De Young Properties’ 15 Ways to Build Happy Holiday Memories This Season
The magic of the holiday season is now upon us! At De Young Properties, we believe the most magical thing about this time of year is the time spent with family and friends. Amid the holiday hustle and bustle, be sure to savor the small joys and embrace both familiar and new local traditions that make this season special.
1. Tesoro Viejo’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Join the Tesoro Viejo community for their Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, December 6 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Tesoro Viejo Town Center! Join in the festivities as they flip the switch and light up the night to ring in the holiday season. Enjoy photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, Polar Express train rides, and season treats from AXIS Coffee Bar + Eatery and food trucks plus more!
Santa Claus is coming to town! Don't miss out on an opportunity for your child to meet Jolly Old St. Nicholas this holiday season live and in-person at River Park Shopping Center. Don't forget to capture the magical moment before December 26! For hours or to schedule your appointment,visit their site.
Gather your family and friends and take a car ride down Fresno's famed Christmas Tree Lane any night beginning Tuesday, December 3 until Wednesday, December 25 with walk-nights happening December 3 and 11! The 2024 holiday season marks Christmas Tree Lane’s 102nd year of operation and is one of the longest-running holiday events nationwide. Each December, homes along North Van Ness Boulevard in Fig Garden are decked-out for the holiday season and welcome thousands of visitors for the almost 2-mile stretch from Shields to Shaw. For more details on hours, visit their site.
4. Home for the Holidays at Saroyan Theater
Fresno’s holiday musical tradition returns! Join Music Director Rei Hotoda, the Fresno Philharmonic, the Fresno Master Chorale and special guests for a joyous symphonic celebration of the season on Friday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. Come early to enjoy lobby caroling, hot chocolate and pictures by the Christmas tree. Tickets available for purchase on their website.
5. Children’s Electric Christmas Parade
Join the Kiwanis Club of Old Town Clovis for the 2024 Children’s Electric Parade on Saturday, December 7 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Gather your family and friends to experience the lights and wonders of Clovis! This event is FREE to attend!
6. Here Comes Santa!
Join the Clovis Veterans Memorial District for their special holiday event of “Here Comes Santa” on Sunday, December 8from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.! There will be a live holiday concert by Ausa Band, plus kids’ activities, photos with Santa, hot chocolate and cookies plus more! This is a FREE event for the community! Canned food donations are welcome.
7. Downtown Fresno Ice Rink
The Downtown Fresno Ice Rink RETURNS this season! Join the community for the grand opening on December 10 at 5 p.m. to kick-off the holiday season. The Ice Rink will host special events all season long with craft and food vendors plus performing artists. Tickets can be purchased on their website.
8. Annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade
Celebrate the kick-off of this holiday season at the 95th Annual Christmas Parade in Downtown Fresno. This year's theme is Under the Tree, showcasing all of the gifts, toys, games and more that add fun to the season. The parade will go down the heart of Downtown Fresno, Fulton Street. The parade is on Saturday, December 14 at 11 a.m. and be sure to stick around after the parade and enjoy outdoor ice skating at the Downtown Fresno Ice Rink.
9. Christmas at Kearney: Holiday Sweets & Winter Treats
Gather your family and friends to take a trip to the Historic Kearney Mansion during the Fresno County Historical Society’s annual Christmas display. The seasonal magic returns to the mansion this holiday season filled with decorated trees, each representing a local decorator’s interpretation of a favorite Seasonal dessert. From now until January 5, guests will learn the history of treasured family recipes and how they came to be holiday favorites around the world. For additional special holiday events happening at the Mansion, visit their website.
10. IllumiNature at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo
Zoo animals and Christmas, it can't get any better than this! Join the Chaffee Zoo this holiday season for the magical experience of IllumiNature featuring handmade Chinese lantern displays in various animal shapes and sizes, themed areas including nature, Christmas and Lunar New Year, PLUS tasty holiday treats, live entertainment, live reindeer and photos with Santa now until February 1! Tickets are $24 for adult members, $22 for non-member adult and $18 for children 2-11. Then, starting in January, ticket prices are $16 for non-member adults, $14 for member adults and $13 for children. Event dates vary. Visit their website for more details and to purchase tickets.
Celebrate the holidays with a drive or walk down Candy Cane Lane through December 25 from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. nightly. With over 100 homes elaborately decorated with lights and displays, it will definitely spread some holiday cheer. Located off Peach and Alluvial in Clovis.
12. 13th Annual Jingle Bell Run
Don’t miss this year’s Jingle Bell run benefiting Toys for Tots on Saturday, December 14. Participate in a 5K Run or 2-Mile Walk. Don’t forget to bring a new, unwrapped toy and be awarded a Santa hat. For more details and to register visit their website.
13. Winter Wonderland at Storyland
Storyland is turning into a Winter Wonderland this holiday season! Join the beloved park December 14 and 15 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. to experience the magic. Families can experience playing in a snow yard, take photos with Daniel Tiger, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, a special arts and crafts area, vendor booths plus so much more! Tickets are $15. More details can be found on their website.
14. The Nutcracker at the Saroyan Theater
Experience the magic of the holiday season with the timeless classic, “The Nutcracker” at the Saroyan Theater on December 21 at 7 p.m. The beloved ballet tells the story of a young girl named Clara, who embarks on a magical journey with her nutcracker doll, transforming into a handsome prince. Set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score, the tale features enchanting characters and spectacular dances, bringing to life the world of dreams and fantasy. Don’t miss this beloved holiday tradition with family and friends. Tickets can be purchased online.
Visit a De Young Properties Welcome Center today to tour our holiday decorated model homes and learn about end of the year savings and personal selections. Start making happy memories this holiday season with a brand new De Young home that is perfect for your family.
Happy Holidays from the De Young Properties team.
