Christmas arrives in Modesto. A look at community festivities, more to come
Modesto rang in the holidays Saturday, with colorful yuletide festivities.
The annual Celebration of Lights Parade made its way through downtown in the evening with the theme “Elves Just Want To Have Fun.”
The parade award recipients are:
- Overall Sweepstakes Winner: Roberts Auto, My Little Balloon Co. and Valley Music Institute
- High School Band : Modesto High School Marching Band
- Junior High School Band :Mark Twain Junior High Band
- Equestrian : Modesto Mounted Officer Association
- Community : Luv 2 Dance
- Classic Cars: Carlos Sanchez and Anna Mendez
- Small Commercial: Herks Plumbing
- Large Commercial : Roberts Auto, My Little Balloon Co. and Valley Music Institute
- Youth: Modesto FFA
- Nonprofit: Salvation Army Modesto Red Shield
Rockin’ Holidays lit up Tenth Street Plaza with its Rockin’ North Pole, “snowfall,” Santa and his elves and more. A tree lighting was held after the Modesto parade.
Rockin’ Holidays continues through the season with lights, snow, music and Santa on Thursdays through Saturdays, 6 to 9 p.m., from Dec. 12-21.
This story was originally published December 7, 2025 at 5:30 AM with the headline "Christmas arrives in Modesto. A look at community festivities, more to come."
Pat Clark
The Modesto Bee