas Tree Lane. Take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy live entertainment, refreshments and the magical view of Christmas Tree Lane. The event is free for all ages and begins at 5:30 p.m. The city recommends bringing a canned good.
2. The 34th annual Downtown Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Turlock Firefighters and the Turlock Convention and Visitors Bureau, will be held on Dec. 7, starting at 6:30 p.m. The theme for the parade is “California Christmas.” The parade will travel the historic Main Street beginning at Canal. Make sure to get there early.
3. The Turlock Free Methodist Church is hosting an event called “Santa’s Headquarters” on Dec. 1 from 9 a.m to 3 p.m, located at 2006 East Tuolumne Rd. It is a free admission event for the whole family. This event includes vendors such as: Cookie Lee, K+K designs, Avon, La Pink Boutique, Pampered Chef, Scentsy and more. Other activities include a scrapbooking class, couponing class, prize drawings, a massage therapist, zumba, and a shellac nail artist. Childcare is available for the family. The proceeds are to help for kids camp funding. For more information, call 209-648-1664.
4. For those who want to celebrate Christmas country style, the Turlock Community Theatre, located at 1574 E. Canal Dr, is hosting an event with the cast of City Lights, Country Nights. The event is on Dec. 1 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Witness a cast of children and youth dance their way from New York City to Pickle Fork, West Virginia. Dancing will include hits from Christmas classics and from the motion picture, Elf. A silent auction will take place to help support the Community Cultivators 4-H club. For more information, call 209-667-9020.
5. The 29th Annual CanTree Breakfast event, hosted by the Central Valley Association of Realtors, will take place at the Turlock War Memorial on Dec. 5 at 247 E. Canal Dr. The event starts at 7:30 a.m., while the auctions begins at 8 a.m. Eggs, pancakes, ham and juice will be served. Tickets will be sold in advance and at the door. Through the CanTree breakfast, the success of donations of food, goods, money, and services help bring holiday food baskets to many families in need. For tickets, email [email protected]. To make a donation and participate, visit: cantree.org for more information.
6. Monte Vista Chapel, located at 1619 E. Monta Vista Ave, will be hosting two events this holiday season. The first event taking place on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m., is a Lincoln Brewster: Joy to the World free concert. Seating is first come, first served. The second event is, The Katinas, a Christmas Collage free tour on Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. For more information, call 209-634-4935.
7. Oxford Court Christmas Train, located in Turlock, will have its opening night on Dec. 1. The train will be running every night through Christmas, if weather permits. Bring the family from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
8. The State Theatre, located at 1307 J St. in Modesto, is showing “It’s a Wonderful Life” on the big screen. The first showing is on Dec. 22 at 7 p.m. Admission is $8. The second showing is on Dec. 23 at 3:30 p.m. Admission is $5. Enjoy carolers at the second showing. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available at both showings.
