Looking to get in the Christmas spirit? These Merced County parades will help
As Christmas approaches, the Merced County community has a host of events to get in the holiday spirit. Here are several Christmas parades and events happening around Merced County after Thanksgiving.
Merced Downtown Christmas Parade
The Merced Annual Downtown Christmas Parade is themed “Light Up Your World” this year. It is scheduled to begin 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. on Main Street, following a Christmas tree lighting in Bob Hart Square
Livingston Christmas Parade
Various Christmas festivities in Livingston kick off 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 on Main Street, according to the city’s website. Residents can start the night by shopping at the gift fair and Christmas caroling.
The Livingston Christmas parade begins that day at 7 p.m. at Memorial Park and ends at D Street. This year’s theme is “Let Christmas Bells Ring!” There is no parade entry fee.
Los Banos Christmas Parade
With a theme of “Christmas Magic!” the annual Los Banos Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. The parade ends at Henry Miller Plaza, where Chamber President John Cates will present parade awards and oversee Santa Claus lighting the Christmas tree.
There is no application fee to enter the parade.
Gustine “Old Fashioned Christmas At Home”
Gustine will hold its annual Old Fashioned Christmas at Home Saturday, Nov. 30 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in downtown Gustine, according to www.westsideconnect.com. The all-day event includes breakfast with Santa, craft booths, tree lighting, a lighted parade and more.
Atwater Christmas Parade
Atwater’s Annual Christmas parade is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. The parade starts at Winton Way and Bloss Avenue, ending at the historic Bloss Home, according to the Atwater Chamber of Commerce website.
Hosted by the Atwater Chamber of Commerce, this year’s theme is “A Season of Thanks.” Attendees can drop off toys at the parade for Atwater’s first annual fire and police holiday toy drive.
The deadline to enter the parade is Dec. 2 with a $55 application fee.
Newman Christmas Festivities
Christmas festivities in Newman begin 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. The event offers a parade, craft booths, Santa visits and more, according to westsideconnect.com.
Chowchilla Christmas Tree Lighting
Chowchilla’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m. Held at Veteran’s Memorial Park, hot drinks, refreshments and entertainment will be included.
This story was originally published November 28, 2019 at 5:00 AM.
