By Chris Murphy
Other than the big guy, Santa, no other commercial Christmas character looms larger than Clark W. Griswold, the ultimate family man. No one is more possessed to illuminate his house, take care of family and friends, “kith” and kin, host a wicked vintage RV in his suburban driveway, suffer upper management daily as he invents amazing new non-nutritive cereal varnishes while he dreams of a pool for his family. Pretty much sums it up for all of us. To “Griswold” your house is a verb and when it’s done right, you will see the Christmas star over the nitroglycerine plant. It just doesn’t get better.
Well you know that this imaginary family has been lampooning and has be lampooned for 35 years now. Yes, amazingly enough, Christmas Vacation turns 35 years old this month and I think my viewings are in the hundreds and my daughter Abigail and I ruin the dialog for everyone else watching. “Why is the carpet wet Todd? I don’t knoowww Margot” and the list goes on.
Christmas Vacation is the gateway to the Christmas season at our house. We are fiercely devoted to the celebration of Thanksgiving, and the Christmas and holiday décor do not appear until now. Some things are sacrosanct; like a real 1944 MaiTai, or an original mono pressing of Meet the Beatles. But in all of this hilarity, we realize it is our family that makes it fun, the desire to invite people and celebrate is something we all share, no matter how good or bad it goes. At the end of the day, we all clean up the front yard like Clark and Ellen and all have a good night and take a taste from our jelly of the month club.
Thanks again to Matt Paine of Collins Electric for helping us make magic here in downtown Modesto for Rockin’ Holiday and agreeing to be our Clark Griswold on our cover. We appreciate Matt and the Collins team for all they do.
For you Griswold family friends, we are presenting a great new party at the new Intermission at the State. December 19, 5 – 9 pm wear your ugly sweater and bring a few extra to donate. You can enjoy spiked EggNog, fun and games and we will watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Tix at www.thestate.org
If you are craving some good ole holiday spirit, we have so many great ways for you to be the Clark that you can be, from finding your own Griswold family Christmas tree in the mountains, to ice skating, shopping local or experiencing some Rockin’ Snow, a holiday concert, or taste a nice frosted treat or a special holiday cocktail. So get your Wally Word cup ready and let’s enjoy a fun Modesto holiday.
Santa Spottings
Do you believe?
Well we do, and this is the time of year when we hear the jingle of the sleighbells and hope you do too. This is one of those special things that bring a smile to kids’ faces. So those that are looking for a Modesto Santa experience, there are a couple of places you can enjoy and get your message to the big guy.
Rockin Holiday
Bring your own camera for this Rockin’ Santa experience at the Rockin’ North Pole in 10th St Plaza. Grab a seat in our Rockin’ Sleigh and enjoy the Rockin’ Snow, the Rockin’ Tree and be greeted by Rockin’ Santa and his Rockin’ Elves. Bring your list, and enjoy a special moment. There are also many other FREE photo opportunities at the Rockin’ North Pole starting December 2 after the parade.
10th St Plaza – Thursday, Friday and Saturday Dec 7 – Dec 23 7-9 pm
Vintage Faire
Don’t miss the amazing Santa HQ in the Vintage Faire center court. Step into a winter wonderland and enjoy the magic of the North Pole. Then you can meet Santa and purchase one of the photo packages. With all of the shopping and dining opportunities, you can take care of everything on your list. Learn more at www.shopvintagefairemall.com<www.shopvintagefairemall.com>
December 2 -17: Mon – Fri: 11am-7pm, Sat: 10am-8pm Sun: 12pm-6pm
December 18 -23: Mon – Sat: 10am-8pm
December 24 (Christmas Eve): Sun: 9am-4pm (Break: 1pm-2pm)
Breakfast and Waffles with Santa
Join Santa and his elves at the Unity Church from 8 – 10 am
You can take FREE pictures with Santa and enjoy a full breakfast. The Unity Church has been serving Modesto for over 93 years. 2467 Veneman Rd. Modesto Please RSVP at 209-578-5344
NORAD
For over 60 years on Christmas Eve, NORAD tracks Santa Claus leaving the North Pole and delivering presents to children around the world. The program is in the tradition of the September 1897 editorial “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” in the New York Sun. NORAD is the North American Aerospace Defense Command. You can check the info all month long.
www.noradsanta.org/
Spirit of Giving Run
This is such a festive morning in Downtown Modesto for the annual favorite Spirit of Giving Run. You can enjoy the snow, the run, the fun, and kids can chase the Grinch and even visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the Rockin’ North Pole. Registration and check in is at 7 am and you can use your own camera with Mr & Mrs Claus. There will be coffee and pastries at The Goat, Fuzio, T Cups and Rodin Ranch. Bring canned food to help out the Modesto Gospel Mission and then see a free showing of the Polar Express at the Brenden Theatre with a can of food. 10th St Plaza. 7-8 am same day registration.
modestospiritofgiving.org/
McHenry Mansion
Don’t be confused, the McHenry Mansion does not really look like our December cover. The McHenry Mansion is currently decorated in all of its Victorian Christmas finery to be enjoyed this year by candlelight. The tours will be on Friday, December 15th, and Saturday, December 16th. The Tours begin at 5:00 pm and the last entrance is at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $10 for Adults and $5 for Children under ten years available at the Visitor Center. 906 15h St. www.mchenrymansion.org
Modesto on Ice
All Skate!
These are words we love and Modesto On Ice has brought a lot of magic to downtown Modesto. 90 minute skate sessions, group party areas and themed skate nights are all part of the fun. Don’t miss the S’mores snack pack, loaded hot chocolate and the cozy firepits to make that delicious gooey treat and warm you up. ModestoView is proud to be a sponsor and Sierra Pacific Warehouse Group is the Skate Shack sponsor so it will be a fun season. It is so easy to register to skate on-line and fill out your waiver forms. Modesto On Ice is open every day until January 15. They have cool skate assist units to help the beginner skater so ANYONE can do it.
Admission is $18 for skaters 13 or older, $14 for 3 to 12, and free for younger kids. Rental skates are free. Register and book your session at www.modestoonice.com<www.modestoonice.com>
Santa Con
Modesto’s local and FREE Santa Con will be December 16. One of downtown traditions for over 15 years this locally run SantaCon is where you make sure that no Santa is left behind and that you have a great time visiting Modesto’s best downtown bars. Meet at 11th and J and the first stop is the Fox Pub at 7 pm. At 8:20 all Santa should meet up in front of Fuzio at approx. 8:20 for group picture. This is a free event, you just pay for your food and drink.
December 16 – 7 pm 11th & D
@modpubcrawl
Fields of Ice
Turlock has Ice Skating at Fields of Ice at RAM Farms. Fields of Ice is open daily until January 16. There is no reason to miss out on the skating and you can also pick up your Christmas Tree there too. Tickets are $14 to $18, depending on age and day of the week. Rental skates are free.
RAM Farms 10- 10 pm
716 N. Daubenberger Rd, Turlock
www.turlockfieldsofice.com<www.turlockfieldsofice.com>
Après Skate
A night on the town means a night on the town. If you are going to get all spiffed up to head downtown to go ice skating, you need to think about what you are doing to do before, especially after skating. This is what we call Aprés Skate. You know, just like Aprés Ski after a good day on the slopes, you head to the lounge for a cocktail, and this is no different. You had a great time, skated singles and doubles, and now it is time to relax, with a special holiday cocktail, and enjoy downtown Modesto. Right around the corner from Modesto on Ice is our own Rockin’ Holiday, were you get FREE pictures with Rockin’ Santa and experience the Rockin’ Snow. You can catch a movie at the Brenden Theatres in comfy recliners after a nice dinner at Fuzio or play games at The Goat. You can walk down 11th St and find so many tasty options, or walk over to the Gallo Center, Prospect Theatre or The State Theatre for a show. If you are skating late, you just might want a nice nightcap with friends and Uber home. Don’t forget, there is live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Rockin North Pole Stage in 10th St Plaza and every night there is a FREE show by the Rockin’ Tree. No matter what, spend the day, or the evening in downtown and find something new to do.
The Nutcracker
One of Modesto’s all time greatest traditions is the Central West Ballet Nutcracker. Reimagined for kids, the Nutcracker has been a starting point for many a ballerina. From the little ginger snaps to the Dance of the Sugar Plum fairy, this is a wonderful performance and just the right length. You can also enjoy the Sugar Plum parties as well as get photos with the beautiful trees in the Gallo Center lobby. It’s a great experience.
December 8, 9, 10, 16, 17
Check www.galloarts.org<www.galloarts.org> for individual showtimes and to purchase tickets
209-338-2100
Giving for the Holiday
There is always time and there is always something extra we can do for those in need. It really doesn’t matter how or why, but we need to give when we can and this season when it is cold and people are hungry, we can do just a bit more. Here are some ways you can help out.
Ring the Bell
The Salvation Army needs you. What I like about the Salvation Army is that over 85% of all funds donated go directly to programs that help people directly. This is a really high percentage and you know your donations are being cared for. If you have even two hours to spare, you can ring the bell to collect donations at a place that works for you, your family and friends if you want to do it as a group. Sign up here at www.registertoring.com<www.registertoring.com>
Community Christmas Tree
The Giving Tree has made such a big difference in so many lives. Modesto Soroptimists and Modesto Sunrise Rotary & 95.1 KHOP are teaming up to make this better than ever. Located on the 2nd floor of Vintage Faire, right above Santa’s Village, you can stop by the tree, pick the tag of a family or person that is in need and come back with your unwrapped gift. You can even sponsor a gift and they will take care of the rest, getting it wrapped and delivered to those who need it. You can also volunteer to work this project if you are able to. Stop by and sponsor a gift from noon-8 pm daily until December 19th
IG @cct4kids. FB Community Christmas Tree scan the QR code to Venmo.
Fundraisers and Toy and Coat Drives
12/2 Impalas & Luxurious Car Club Toy Drive – 2201 McHenry 10- 4
12/2 18th Annual Motown Classics Toy Drive – Yosemite Lanes 10- 3 pm
12/2,3,8,10 – Stuff the Bus Wal*Mart, Manteca
12/6 FunJunkies Toy Drive – The Boardroom 1538 J St. 5:30 pm
10/9 US Coast Guard – Fill the Boat – Wal*Mart Supercenter Ceres 9 – 2 pm
12/9 KAT Country Cares featuring Elle King, Joe Nichols, Tenille Arts at Greens on Tenth
12/13 4th Annual TrailerHead Toy Drive at The Other Place
12/17 – Modesto Mitchell’s Harley Toy Run – 9 am
We will add more as we learn about them at www.modestoview.com<www.modestoview.com>
Send into to events@modestoview.com<mailto:events@modestoview.com>
The Salvation Army Berberian Center needs Personal care items
modestocitadel.salvationarmy.org/modesto_citadel_corps/
You can help the Modesto Gospel Mission here: modestogospelmission.org/donate
Chanukah
Congregation Beth Shalom invites you to Celebrate the Light during this darkest time of the year.
Sunday December 12th 5pm in Downtown Modesto 10th St Plaza
For more information: (209) 571-6060
www.cbsmodesto.org<www.cbsmodesto.org>
Live Nativity
A Free holiday tradition celebrating the true meaning of Christmas reenacts the biblical scenes and historical moments of the birth of Jesus.
7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30 pm
December 17th (live sheep) and December 18th (live camel).
Complimentary refreshments available.
lifeconnection4christ.org/events/live-nativity
1520 Rose Ave. Modesto
Here are some important dates for those that celebrate in their many ways.
December 7 – 15 – Chanukkah
December 21 – January 1 – Yule
December 22 – Guru Gobind Singh’s Birthday
December 24 – Christmas Eve Services
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 26 – January 1 – Kwanzaa
BigView
Breakfast with Santa Modesto
Don’t miss this wonderful Modesto tradition at the Modesto Senior Center. The City of Modesto, North Modesto Kiwanis present the 13th Annual Breakfast featuring full breakfast, tasty pancakes, visits with Santa, and hot chocolate. Tix are $10 under 2 Free.
211 Bodem St. Modesto
209-577-5344
Breakfast with Santa Turlock
Celebrate the magic of Christmas with the 2nd annual Breakfast with Santa at Larsa Banquet Hall on Saturday, December 9 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 /adults $15 /children 2 years and up. Under 2 free Children 2 free. Seating is limited and reservations are required.
my.cheddarup.com/c/santabreakfast2023
2107 E Monte Vista Ave, Denair
The classics of the classics!
Holiday Movies at the State
We hope you love holiday Christmas movies like we do. The State Theatre opened on Christmas Day in 1934, showing the Flirtation Walk. This year will be so very special with more showings at the Jewell adjacent to the main auditorium. Get your holiday film cheer and of course the amazing State Theatre popcorn with real butter and a refreshing craft cocktails. December 18-24 is your season for holiday classics. There is something for every member of the family and when winter break hits, you have your movie playlist all set. Get showtime, theatre info and tix in advance at www.thestate.org<www.thestate.org>
December 18-24
It’s a Wonderful Life
Muppet Christmas Carol
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
White Christmas
Polar Express on the Big Screen
Don’t miss this great opportunity to see Polar Express on the Brenden Theatre big screens. Best of all, this holiday experience is FREE with a donation of canned food at the Spirit of Giving Run in 10th St Plaza – December 9 – 10 am. If you are lucky, you might get some Rockin’ “Snow”. See the other great December films at www.brendentheatres.com/<www.brendentheatres.com/>
