Lux Winter Faves: Top 10 Local Holiday Events
1. Zoo Lights - Get away from the traffic and spend a quiet evening at the Zoo with your family. Go for a stroll through brilliantly lit pathways, take a photo with Santa, and enjoy live entertainment. Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies will be served.
2. Christmas Tree Lane - Christmas Tree Lane celebrates its 93th anniversary in 2015, making it one of the longest-running holiday events nationwide. It began in 1920 with the decoration of a single tree in the memory of a child who died. The lane went dark in 1941 [wartime restrictions] and 1973 [energy crisis]. The lane has made the Washington Post as a holiday tradition. Lane coordinators have improved energy efficiency with better wiring, cutting power requirements by nearly 50 percent over the past eight years. More than 100,000 people visit Christmas Tree Lane each year!
3. Candy Cane Lane - A free neighborhood light show for the community since 1993. Runs from December 1-25th. Bundle up and get ready for this whimsical winter wonderland!
4. Santa Claus Lane - A new non-profit organization in the Clovis area called Clovis Festival of Lights at Ladera Ranch will be hosting a large Christmas light show consisting of 16 houses all synced to Christmas music.
5. Horse Drawn Carriage Rides - Bring your friends and family to Old Town Clovis for our free Horse Drawn Carriage rides! Taking place every Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4pm through the weekend after Christmas. Catch the Carriage rides in front of The Old Hotel Bistro at the intersection of Fourth and Pollasky. Santa will also be in residence on the porch on a limited basis for photo opportunities!
6. The 86th Annual Christmas Parade - The 86th Annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade, presented by Wells Fargo travels a new route this year passing many of our city’s icons. Fresno’s rich cultural diversity lends to this year’s theme as we celebrate “Christmas Around the World. The parade will reflect those traditions practiced near and far with the most creative and brightest parade entries yet! The parade takes place rain or shine (…or snow!) Saturday, December 5, 2015 • 11:00 am. Come one, come all!
7. Old Town Clovis Children's Electric Christmas Parade - Old Town Clovis Kiwanis Club presents this holiday tradition. In addition to floats decorated and lighted for the holidays, spectators can expect to see marching bands, decorated cars, equestrians and more. The Parade starts at 6:30pm. Hosted by the Old Town Clovis Kiwanis, the Clovis Children’s Christmas Parade has been a favorite of the community for many years. It's happening Saturday December 5th at 6:30pm.
8. Global Winter Wonderland in Tulare - Global Winter Wonderland features amazing illuminated displays of landmarks from around the world!
9. PJ Christmas at Hillcrest - Pajama Christmas is the only time of the year when we're open to the public after dark. It's the only way to experience the magic of moonlight steam train rides. The glow from the locomotives' fire flickers across the ground and the occasional sparks from the smokestack swirl up into the air before burning out. Steam hangs in the air to take on the appearance of riding the train through the clouds. Unlimited steam train rides through the redwood trees and across the farm in the crisp December night air with lights and displays. Fire bowls ablaze to warm yourself by while listening to live music. All-you-can-eat yummy cookies and a fun hot chocolate bar. Hot food also available for purchase. Plus a little more. It's a night of family, friends, music, and holiday cheer with a touch of magic.
10. The Nutcracker - A holiday tradition worldwide, “The Nutcracker” is a feast for the eyes, ears and hearts of all who attend. Engage in this breathtaking institution featuring more than 100 local dancers performing alongside professionals from the Sacramento Ballet and Fresno Ballet Theatre.
