By Chris Murphy’
These are the events that memories are made of. Enjoy the vintage decorations, the Rockin Snow and the Rockin Tree of Rockin Holiday downtown, some amazing Santa sightings and epic holiday movies in a vintage movie theatre. You can run in the snow, see the Polar Express and even dress like Santa for Santa Con. There is so much to do this season and please check out all of the holiday activities at www.modestoview.com and the MoChill programs at www.visitmodesto.com
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 they prepare to open the Intermission to join the “Jewel” Theatre adjacent to the main auditorium. You can expect some cool innovative films and of course the amazing State Theatre popcorn with real butter and a refreshing cocktail or a warm coffee. December is your hook up this season for the classics like It’s A Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, Elf, and yes, Die Hard is actually a Christmas movie. There is something for every member of the family and when winter break hits, you have your movie playlist all set and no Christmas season is complete without a big screen showing of Christmas Vacation Dec 20-23
Get your tix in advance at www.thestate.org
SantaCon and ChristmasCrawls
Are you ready to release your inner Santa? Do you want to join up with other people wanting to do the same thing? On December 17, you can join in on Modesto’s famous and original SantaCon Pub Crawl. This is a free event and begins in front of Fox Pub at 7 pm and ends up at Splash at 11 pm until closing time. There will be drink specials at each stop and please make sure to tip your bartenders and be a good Santa and let no Santa fall behind. This is a free event! Festive Santa, sweater, elf, attire is recommended. www.facebook.com/Modpubcrawl/
There is a Do The Crawl Ugly Sweater Crawl on Saturday December 17 beginning at 4:30 pm. Make sure you purchase tickets starting at $12 in advance at dothecrawl.com/Modesto/Ugly-Sweater<dothecrawl.com/Modesto/Ugly-Sweater?fbclid=IwAR3XW8c9iqYSN7leQycEF4xk5ExAd-gyYhH6Oy1CnAxBYvKH4K7ycOcfN-8>
McHenry Mansion Candlelight Tours
The Victorian McHenry Mansion is absolutely beautiful during the holidays. There will be special hours offering candlelight tours to see the beauty of this stately mansion, all decorated for a victorian Christmas. Please plan on visiting December 17 and 18 for a special guided tour for $10. The Tours begin at 5:00 pm and the last entrance is at 8:30 pm. Tickets are $10 for Adults and $5 for Children under ten years. Learn the history of some of your favorite holiday traditions such as Christmas trees, candles, candy canes, gingerbread houses, poinsettias, stockings and many more.
There is a special Christmas Tea at the mansion, Tuesday, December 6, 2022. There will be two seatings: 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Cost is $40 per person. The first seating is already sold out and seating is limited so make your reservations early. You can make your reservations by calling (209) 522-1739
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.
Breakfast With Santa
December 3
Take the kids and enjoy pancakes, eggs & sausage! Beverages include Starbucks coffee, milk and OJ.
Tickets can be purchased at at 1010 Tenth Street, Suite 4400 Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm, closed from 12-1pm. Breakfast with Santa is hosted by the City of Modesto Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Department and the North Modesto Kiwanis. Kiddos can enjoy: Photo opportunity with Santa, Craft stations (keepsake photo frame, color scratcher ornament and Letters to Santa) and more!
8 – 11:30 am – $10
Modesto Senior Citizens Center, 211 Bodem Street
Rockin Holiday – Begins Dec 3 – Dec 23
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 3 after the parade. Thursday, Friday and Saturday Dec 10 – Dec 23 6-9 pm
Vintage Faire
Don’t miss the amazing Santa HQ in the Vintage Faire center court presented by HG TV Magazine. You can check the Naughty or Nice meter, check out the Elf academy and make your own membership card and check out the magic Elf mirror. 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
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 out of town 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 Ralston’s 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.
modestospiritofgiving.org/
Carriage Rides – December 10
New this year to downtown Modesto will be horse-drawn carriage rides that will take guess on a wintery ride around 11th, I, 10th and K Streets. These will be free and will start and stop at the intersection of 11th and J.
NORAD Santa Tracker
For over 62 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/
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 16. There are lessons available and they have cool skate assist units to help the beginner skater so ANYONE can do it.
Register and book your session at www.modestoonice.com
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.
RAM Farms 10- 10 pm
716 N. Daubenberger Rd, Turlock
www.turlockfieldsofice.com
