Merriment in Merced: Your Guide to December’s Holiday Happenings
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Downtown Merced stages multiple public events Dec. 6-7, centered on Main Street.
- Organizers offer parades, markets, rides, workshops and evening entertainment.
- Courthouse Museum marks 150th anniversary with tree exhibit and choir.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in downtown Merced.
Last week the city kicked off holiday festivities with the tree lighting in Bob Hart Square and there are winter celebrations planned for the rest of the month too.
This year’s Christmas Parade theme is: Holiday HIT Parade. “Main Street comes alive with lights, music, and holiday cheer for one of Merced’s favorite traditions.” wrote the Downtown Merced Facebook page.
WHEN: 2 p.m. Dec. 6 WHERE: Main Street ONLINE: https://www.facebook.com/events/downtown-merced/downtown-merced-christmas-parade-2025/794836953256089/
Merced County’s Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Merced Holiday Mercado which promises tasty bites and gifts from local vendors this weekend during the city’s Christmas parade.
WHEN: 1-6 p.m. Dec. 6 WHERE: 18th & Canal St. Downtown Merced ONLINE: info@mercedhcc.com
The Tioga Merced is hosting a “Not So Silent Night” event. Plans include live music, food trucks, local vendors, and Santa visits. Food trucks Spicy Birds, Taco Lavaparela, Echa Pizza, and Mainzer will be serving up delicious food and for those over 21, the Tioga Taproom will be open until 11:30 p.m.
WHEN: 1-8 p.m. Dec. 6 WHERE: N Street between Main & 18th ONLINE: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRqVCmCDO16/
There’s plenty to do on Saturday Dec. 6 but for those looking to get moving after a day on Main Street, the Merced Bicycle Coalition is hosting a free holiday night ride. A helmet and a headlight are required but expect to see some fancy lights for the bike decorating contest!
According to organizers:
“All minors MUST have a guardian sign them in at registration and …participants under the age of 16 MUST have a guardian accompany them on the ride. All bikes must have a front headlight (it is required by law). This is a family-friendly ride, however, we recommend no children with training wheels. It tends to be hard for them to keep up. We recommend trailers, bike seats, or tag-a-longs as alternate options. MBC members will hand out “Contest Cards” to the top 6 best decked out bikes during the event. After the ride when we gather back at Bob Hart Square the chosen 6 will gather and we will choose a winner together by popular vote (the loudest cheer!) The winner will receive a free bike tune up from Kevin’s Bikes and a free one year membership to the MBC.”
WHEN: Meet 5 p.m., ride out 6 p.m. Dec. 6 WHERE: Meet at Bob Hart Square, returns to Bob Hart Square
On Sunday, the artists behind Kreepy Kawaii Designs and Quichey Creations will be hosting “Oh Christmas Tea,” an event with warm tea and crafting for the holidays.
WHEN: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 7 WHERE: Cien Ojos Studio Downtown TICKETS: $65 – registration required; includes crafts and host gift to take home. ONLINE:https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10104479340582802&set=gm.2747728862225340&idorvanity=778207255844187
The Mainzer festive brunch, free movie, hot cocoa bar, and photos with Santa for a magical holiday experience for the whole family. Later on Sunday, the Courthouse Museum will host its annual Christmas Open House. This year, the museum is celebrating a special milestone: its 150th Anniversary. To celebrate there will be 95 Christmas trees and choir performances beginning at 1 p.m.
WHEN: 10 a.m. Dec. 7 WHERE: The Mainzer, 655 W Main St. TICKETS: Reservations encouraged ONLINE: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRQN-emk6zG/
Annual Christmas Open House at the Courthouse Museum WHEN: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 7 (tree exhibit on display until Dec. 30) WHERE: 21st and N Streets, Merced (Courthouse Museum) Call (209) 723-2401 for info
For Mercedians over 21, EarthWorks ClaySpace and Cien Ojos Studio will be hosting a “Glaze + Blaze” pottery workshop this weekend.
WHEN: 3-8 p.m. Dec. 7 (Final entry @ 6:30 p.m.) WHERE: Cien Ojos Studio, 1740 Canal St TICKETS: Age 21+ only | Price: Boosted $55, Lifted $75, Elevated $90 – registration required ONLINE: https://www.earthworksclayspace.com/event-details/glaze-blaze-holiday-haze
More events this month:
Lights of Hope 5K Santa Run
WHEN: Dec. 13, Check in 3:30 p.m., Race 5:30 p.m. WHERE: Merced College Stadium TICKETS: $40 registration includes Santa suit | Children 12 & under free ONLINE: https://www.mccd.edu/event/lights-of-hope-5k-santa-run/
Photos with Santa - Central Valley PACE
WHEN: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 18, 2025 WHERE: Central Valley PACE, 727 W. Childs Ave, Merced, CA 95341 ONLINE: https://www.facebook.com/events/1549906049681297/
