Dec. 2 6:30 p.m., eighth annual Lights on Parade, Main Street, downtown Turlock. Theme: “Christmas Around the World.” Features brightly illuminated floats. (209) 668-5594.
Dec. 2 A White Christmas Parade of Lights. 7 p.m. Downtown Atwater, Broadway and Third streets.
Dec. 3 5:30 p.m., Celebration of Lights Parade, I Street, downtown Modesto. Theme: “Tinsel Town.” Features brightly illuminated floats, firetrucks, horses, clowns. Foster Farms Dairy is presenting sponsor, Cool Cow is grand marshal.(209) 577-5344.
Dec. 10 Christmas Parade. Fifth annual Christmas parade. Santa Claus, buggy rides and craft projects. 1 p.m. activities;3 p.m. parade. Downtown Mountain Ranch.
FESTIVALS FAIRSToday Festival of Lights, Downtown Turlock. Main Street will dazzle with lights, entertainment, shopping and fun. Christmas tree lighting at Central Park, 6:45 p.m. Festival4-9 p.m. (209) 634-6459.
Today-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. today-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Sonora Christmas Festival, Mother Lode Fairgrounds, 220 Southgate Drive, Sonora. Craft and graphic artists, live music, family stage shows, carolers, street performers. Christmas parade today at 5:30 p.m. (209) 533-3473.
Today-Saturday Cowboy Christmas Gift Craft Show. Presented by the Oakdale Cowboy Museum. More than 50 exhibitors featuring Western art, furniture, jewelry, apparel and more. Food and refreshments available to purchase. Cowboy Santa will arrive on horseback at 11 a.m. 5-9 p.m. today; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Oakdale Community Center, 110 S. Second St. (209) 847-7049.
Today-Saturday Old Fashioned Holiday Festival Tree Lighting. Tree lighting tonight, 5-7 p.m., old-fashioned holiday festival Saturday. noon-7 p.m. Copperopolis Town Square, Highway 4 and Little John Road, Copperopolis. 866- 276-4235.
Saturday 6-9 p.m., Hand Born Modern Craft Bazaar, various locations in downtown Modesto. Annual event showcasing more than 50 vendors at locations including including Concetta (1205 J St.), Deva Café (1202 J St.), Mira Bridal (1201 J St.), Core Fitness (1209 J St.), Serrano Social Club (1030 J St.), Beads of Contentment (1028 J St.), and Galletto (1101 J St.). www.handborn.com
Saturday Riverbank Christmas Festival. Live entertainment, lighted parade, craft fair, tree lighting and arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. 2-9 p.m. Plaza Del Rio. Free. (209) 480-2271.
Dec. 3 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Dickens Faire, McHenry Mansion,906 15th St., Modesto. A trip back to the Victorian Era with costumed carolers and the McHenry Mansion decorated in Christmas splendor. Street fair with crafts and a farmers market. (209) 577-5235.
Dec. 3 Christmas Tree Lane Opening and Festival. Join the City of Ceres for the 24th annual grand opening of Christmas Tree Lane. Live performances, arts and crafts, free coffee, cocoa and cookies, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus for $2 or free with canned food donation. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Smyrna Park, Moffett Road, Ceres. (209) 538-5682.