The Christmas spirit lives in Merced County. Here’s a list of upcoming local parades
With Thanksgiving behind us and the calendar getting ready to turn from November to December, Christmas is just right around the corner.
For readers who have the Christmas spirit, here are some holiday happenings to mark on the calendar in Merced County.
Merced
The traditional downtown Christmas Parade returns to Merced on Saturday, Dec. 3. After having to change parade plans last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic with a reverse drive-through parade, attendees will again line Main Street to see the many floats, bands and Santa Claus make their way through downtown Merced.
The parade is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. There will be an opportunity to get photos with Santa from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by the tree lighting in Bob Hart Square at 6 p.m.
Atwater
Atwater will be celebrating 100 years of Christmas classics with its annual Christmas Parade on Friday, Dec. 2 The parade is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. The parade route kicks off at Winton Way and Grove Avenue, takes a left on Broadway Avenue and finishes off at the historic Bloss Mansion at 1020 Cedar Avenue.
Los Banos
Los Banos’ annual Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. The event will include food, vendors and the Christmas tree lighting that will begin at the completion of the parade. The route finishes at Henry Miller Plaza where the Christmas tree will be lit and parade awards will be presented.
Livingston
Livingston is hosting a “Lighted Christmas Parade & Gift Fair” on Friday, Dec. 9. The parade is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m., and will go through a few neighborhoods and down Main Street From Peach to D streets.
To honor Livingston’s centennial this year’s theme of the parade is “Christmas through the years.” The Holiday Gift Fair will begin at 5pm downtown between B and D Streets.
Gustine
The Gustine Chamber of Commerce is presenting an “Old Fashioned Christmas” on Saturday, Nov. 26 with events scheduled throughout the day.
The morning kicks off with “Breakfast with Santa” at the GPS Hall from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. This is followed with a craft and vendor fair on Fifth Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
There will be a Santa’s Workshop also on Fifth Street from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a book reading by Santa in front of the Christmas Tree at 11:30 a.m.
Pictures can be taken with Santa at 498 Fifth Street from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. The highlight of the day will be the Christmas Tree Lighting and Lighted Parade at 6 p.m. at the intersection of Fifth and Fourth Avenue.
Dos Palos
Dos Palos’ annual Christmas Parade is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. This year’s theme is Winter Wonderland. The parade starts at Blossom and Mitchell streets and ends at the Boy Scout hut for a tree lighting ceremony
