AROUND TOWN: DECEMBER 2023
The Annual Candlelight Guild Ball will support local, deserving charities. Photographer Don Dizon.
December 1st and 2nd
Elf In Concert
Sequoia Symphony Orchestra
Visalia Fox Theatre
www.foxvisalia.org
The Sequoia Symphony Orchestra presents Elf in Concert. For the first time, audiences can rediscover the magic of this holiday classic as a live symphony orchestra performs John Debney’s wonderful score and Santa Claus soars across the big screen in high-definition. Doors open at 6:30PM. The show begins at 7:30PM. Tickets are priced at $10 to $50.
December 1st and 2nd
World Ballet Series: Nutcracker 2023
World Ballet Series
Saroyan Theatre
events.fresnoconventioncenter.com
The holidays begin with the Nutcracker! This mesmerizing part of the World Ballet Series showcases a diverse cast of 50 professional ballet dancers who collaborate to breathe new life into this classic holiday tradition, featuring Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music, over 150 radiant costumes, lavish sets, and Lev Ivanov’s iconic choreography.
December 2nd
94th Annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade
Downtown Fresno
www.downtownfresno.org
Presented by Producers Dairy, the Downtown Fresno Christmas parade is back with a “Winter Wonderland” theme, making for a white Christmas down Fulton Street. Enjoy festive floats and performances in a joyous procession of lights, music, and holiday cheer starting at 11:00AM. After the festivities, stay for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, arts and crafts, and much more!
December 2nd and 12th
Christmas Tree Lane Walk-Only Nights
Old Fig Garden
www.christmastreelane.com
Christmas Tree Lane celebrates its 101st anniversary in December 2023 with Walk-Only Nights. The first will take place on December 2nd, and the second is slated for December 12th. The Lane runs the length of Van Ness Boulevard from Shields to Shaw Avenues in the Old Fig Garden neighborhood. If you can’t make it out on these dates, you can drive the Lane until Christmas night.
December 4th
Clovis Tree Lighting
City of Clovis Civic Center
www.visitclovis.com
The City of Clovis will host its annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in Old Town Clovis starting at 6:00PM. with festivities going until 8:30PM. This outdoor event, which happens at the Clovis Civic, is full of music and holiday cheer. The event is free, as is the parking. There may even be two special guests from the North Pole who come to visit!
December 7th
41st Bakersfield Christmas Parade
Downtown Bakersfield
www.bcparade.com
Family-oriented fun starts at 6:00PM in Downtown Bakersfield. With a “Joyful, Joyful” theme, the 41st Bakersfield Christmas Parade is indeed set to be the most joyous event in the area. Its route begins on L at 22nd Street before hooking a right down 21st until G Street, where it’ll make a U-turn back down 20th to N Street.
December 8th
Jon Pardi: Mr. Saturday Night World Tour
Save Mart Center
www.savemartcenter.com
Good news country music fans: Jon Pardi is coming to Fresno with his Mr. Saturday Night World Tour! Joining him are special guests Jackson Dean, Ella Langley, and DJ Highmax. Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster or the Save Mart Center Box Office for $39.75 to $99.75. Premium parking is available for purchase for this show.
Elderwood’s New Year’s Eve Masquerade is set to usher in 2024 in style. Photo courtesy of The Darling Visalia.
December 9th
Candlelight Guild Ball
Candlelight Guild
Pardini’s
www.candlelightguild.com
Since 1949, the Candlelight Guild has been committed to supporting the well-being of Fresno and its greater community, and the annual Candlelight Guild Ball celebrates their important work. This year’s event will take place at Pardini’s, where guests will enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing, and fun while supporting local, deserving charities.
December 10th
FAMily Day
Fresno Art Museum
www.fresnoartmuseum.org
Join the Fresno Art Museum for a holiday-themed free FAMily Day at the Fresno Art Museum where you can visit their wonderful family-friendly exhibitions, explore the galleries with a treasure hunt, take a picture with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, create art, holiday shop in their store, attend a story time, view new third-grade art in the classroom, and more!
December 14th
Walking In A Winter WINEderland
Downtown Visalia
www.downtownvisalia.com
Visalia’s downtown businesses and shops will welcome guests with wine and even some food for this special night. Walk around town after checking in for this 21+ event. Get your wristbands as early as 4:30PM. The event begins at 5:00PM and goes until 8:00PM. Don’t forget to wear your favorite ugliest Christmas sweater! Tickets are $30 prior or $40 the day of at check-in.
December 15th
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
Visalia Fox Theatre
www.foxvisalia.org
Gather your loved ones for the warm glow and nostalgia of America’s favorite Christmas celebration. Experience the extraordinary international cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists performing at the peak of classical European ballet. Be transported by the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger-than-life puppets, and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes. Tickets range from $30 to $175.
December 16th
Home For The Holidays
Fresno Philharmonic
Saroyan Theatre
www.fresnophil.org
Fresno’s holiday musical tradition returns with Home for the Holidays. Join Music Director Rei Hotoda, the Fresno Philharmonic, the Fresno Master Chorale, and special guests for a festive symphonic celebration of the season. Attendees are encouraged to come early to enjoy lobby caroling, hot chocolate, and pictures by the Christmas tree.
December 17th
Christmas High Tea
The Elderberry House
www.chateausureau.com
The Elderberry House has been offering high tea on the last Sunday of the month, but what’s in store for December is even more special. Head to Château du Sureau for a Christmas High Tea featuring artisan teas, elegant bites, and sweets inspired by the holiday spirit. Reservations are required and are $95 per guest. This experience begins at 11:30PM and goes until 2:30PM
December 31st
New Year’s Eve Masquerade
Elderwood
www.thedarlingvisalia.com
Ring in the New Year at Elderwood, The Darling Hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar, for their New Year’s Eve Masquerade countdown celebration. Complete with a DJ and dancing, guests will kick off 2024 with dancing, food, and drinks. Tickets include entry to the event, small bites, and a glass of champagne. The fun begins at 10:00PM. Tickets are $45 each.
For more information, contact event organizer as events may be subject to change.
