Christmas Events for Kids in Fresno (2026)

The Fresno area has 10 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from One Enchanted Evening in Clovis on November 19 to ZooLights in Fresno, which runs through January 3. 9 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in California, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 10 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Fresno for 2026, in Fresno, Clovis, Fowler, Kingsburg, Reedley and Riverdale
  • First: One Enchanted Evening, Clovis, November 19. Runs latest: ZooLights, Fresno, through January 3
  • Free: One Enchanted Evening, Children's Electric Christmas Parade, Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall, Kingsburg: Kids Craft, Gingerbread Train, Riverdale: Santa Visit, 97th Annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade, Reedley: Visit with Santa, Fowler: Christmas Party Family Night and West Fresno Branch: Christmas Movie Marathon
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Watercolor illustration: Rally the corgi stands on a red train seat looking out at falling snow, a lit Christmas tree and a white dove. Text: Choo choo! The train starting could be heard. Hello cute white bird!
Rally watching the snow and a lit Christmas tree, from the pages of Rally Takes the Train.

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our California Christmas train rides page.

Fresno Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
10 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Fresno, Clovis, Fowler, Kingsburg, Reedley and Riverdale
Season
November 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027
Free events
9
Kinds of events
Santa visit, holiday parade, holiday lights and tree lighting
Last checked

Plan your December

When each Fresno Christmas event for kids happens

The first is One Enchanted Evening in Clovis on November 19; the last runs to January 3. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Fresno? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Fresno

3 confirmed events for kids in Fresno, soonest first.

Fresno: ZooLights

Holiday lightsFresno Chaffee Zoo · Fresno

Host
Fresno Chaffee Zoo (opens in a new tab)
Where
Fresno Chaffee Zoo, 894 W Belmont Ave, Fresno, CA 93728
When
Thu November 19, Fri November 27, Thu December 3, Fri December 11, Wed December 16, Sat December 26 and Fri January 1, 2026, 5 to 9 pm
Cost
$19 adults, $14 children 2 to 11, 1 and under free
Ages
Kids of all ages
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

ZooLights transforms Fresno Chaffee Zoo into a winter wonderland on select nights from November 19, 2026 through January 3, 2027, from 5 to 9 pm. Families stroll past thousands of lights and displays, sip hot cocoa, and catch the new Snowball and Flurry show, a projection and special effects spectacular with music and falling snow.

Kids can visit Santa's workshop and tell him their wishes, with photos available to buy that night. Santa is there through December 23. Non-member tickets are $19 for ages 12 and up and $14 for children 2 to 11, and kids 1 and under get in free; members pay less. The zoo also offers VIP igloos and a ZooLights family overnight for ages 5 and up on December 4 to 5.

Parent tip: The zoo suggests arriving early for parking and the shortest Santa lines. Parking at Roeding Park costs $5 per car and is not included in the ticket.

See dates and details from Fresno Chaffee Zoo (opens in a new tab)

Fresno: 97th Annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade

Holiday paradeFreeDowntown Fresno Partnership · Fresno

Host
Downtown Fresno Partnership (opens in a new tab)
Where
Fulton Street, Downtown Fresno, Fulton St from Inyo St to Calaveras St, Fresno, CA 93721
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 5:30 pm
Cost
Free to watch along the route; VIP tent tickets sold separately
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade returns for its 97th year on Saturday, December 12, 2026, starting at 5:30 pm along Fulton Street from Inyo to Calaveras. The Downtown Fresno Partnership describes a holiday spectacle of crafted floats, marching bands, dance groups, community showcases and Santa's arrival, with participants asked to light up the street in a merry and bright theme.

In 2025 the parade moved to an evening start for the first time and drew more than 20,000 people, and the organizers hope for the same crowd this year. Watching from the route is open to everyone, and a VIP tent is sold separately on the event's ticket page. Bundle up, since it is an outdoor night event. Applications for groups that want to march are open through the same organizer.

Parent tip: Parking at downtown meters and garages is charged at event rates until 11:59 pm. Expect big crowds, so arrive early to claim a curbside spot for the kids.

See dates and details from Downtown Fresno Partnership (opens in a new tab)

Fresno: West Fresno Branch: Christmas Movie Marathon

Holiday showFreeFresno County Public Library · Fresno

Host
Fresno County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
West Fresno Branch Library, 188 E California Ave, Fresno, CA 93706
When
Monday, December 21, 2026, 11 am to 4 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The West Fresno Branch is hosting an all-day marathon of Rankin-Bass holiday movies, the classic stop-motion and animated specials many parents grew up with. The marathon runs on Monday, December 21, from 11 am to 4 pm in Room 104 at the branch.

The library lists it for families, and the screenings are made possible by the Friends of the Fresno County Public Library. It is free, and no registration is listed, so families can come for one movie or stay for several. It is an easy, cozy winter break plan, and the older specials tend to be short and gentle enough for younger kids. The program takes place at the West Fresno Branch Library, 188 E California Ave, in Fresno.

Parent tip: Movies run back to back from 11 am to 4 pm, so you can drop in for just one. The screenings are in Room 104.

See dates and details from Fresno County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Clovis

3 confirmed events for kids in Clovis, soonest first.

Clovis: One Enchanted Evening

Santa visitFreeBusiness Organization of Old Town Clovis · Clovis

Host
Business Organization of Old Town Clovis (opens in a new tab)
Where
Old Town Clovis, Pollasky Ave and surrounding blocks, Clovis, CA 93612 (near Fresno)
When
Thursday, November 19, 2026, 5 to 8 pm
Cost
Free; carriage rides free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

One Enchanted Evening is Old Town Clovis's old-fashioned holiday open house, held each year on the Thursday before Thanksgiving. In 2026 it falls on Thursday, November 19, from 5 to 8 pm. Carolers sing on street corners, families can take free horse-drawn carriage rides, sip hot cocoa and visit with Santa, and merchants stay open late.

The historic streets are dressed in white lights, holiday window displays and luminaries, and most of the action is along Pollasky Avenue and nearby blocks. With restaurants and shops all within walking distance, it is easy to make a full evening of it with kids, and it is a gentle start to the holiday season before the bigger December events. Shoppers can also get a head start on holiday gifts while merchants keep their doors open late.

Parent tip: Come early to catch the carolers and get on a carriage ride before the lines grow. For details, call the Business Organization of Old Town Clovis at (559) 298-5774.

See dates and details from Business Organization of Old Town Clovis (opens in a new tab)

Clovis: Children's Electric Christmas Parade

Holiday paradeFreeCity of Clovis Tourism · Clovis

Host
City of Clovis Tourism (opens in a new tab)
Where
Old Town Clovis, Clovis Ave and Pollasky Ave, between 3rd and 9th Streets, Clovis, CA 93612 (near Fresno)
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 6:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

For more than three decades, the Children's Electric Christmas Parade has lit up Old Town Clovis with illuminated floats, marching bands, equestrian units, decorated cars and costumed kids, every entry covered in holiday lights. The 2026 parade steps off on Saturday, December 5, at 6:30 pm and travels a loop along Clovis Avenue and Pollasky Avenue between 3rd and 9th Streets.

The parade is presented by the Kiwanis Club of Old Town Clovis and is free to attend. Thousands of families line the streets each year, and the loop route offers plenty of places to watch. Old Town restaurants and shops make it easy to turn the evening into dinner and a holiday stroll. Community groups, schools and businesses can register to join the lineup, and every entry must be lit.

Parent tip: Streets along the route close at 5 pm. The city suggests arriving early, parking a few blocks away and bringing a chair or blanket.

See dates and details from City of Clovis Tourism (opens in a new tab)

Clovis: Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall

Tree lightingFreeCity of Clovis · Clovis

Host
City of Clovis (opens in a new tab)
Where
Clovis Civic Center, 1033 Fifth St, Clovis, CA 93612 (near Fresno)
When
Monday, December 7, 2026, 6:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The City of Clovis holds its Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in front of City Hall at the Clovis Civic Center on Monday, December 7, 2026, at 6:30 pm. Local school choirs sing carols while the countdown builds, and Santa Claus arrives aboard Clovis Transit's Dolley the Trolley to help the mayor light the city's tall tree.

After the lighting, families can stay for photos with Santa, hot cocoa and holiday cookies. The Civic Center sits steps from Old Town Clovis, so it is easy to add dinner or a stroll under the lights. The tree stays lit every evening through December if you want to come back for a holiday photo. The event takes place at the Clovis Civic Center, 1033 Fifth St, in Clovis.

Parent tip: Arrive a few minutes early to find a good spot near the tree before Santa rolls in.

See dates and details from City of Clovis (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Fowler

1 confirmed event for kids in Fowler, soonest first.

Fowler: Fowler: Christmas Party Family Night

Santa visitFreeFresno County Public Library · Fowler

Host
Fresno County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Fowler Branch Library, 306 S 7th St, Fowler, CA 93625 (near Fresno)
When
Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Families, preschool and elementary
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Fowler Branch Library is throwing a Christmas Party Family Night full of crafts, snacks and holiday activities. Families can also take a picture with Santa. The party is on Wednesday, December 16, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in the Fowler Meeting Room.

The library lists it for families, preschoolers and elementary schoolers. It is free, and no registration is listed. Fowler is a short drive south of Fresno, and the evening time works for families coming after work or school. The two-hour window means you do not need to arrive right at the start to get a turn with Santa. The program takes place at the Fowler Branch Library, 306 S 7th St, in Fowler. Check the event page before heading out, since library programs can change or fill up during the busy holiday season.

Parent tip: Snacks are served, and the library notes food may contain or touch common allergens such as dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts and fish. Bring your camera for the Santa photo.

See dates and details from Fresno County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Kingsburg

1 confirmed event for kids in Kingsburg, soonest first.

Kingsburg: Kingsburg: Kids Craft, Gingerbread Train

Model trainsFreeFresno County Public Library · Kingsburg

Host
Fresno County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Kingsburg Branch Library, 1399 Draper St, Kingsburg, CA 93631 (near Fresno)
When
Tue December 8 and Tue December 15, 2026, 6 to 7 pm
Cost
Free, in-person sign-up required
Ages
Preschool, elementary and families
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Kingsburg Branch Library is hosting a kids' craft night where children build gingerbread trains out of food products. Sessions run on Tuesday, December 8, and Tuesday, December 15, from 6 to 7 pm in the Kingsburg Meeting Room. The craft is only for children, with one gingerbread train per child.

Space and supplies are limited, so in-person sign-up at the front desk is required, with a limit of five sign-ups per household. Sign-up for the December 8 session begins Monday, November 30, and for the December 15 session on Monday, December 7. The program is free and is listed for preschoolers, elementary schoolers and families. The program takes place at the Kingsburg Branch Library, 1399 Draper St, in Kingsburg.

Parent tip: Sign up in person at the front desk. If you are not there by 6:15 pm, your spot is given away. The library warns the food may contain common allergens.

See dates and details from Fresno County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Reedley

1 confirmed event for kids in Reedley, soonest first.

Reedley: Reedley: Visit with Santa

Santa visitFreeFresno County Public Library · Reedley

Host
Fresno County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Reedley Branch Library, 1027 E St, Reedley, CA 93654 (near Fresno)
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am to noon
Cost
Free
Ages
Preschool, elementary and families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Reedley Branch Library is inviting families to meet Santa in its children's area on Saturday, December 12, from 10 am to noon. Along with the visit, kids can make a fun craft while they are there, and parents are encouraged to bring a camera to take a picture.

The library lists the program for preschoolers, elementary schoolers and families. It is free, and no registration is listed. The two-hour window gives families flexibility on a Saturday morning. Reedley is about 30 minutes east of Fresno, so it suits families on that side of the county or anyone heading toward the foothills. The program takes place at the Reedley Branch Library, 1027 E St, in Reedley. Check the event page before heading out, since library programs can change or fill up during the busy holiday season.

Parent tip: Bring your own camera for photos with Santa. Drop in any time between 10 am and noon.

See dates and details from Fresno County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Riverdale

1 confirmed event for kids in Riverdale, soonest first.

Riverdale: Riverdale: Santa Visit

Santa visitFreeFresno County Public Library · Riverdale

Host
Fresno County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Riverdale Branch Library, 20975 Malsbary Ave, Riverdale, CA 93656 (near Fresno)
When
Thursday, December 10, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Babies to elementary, families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Friends of the Riverdale Library asked Santa to visit the children of Riverdale, and he agreed. Families are invited to stop by and say hi on Thursday, December 10, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm at the Riverdale Branch Library.

The library lists the visit for babies and toddlers, preschoolers, elementary schoolers and families. It is free, and no registration is listed, so you can drop in any time during the hour. Riverdale is a small community in southwest Fresno County, about a 35 minute drive from central Fresno, so this is best for families who live nearby or are passing through. The program takes place at the Riverdale Branch Library, 20975 Malsbary Ave, in Riverdale. Check the event page before heading out, since library programs can change or fill up during the busy holiday season.

Parent tip: This is a drop-in visit during a one-hour window. Bring a camera if you want a photo with Santa.

See dates and details from Fresno County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Looking further afield? Our California Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego, Sacramento and Riverside. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Fresno Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Fresno in 2026?

We confirmed 10 Christmas events for kids in Fresno for 2026 on each host’s own page: One Enchanted Evening in Clovis (November 19), ZooLights in Fresno (November 19), Children's Electric Christmas Parade in Clovis (December 5), Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall in Clovis (December 7), Kingsburg: Kids Craft, Gingerbread Train in Kingsburg (December 8), Riverdale: Santa Visit in Riverdale (December 10), 97th Annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade in Fresno (December 12), Reedley: Visit with Santa in Reedley (December 12), Fowler: Christmas Party Family Night in Fowler (December 16) and West Fresno Branch: Christmas Movie Marathon in Fresno (December 21). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Fresno, California?

For families in and around Fresno, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: ZooLights (Select nights, Nov 19 to Jan 3, 5 to 9 pm, $19 adults, $14 children 2 to 11, 1 and under free); 97th Annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade (Sat, Dec 12, 5:30 pm, free to watch along the route; vip tent tickets sold separately); West Fresno Branch: Christmas Movie Marathon (Mon, Dec 21, 11 am to 4 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Fresno section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Clovis, California?

For families in and around Clovis, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: One Enchanted Evening (Thu, Nov 19, 5 to 8 pm, free; carriage rides free); Children's Electric Christmas Parade (Sat, Dec 5, 6:30 pm, free); Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall (Mon, Dec 7, 6:30 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Clovis section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Fowler, California?

For families in and around Fowler, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Fowler: Christmas Party Family Night (Wed, Dec 16, 5:30 to 7:30 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Fowler section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Kingsburg, California?

For families in and around Kingsburg, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Kingsburg: Kids Craft, Gingerbread Train (Tue, Dec 8 and Tue, Dec 15, 6 to 7 pm, free, in-person sign-up required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Kingsburg section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Reedley, California?

For families in and around Reedley, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Reedley: Visit with Santa (Sat, Dec 12, 10 am to noon, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Reedley section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Riverdale, California?

For families in and around Riverdale, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Riverdale: Santa Visit (Thu, Dec 10, 3:30 to 4:30 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Riverdale section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Fresno?

Yes. 9 of the 10 events here are free: One Enchanted Evening in Clovis, Children's Electric Christmas Parade in Clovis, Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall in Clovis, Kingsburg: Kids Craft, Gingerbread Train in Kingsburg, Riverdale: Santa Visit in Riverdale, 97th Annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade in Fresno, Reedley: Visit with Santa in Reedley, Fowler: Christmas Party Family Night in Fowler and West Fresno Branch: Christmas Movie Marathon in Fresno. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Fresno this December?

Santa appears at One Enchanted Evening in Clovis (November 19), ZooLights in Fresno (November 19), Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall in Clovis (December 7), Riverdale: Santa Visit in Riverdale (December 10), 97th Annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade in Fresno (December 12), Reedley: Visit with Santa in Reedley (December 12) and Fowler: Christmas Party Family Night in Fowler (December 16). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Which Fresno Christmas events are best for toddlers?

These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Kingsburg: Kids Craft, Gingerbread Train in Kingsburg (Preschool, elementary and families), Reedley: Visit with Santa in Reedley (Preschool, elementary and families) and Fowler: Christmas Party Family Night in Fowler (Families, preschool and elementary).

Are there kids' Christmas events in Fresno on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: ZooLights in Fresno (through January 3).

How much is One Enchanted Evening in Clovis?

Free; carriage rides free. One Enchanted Evening is on Thursday, November 19, 2026, 5 to 8 pm at Old Town Clovis. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is ZooLights in Fresno?

$19 adults, $14 children 2 to 11, 1 and under free. ZooLights is on Thu November 19, Fri November 27, Thu December 3, Fri December 11, Wed December 16, Sat December 26 and Fri January 1, 2026, 5 to 9 pm at Fresno Chaffee Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Children's Electric Christmas Parade in Clovis?

Free. Children's Electric Christmas Parade is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 6:30 pm at Old Town Clovis. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall in Clovis?

Free. Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall is on Monday, December 7, 2026, 6:30 pm at Clovis Civic Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Kingsburg: Kids Craft, Gingerbread Train in Kingsburg?

Free, in-person sign-up required. Kingsburg: Kids Craft, Gingerbread Train is on Tue December 8 and Tue December 15, 2026, 6 to 7 pm at Kingsburg Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Riverdale: Santa Visit in Riverdale?

Free. Riverdale: Santa Visit is on Thursday, December 10, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm at Riverdale Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is 97th Annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade in Fresno?

Free to watch along the route; VIP tent tickets sold separately. 97th Annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 5:30 pm at Fulton Street, Downtown Fresno. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Reedley: Visit with Santa in Reedley?

Free. Reedley: Visit with Santa is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am to noon at Reedley Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Fowler: Christmas Party Family Night in Fowler?

Free. Fowler: Christmas Party Family Night is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Fowler Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is West Fresno Branch: Christmas Movie Marathon in Fresno?

Free. West Fresno Branch: Christmas Movie Marathon is on Monday, December 21, 2026, 11 am to 4 pm at West Fresno Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Fresno?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Fresno Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

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