FresYes Guide to Christmas Celebrations in Fresno County

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas across Fresno County. There are plenty of family-friendly celebrations taking place to mark the season. A lot of the towns within Fresno County are hosting tree lightings and parades. Rumours have it that famous musicians from the Grand Opry will also pay a visit. We’ve put together a list to help you plan your holiday fun!

Thursday, December 5^th

Reedley Electrical Farm Equipment Parade

7 p.m. in downtown Reedley

Reedley is called the “Fruit Basket of the World” and to celebrate the town’s unique culture and heritage they host an agriculture themed Christmas Parade. Tractors and antique vehicles will be lit up in their holiday best. The theme of this year’s parade is “Holiday Movies.” 

Friday, December 6^th

Caruthers Chamber Winterfest and Christmas Parade

Winterfest: 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Caruthers Fairgrounds

Parade:  6:30 p.m.

The Caruthers Chamber of Commerce is hosting a big Christmas event at the Caruthers Fairgrounds. In addition to the 20^th annual Christmas Parade, there will be a winter celebration featuring food, crafts, and a Miss Snowflake Princess Pageant. 

“This event like many others in Caruthers is unique because it is a grassroots event,” said Eric Hamlin the Winterfest Coordinator. “It’s all about the local community. Caruthers is a community of townspeople who genuinely like each other and enjoy a chance to celebrate our town.”

Saturday, December 7^th

Fresno Christmas Parade

1 p.m. on Fulton Street in downtown Fresno

It’s a milestone year for the Fresno Christmas Parade. In honor of its 90^th year, the parade’s theme is “9 Decades.” 

Floats will be decked out in retro gear celebrating the decades from the 1920s to the 2000s. 

Clovis Children’s Electric Christmas Parade

6:30 p.m. in Old Town Clovis

The Old Town Clovis Kiwanis puts on a big show every year. Thousands are expected to attend the parade which has become a holiday tradition for many families.

“It’s a free event that we put on for our community to give back to all those organizations and people who have helped us with our service projects,” said Rochelle Latona, parade coordinator with the Old Town Clovis Kiwanis. “The parade will have school bands, horses, lots of different cars and float, all decorated with lots and lots of lights.”

Fowler’s Christmas Tree Lighting

Festival: 2 p.m. in downtown Fowler

Tree Lighting: Dusk

The city of Fowler hosts an annual street festival and tree lighting ceremony in the center of downtown. 

“It’s a great annual tradition here in the city of Fowler, that families look forward to,” said Yvonne Hernandez, event organizer. “It’s like a great homecoming. People can come and shop, eat great food, listen to live music and get pictures with Santa and the grand finale is lighting the tree at dusk.”

Sanger’s Toyland Parade

11 a.m. on Academy in downtown Sanger

For the 72^nd year, a huge Christmas event is taking place in downtown Sanger. The annual Toyland Parade celebrates all things holiday. There will also be vendors, arts, crafts, and kid activities to take part in as well.

Sunday, December 8^th 

Trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree

2:30 p.m. at Kings Canyon National Park

With fresh snow, it will be a winter wonderland at the General Grant Tree for the 93^rd annual Trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree. 

Entrance fees to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will be free on Sunday to allow people to experience the celebration of the Nation’s Christmas Tree. 

The Sanger Chamber of Commerce offers chartered bus trips to the event, some include lunch and dinner. To learn more call the Sanger Chamber at 559-875-4575.

Saturday, December 14th

Kerman Night Christmas Parade

Holiday Gift Fair: 4 p.m. 

Parade: 6 p.m. in downtown Kerman

The 23^rd annual Pageantry of Light Christmas Parade takes place on Madera Avenue from C to G Street. This year’s theme is “Country Christmas.” In addition to the parade, there will also be a craft and gift fair.