Bargain View
By Monica Barber
Wonderful Christmastime
It’s time to have a wonderful Christmas season! Ms. M has been ready for Christmas for a bit. Enjoying a warm peppermint infused hot cocoa at the Queen Bean Coffee House she’s reminiscing on the year… where did it go? The best memories to look back at are the ones that touch our hearts because we’ve shared them with others. Here are a few ways to keep your coins and bells jingling during the holidays.
Christmas is a delight in Modesto! December 7th is a day of fun that leads up to it’s Celebration Lights “Candyland” Parade. Breakfast with Santa, The Dickens’ faire at the Modesto Certified Farmers Market are family friendly events that lead up to the evening parade. It’s not Christmas without talking with Santa, the annual breakfast with Santa at the Senior Center starts off at 8:30am until 11am. From 7am-3pm, Dickens Faire transports The McHenry Mansion to the Victorian era with costumed carolers wagon rides amid food & crafts vendors. Dickens:www.mchenrymuseum.org<www.mchenrymuseum.org/> Santa: Visit Modesto Office 209-526-5588 & Senior Ctr, 211 Bodem St.
The Celebration of Lights “Candyland” parade makes it way through Downtown Modesto at 5:30pm on December 7th and the Rockin holiday celebration kicks off in 10th Street Plaza afterwards. Enjoy the brightly lit floats of the parade and then stay to rock out with Santa and his elves to some Christmas sounds! Info & full parade map: modestogov.com/553/Holiday-Parade
Sometimes holiday cheer requires some good company and spirits involved. So why not pull out your favorite Santa hat, suit, elf ensemble or just plan ugly sweater and check out the Annual Modesto Santa Con on December 14th. Meet up at Ralston’s Goat at 5:30pm for a no-nonsense good holiday time with a traveling party of Santa’s. 21+ Info & registration:https://www.santacon.info/Modesto-CA/
A bit of candlelight sets the mood to step into the past. The McHenry Mansion Candlelight tours take place on December 20th and 21st. Take a walk through yesteryear and experience what the Christmas season would have looked in the Victorian era under gas and candlelights. The tour of the décor of this legend make it a must for history or design lovers. $7. Info: 209-549-0428
Ring in your New Year’s Eve dancing your children. Play Modesto is bringing back their Noon Day Eve dance party for parents and their children ages 0-8 to dance their way into New Year. The events includes selfie station, hats and blowers including a countdown & balloon drop to welcome in 2020. Event is ticketed. Tickets are $15 per child. 2 adults per family. 10am & 1pm. Info: www.facebook.com/events/784550275307711/
Happy Holidays! Kisses, m.
