Celebrate the holiday seasons with these Tulare County events

The holiday season is upon us and that means Christmas and the new year are around the corner.

For those who want to stay in the Christmas spirit for the next few weeks, here are some holiday events happening in and around Visalia and Tulare.

Race Against Hunger

Visalia Emergency Aid Council’s will host the 19th Race Against Hunger Thanksgiving Morning. Race Against Hunger is the largest 5K run in the Central Valley.

The race is a fun, safe, family-friendly way for people of all ages to help those in need, organizers said. All funds raised go directly to Visalia Emergency Aid Council's food pantry programs.

The 5K run and 2 mile walk kicks off at 8 a.m. Organizers recommend getting there at 7:30 a.m. as parking will be limited.

Spectators react to Santa Claus during the annual Candy Cane Lane Parade in Downtown Visalia on Monday, November 28, 2022.
Spectators react to Santa Claus during the annual Candy Cane Lane Parade in Downtown Visalia on Monday, November 28, 2022.

Candy Cane Lane Parade

The 77th annual Candy Cane Lane Parade will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in downtown Visalia on Nov. 27. Admission to the parade is free.

Elf – In Concert presented by Sequoia Symphony Orchestra

On Dec. 1 and 2, Sequoia Symphony Orchestra will performs John Debney’s score for Elf™, while the classic Christmas film plays for the audience.

Doors open at 6:30 and the show begins at 7:30. Tickets are between $10 and $15 and can be purchase through Visalia Fox Theatre.

Tulare Christmas Parade

On Dec. 7, Tulare will host the annual Christmas parade. The theme for this year's parade is "storybook Christmas."

The parade route will look a little different this year. The parade will start at K Street, move south to Inyo Avenue, then head north on L Street.

The parade is held from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Hike to the Nation's Christmas Tree

The annual Trek to the Nation's Christmas Tree takes place the second Sunday of December each year at the base of the General Grant tree in Kings Canyon National Park. The ceremony includes a wreath laying in honor of the men and women of the Armed Forces, carolers and more.

The event starts at 2:30 p.m., with park admission waived.

Woody Smeck, Superintendent for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, right, joined by two park rangers place a memorial wreath at the base of the General Grant Tree in Kings Canyon National Park to observe the 93rd Annual Trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree Ceremony.
Woody Smeck, Superintendent for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, right, joined by two park rangers place a memorial wreath at the base of the General Grant Tree in Kings Canyon National Park to observe the 93rd Annual Trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree Ceremony.

Christmas at the Plaza

Downtown Visalians will host Christmas at the Plaza from 12 to 4 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Garden Street Plaza in downtown.

The event includes pictures with Santa, story time with The Book Nook, and a train ride.

For more information call 732-7737.

Walking in a Winter WINE-derland

Stroll downtown Visalia while sipping wine at the first winter wine walk event from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14. Don’t forget to wear your favorite ugliest Christmas sweater.

Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. Nov. 16. Advance tickets are $30 per person, $40 day of the event.

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet at Visalia Fox Theatre

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet! will be at the Visalia Fox Theatre from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 15.

Tickets are on sale now. Prices range from $30-$175.

NYE rooftop countdown at the Darling Hotel

Ring in 2024 at Elderwood's New Year's Eve Masquerade celebration in downtown Visalia. The party will include "masks, mystery, and endless fun," according to organizers. There will also be a DJ and dancing at the Elderwood's rooftop.

The event is scheduled for 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Ticket includes small bites and a glass of champagne.

Hillcrest Farms

Need a real tree or some fresh air? Maybe some family pictures? Head north to Reedley.

Hillcrest Farm is open for Christmas Tree Season 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25-Dec. 17:

Train rides and hot food are available along with pictures with Santa.

Check the website for Pajama Christmas times & tickets hillcrestreedley.com

Free Movie Night at the Fox

Visalia Transit presents Free Movie Night at the Fox Theatre. The doors open at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 26. Gremlins begins at 6 p.m. There's also food, an ugly sweater contest and raffle prizes.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Celebrate the holiday seasons with these Tulare County events