HolidayView
By Chris Murphy
This is an extra special holiday season this year. As you may know, I love the retro feel of the downtown of Modesto Christmas Past. Based on conversations with friends and on Facebook, al lot of people are looking for the authenticity of the real traditions, the garland, the lights, and even the music and fun of our streets in downtown Modesto and remember the feel of the 50s & 60s. Now in our 3rd year, Rockin’ Holiday is even bigger, better, brighter and there will be more snow and our Rockin’ Tree will be rockin 10th St Plaza until 1:00 am! Make sure you get your selfie at by the Rockin’ Tree or in Rockin’ North Pole. Rockin’ Santa will be there every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 6-9 and pictures are FREE. Opening night is December 3, for the Modesto Classic Holiday Parade. All events located in 10th St Plaza
Rockin’ Opening Night – Dec 3 5 pm
Rockin’ Holiday Thurs-Sat Dec 3 – Dec 23. 6-9 pm
Rockin’ Tree Shows – Nightly Dec 3-Jan 1 6pm – 1 am
Rockin’ Tree Lighting – 8 pm after Modesto Holiday Classics Parade
Spirit of Giving Run – Dec 10 – 7 am
Rockin’ Star Wars Rogue One Premier – Dec 15 6-10 pm
Modesto On Ice – Open daily 10 am – 10 pm (last skate session 8:30)
Modesto Rockin’ Holiday is presented by: Chris Murphy, Sierra Pacific Warehouse Group, Brian – Friend Laser Voodoo, Matt Paine and Collins Electric with support from the amazing people at Modesto Toyota, the City of Modesto, the Modesto Downtown Improvement District, The Modesto Confidential Management Association, the Downtown Modesto Partnership, Visit Modesto, Brenden Theatres, Noah’s Water, Fuzio
You will see a downtown that is all lit up and ready for you. Fantastic restaurants, great shows at the State and Gallo Center, nightlife at local cafes, heated patios and cool boutiques for unique gift shopping. It is not just in downtown Modesto, but all over our county there are great things to do. For the latest in local holiday home lighting showcases, try this www.lightsofthevalley.com
Modesto On Ice
If you haven’t been yet, Modesto On Ice is your place for holiday enjoyment. This amazing real ice rink is covered, features night light show, snacks, photo booth and 90 minute skating sessions daily until mid January. You can book your skate times in advance. This will be the cornerstone of your downtown experience this winter. www.modestoonice.com
Dec 3
Dickens Faire & Modesto Certified Farmer’s Market 7am-3pm
Take a step back in time! The McHenry Mansion will be fully decorated like a Victorian Christmas and there will be crafts and activities at the McHenry Museum. You may tour the beautiful McHenry Mansion and docents dressed in period clothing, stationed throughout the home, will be available to answer questions about the history and artifacts of this beautiful Victorian house. Free event
5:30pm Celebration of Lights Parade
The theme this year is “Classic Modesto”. Parade starts at I & 15th Streets. Following the parade will be the Rockin’ Christmas Tree Lighting in 10th Street Plaza, with Modesto’s brand new 50 foot tree. Ice skate at Modesto on Ice on 11th & K St, while you wait for Rockin’ Holiday to start!
Rockin’ Holiday at the Rockin North Pole in 10th St Plaza Dec 3
We are take you back with rockin retro cheer and special vintage style décor to the original cruise route on 10th Street! Rockin’ Santa, his Rockin’ elves and his Rockin’ hot rod sleigh will be available for free photo ops for your family Christmas cards! Every half hour look up into the sky to see snow right here in Modesto! Sip your hot cocoa or your Irish Coffee, and eat your roasted chestnuts. This fun family holiday party is not one to miss!
Spirit of Giving Run – Dec 10th 7am – Runners will receive a snowy start at the 7th Annual Modesto Spirit of Giving Run, Also features a wheelchair division. Start/finish line in Tenth Street Plaza with holiday vendor booths and festivities, including a FREE quarter-mile kid’s fun run where children 10 and under can chase the Grinch out of Modesto! Santa will be there too, so don’t forget your camera! Please support Modesto Gospel Mission by bringing canned food or monetary donations and receive raffle tickets to win great prizes. Early Entry: Adult 13+: $30 Child 12 and under: $15. Groups of 10 or more adults will receive a $5 discount per entry. Entries must be received before December 7th, 2015 to be eligible for group rate. www.modestospiritofgiving.org/
Brenden Theatres will feature a free Christmas movie with canned food donation.
The Rockin’ Holiday festival start with lights and snow starting at 6:00 pm
Christmas in Grandpa’s Barn
December 2-11, 10am-4pm, Sunday 12-4
Lorina’s Edible Garden, 17693 Enterprise Rd, Escalon 10am-4pm
Come out for a special holiday at the barn! Loads of shopping, fresh produce and nuts, and tons of fun! Santa will be attendance with a campfire, Christmas music, scones and hot drinks
Central West Ballet Nutcracker
December 9,10,11,16,17,18
This is one of Modesto’s great traditions. The legendary music, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the magical story and best of all, the kids of our area all dancing to some of the most famous music ever. Perfect for families. Don’t forget to get all dressed up and have your picture taken by the huge Christmas trees in the Gallo Center Lobby. www.galloarts.org
Candlelight tours of the McHenry Mansion
Dec. 16th & Sun. Dec. 18th Tours begin at 5pm and the last tour leaves at 8:30pm. Visitors will see docents dressed in period clothing demonstrating Victorian life as it was during the holidays. One might see popcorn stringing, musicians, a gingerbread house being decorated and much more. The Mansion is beautifully decorated for Christmas as it would have looked in the 1880s. McHenry Mansion is located at 15th and I Street, Modesto.
Christmas Tree Lane, Ceres
Every night in December, Moffett Road, between Henry & Thomas Avenues. Stop by your favorite café for some hot cocoa and cruise slowly down the streets of Christmas Tree Lane with your family to enjoy beautifully decorated houses! Start your new tradition this year!
State Holiday Movies
Show times are 12:00, 4, and 7:00 pm and all movies are $ 5 Bring the whole family and enjoy the splendor of Modesto’s historic theatre, with full digital sound and fantastic picture quality.
December 21 – Gremins, A Christmas Story, It’s A Wonderful Life
December 22 – Scrooged, It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol
December 23 – How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Christmas Carol, A Christmas Story
December 24 – A Christmas Carol, A Christmas Story, It’s A Wonderful Life
“Dickens to Rock” Choral Concert
Friday, December 9 at 7 p.m. MJC Auditorium.
The MJC College Choir and Chamber Singers presents a variety family-friendly holiday fare take the audience on a journey of traditional English carols through contemporary seasonal “hits.” Included, will be music of Britten, Rutter, Berlin and more, as well as a celebration of Hanukkah with some novelty surprises and an audience sing-a-long at the conclusion. Tix are $6 general $3 for students, seniors and children at Auditorium Box Office, (209) 575-6776
Holiday Lighted Bike Parade – Dec 10
Meet at 5:30pm at Devine Swine. All bike types welcome! Invite your friends. This is 21+ only. Free to ride…beverage/food expenses are up to you. Bring cash for tips. Decorate and Light your bike and join us for a Leisurely magical mystery bike parade through Modesto stopping at the best watering holes and see Christmas Light displays towards downtown and beyond. Dress warm and festive! Go all out with tinsel, ornaments, stuffed animals, streamers, ribbon, fabric, etc. We are riding at night so light your bike up like a Christmas tree. All bike types welcome.
Lighted Bike Parade Ceres – December 18
Light your bike and follow the crew through Christmas Tree Lane to see homes and streets decorated with Christmas cheer.Meet at 5pm behind Popeye’s Chicken on E. Hatch Road. Plenty of room to park and ride. Ride leaves promptly by 6 pm
Christmas at the Mansion – Dec 6
Join your special friends at the McHenry Mansion for a very special Christmas Tea. These are moments you will treasure for every with your loved one or kids. Spaces still available at the 2 p.m. seating. For reservations at $30 per person, contact Janie at 522-1739.
These are just a small sample of the amazing things happening this season. Check www.modestoview.com for updated info and new things do to. Get the ModestoView Ap at Itunes & Android Store
If you know of something else going on, email us ASAP and we ill add it to our calendar events@modestoview.com
