“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Twinkling lights, holiday sales and Christmas music on repeat; the season offers a multitude of festivities that even a scrooge cannot ignore. Around town are concerts, plays and community events that offer plenty of holiday cheer. Including school performances, below is a highlighted list of events for you and your family.

Merry Christmas!

School Events

Choir

When: Dec. 6, 7 p.m.
Where: Redemption Bible Church
What: MS/HS Choir Christmas Concert

Band

When: Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m.
When: New Covenant Community Church
What: “Grinchmas”  Christmas concert

Band, Percussion and Color Guard

When: Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Old Town Clovis
What: Participating in the Clovis Electric Light parade.

Nutcracker Performances

“A Nutcracker Like No Other”
When: Dec. 3 at 7 p.m., Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Where: Tower Theatre for the Performing Arts
What: Organized by Break the Barriers, this inclusive production includes professional dancers, aerialists, and Barrier Breakers. All tickets are priced at $15 and can be purchased here.

Central California Ballet Nutcracker
When: Dec. 11 and 12, 2-6 p.m.
Where: William Saroyan Theatre
What: Through their version of the Nutcracker, Central California Ballet seeks to ignite a feeling of merriment and magic in the audiences this Christmas season. Guest can pay an extra $15 at the end of the Sunday performance to meet with the Sugar Plum fairy and her entourage, as well as enjoy refreshments and favors. Tickets start at $27 and are available at Ticketmaster.

Light Walks and Drives

Christmas Tree Lane
When: Dec. 1-25. Sun. – Thur., 6 to 10 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 6-11 p.m.
Where: Van Ness Boulevard between Shields Ave. and Shaw Ave.                                    What: This expansive light show was first created in 1920. It is free to drive through, but donations are welcomed. Due to COVID concerns, for the second year in a row no walking is allowed.

Candy Cane Lane
When: Dec. 1-25, 6-10 p.m.
Where: N Cindy Ave., Clovis
What: Come to Candy Cane Lane to enjoy dozens of sparkling houses. This free event has no official organizers and is open to driving or walking.

Zoo Lights at The Chaffee Zoo
When: Nov. 26-28 and Dec. 3-5, 10-12, 17-23, and 26-30 from 5 -8 p.m.
Where: Fresno Chaffee Zoo
What: Visitors can enjoy miles of holiday lights, live entertainment, and holiday themed treats and beverages. Admission also includes holographic glasses while supplies last and free socially distant photos with Santa Claus through Dec. 23. Ticket information is available on their website.

Other Festivities

Clovis Children’s Electric Parade
When: Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Old Town Clovis
What: This is the 34th annual Christmas parade organized by The Kiwanis Club of Old Town Clovis.

Holiday Open Air Market
When: Dec. 4, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Ballis Glass Gallery
What: Ballis Glass Gallery as well as other local vendors will be selling homemade items. Enjoy live glass blowing demonstrations and music, as well as food trucks.

10th Annual Jingle Bell Run for Toys for Tots
When: Dec. 11, 8 a.m.
Where: Christmas Tree Lane
What: Register for this 5k run to 2 mile walk to experience exercising to holiday music down Christmas Tree Lane. The $40 fee ($25 for kids 9 and under) gets you a sweatshirt and jingle bells. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots to receive a Santa Hat.

Elf, The Musical
When: Nov. 11 – Jan. 9
Where: Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theatre

What: Watch as Buddy the Elf leaves the North Pole in search of his true identity in Manhattan. Note that COVID vaccination needed to attend. To view ticket times, go to their website.

The 92nd Annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade
When: Dec. 11, 1 p.m.
Where: Fulton Street in Downtown Fresno
What: The parade returns this year after being cancelled last season. Keep your eyes open for the FC and Eagle Band, Percussion and Color Guard. Stay for the end of the parade to witness a ceremonial tree lighting in the Mariposa Plaza. This will include food and craft vendors.