With Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror, Merced County is embracing the 2024 holiday season in full swing with a variety of Christmas events.
From festive parades to enchanting performances, craft fairs and community gatherings, the region is alive with events celebrating the joy and spirit of the Christmas season.
Whether you’re looking to shop for unique gifts, enjoy a classic holiday ballet, or gather with neighbors for a parade, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this December.
Atwater parade celebrates “12 Days of Christmas”
Downtown Atwater will come alive 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 with the annual Atwater Christmas Parade.
This year’s theme “Twelve Days of Christmas” invites participants to showcase floats and performances inspired by the beloved holiday carol.
Organized by the City of Atwater, the parade is a season highlight and draws residents from across the area.
Applications for parade entries, with a fee of $45, are available at atwater.org or the Community Center office at 760 E. Bellevue Road.
For more details, contact the Community Events Department at events@atwater.org or (209) 357-6321.
Downtown Merced Christmas parade to feature cowboy theme
Merced is gearing up for its annual Downtown Christmas Parade, set to take place at an earlier start time of 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.
This year’s theme, “Cowboy Christmas,” promises to bring a festive Western-inspired atmosphere to Main Street, with floats, marching bands, performers and a special appearance by Santa Claus.
Organizers have announced several changes for this year’s festivities. The annual MERCO Christmas Tree Lighting will be held separately on Sunday, Dec. 1, following the Merced Symphony Holiday Pops Concert at the Merced Theatre.
Parade participant registration fees have increased to $65 per entry to help offset event costs.
Participants in the parade will have the opportunity to compete for awards, including cash prizes of $500 for Best Cowboy Theme, Most Creative, and Best Performance.
For more information or to register as a participant, email mercedchristmasparade@gmail.com.
Los Banos Christmas parade: Toys, Trains, and Candy Canes
Los Banos Chamber of Commerce will hold its Christmas parade, themed “Toys, Trains, and Candy Canes” at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 in the downtown area on 6th Street.
The event will feature a Christmas tree lighting, food venders, arts and crafts, gifts and more.
Visit the Los Banos Chamber of Commerce website for more information.
Livingston Christmas Parade to feature super hero theme
The City of Livingston will hold its 21st Annual Christmas parade 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13. Participants will begin lining up at 6 p.m. and the parade will travel down Main Street from Peach to D Street, according to the event’s website.
The theme for this year’s parade will be “A Super Hero Christmas.” There is no charge to be in the parade. Register online or at city hall.
Golden Bough Brings holiday cheer to Merced Theatre
The internationally acclaimed group Golden Bough is returning to the Merced Theatre to usher in the holiday season with a festive concert on Friday, Dec. 6. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the performance starts at 7 p.m.
Known for their lively three-part harmonies and masterful instrumentation, Golden Bough will perform seasonal favorites from Celtic, English, and other global traditions.
Featuring Margie Butler, Paul Espinoza, and Kathy Sierra, the trio will accompany their vocals with instruments like the Celtic harp, fiddle, accordion, mandolin, penny-whistle, and more, according to the online event post.
Tickets are on sale now, with general admission priced at $35, member tickets at $31, and student or children’s tickets available for $15. For more details and tickets, visit the Merced Theatre website or their box office.
Atwater’s St. Anthony School hosts breakfast with Santa
Celebrate the holiday season with a morning of food, family, and festive cheer at St. Anthony School’s Breakfast with Santa from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.
The event will occur at St. Anthony Parish Hall, 1801 N. Winton Way in Atwater,
Guests can enjoy a pancake breakfast while meeting Santa Claus himself. Breakfast is $13 for adults, $7 for seniors and children and free for kids aged 3 and under.
Hosted by St. Anthony’s Knights, this family-friendly event invites the community to come together in the spirit of Advent, sharing faith, love, and holiday magic.
Contact St. Anthony School or visit the event’s Facebook page for more information.
Winter Wonderland Craft Fair in Merced
The Winter Wonderland Craft Fair is scheduled for from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m Saturday, Dec. 7 at the American Legion Post 83 at 939 W. Main St. in Merced.
This event, organized by the American Legion Family, features a variety of local vendors offering handmade goods and holiday gifts.
All proceeds from the craft fair will support the Veterans Memorial Building and local veteran needs. Booths can be reserved with a $40 donation. For more information, contact Gene Hamill or Susan Hull at Post83Merced@gmail.com.
United Methodist Women to host Annual Christmas Bazaar
The United Methodist Women are bringing holiday cheer to Merced with their Annual Christmas Bazaar, set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at 899 Yosemite Parkway in Merced.
Themed “A Country Christmas,” this festive event offers a variety of activities and items, including Mattie’s Tea Room & Cafe, candy and baked goods, attic treasures, Christmas crafts and egg rolls.
A silent auction featuring gifts and baskets will also be held, with bidding closing at 12:30 p.m.
Proceeds from the event will support the church’s community outreach and charitable programs.
CHP Santa Day Toy Drive
The Santa Day Toy Drive, a beloved holiday tradition since 2009, is set to take place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.
Organized in partnership with MIG Construction, the California Highway Patrol, and Starbucks, this event aims to bring holiday joy to children across Merced County.
Community members are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys to benefit local children in need. Donations can be dropped off during the event or at participating locations, including Starbucks stores in Merced County.
For more details about the event and how to contribute, visit the official event page on Facebook or contact the organizers directly.
Merced Civic Ballet to perform ‘The Nutcracker’ at Buhach Colony High
The Merced Civic Ballet, in collaboration with the Merced Academy of Dance, is set to present its annual production of The Nutcracker this holiday season.
Performances will take place at the Buhach Colony High School Theater, located at 1800 N. Buhach Road in Atwater.
Performances are scheduled for Friday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 7, with showings at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are available for $15, $20, or $25, depending on seating, and can be purchased online or at the box office one hour before each performance.
For over 25 years, this full-length classical ballet has been a cherished holiday tradition in Merced County, enchanting audiences with its timeless story and stunning performances.
This year’s production, held in loving memory of Melanie Willis McFadden, promises to deliver the season’s magic through the elegance of dance, according to the event’s online post.
In addition to the ballet, attendees can visit the Nutcracker Sweet Shop, offering handmade crafts, ornaments, baked goods, and silent auction baskets.
All proceeds from the Sweet Shop will benefit the MSSM Foundation, which annually awards ballet scholarships to talented dancers.
Tickets can be purchased at buy.tututix.com/mercedacademyofdance.
Merced Bicycle Coalition Holiday Night Ride
Cyclists of all ages are gearing up for the Holiday Night Ride on Saturday, Dec. 7, hosted by the Merced Bicycle Coalition.
Starting at 5:30 p.m. at Bob Hart Square in downtown Merced, the free event invites participants to decorate their bicycles and ride through some of Merced’s most festive neighborhoods.
This year’s ride features a Bike Decoration Contest, with a bicycle trophy for the most creatively adorned ride.
The event kicks off at 6 p.m. and offers a fun and healthy way to celebrate the season. For more information, visit the Merced Bicycle Coalition’s website.
Not-So-Silent Night at Tioga-Sequoia
The Not-So-Silent Night event, benefiting Merced Firefighters, will take place from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m Saturday, Dec. 7 at The Tioga Sequoia Taproom, 1707 N St. in Merced.
The event is open to attendees ages 21 and older.
This annual fundraiser combines live music with community support, with proceeds going toward local firefighters’ efforts.
Festivalgoers can enjoy music, free food, games, photos with Santa, and raffle prizes.
A block party kicks off at 1 p.m. with beer, food trucks, vendors, and live music by SAP and Four Fifteen.
The event will include $500 prizes after the parade for best cowboy theme, most creative, and best performance floats.