The Modesto area has 12 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Photos with Santa at Vintage Faire Mall in Modesto on November 6 to Central West Ballet: The Nutcracker in Modesto, which runs through December 20. 6 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
- 12 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Modesto for 2026, in Modesto, Ceres, Hughson, Newman, Riverbank, Salida, Turlock and Waterford
- First: Photos with Santa at Vintage Faire Mall, Modesto, November 6. Runs latest: Photos with Santa at Vintage Faire Mall, Modesto, through December 24
- Free: Handprint Holiday Trees, Origami Ornaments, Family Movie Night: The Polar Express, Mini Snow Globes, Winter Ornament Decorating and Cookie Decorating
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
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.
Modesto Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 12 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Modesto, Ceres, Hughson, Newman, Riverbank, Salida, Turlock and Waterford
- Season
- November 6 to December 24, 2026
- Free events
- 6
- Kinds of events
- holiday crafts, Santa visit, model trains and breakfast with Santa
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Modesto Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Photos with Santa at Vintage Faire Mall in Modesto on November 6; the last runs to December 20. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Photos with Santa at Vintage Faire MallModesto · Nov 6 to Dec 24
- Handprint Holiday TreesWaterford · Dec 3
- Breakfast with SantaModesto · Dec 5
- Celebration of Lights Holiday ParadeModesto · Dec 5
- 2026 Model Train ShowTurlock · Dec 5 to Dec 6
- Origami OrnamentsHughson · Dec 8
- Winter Bash Family Party at MoChiMuModesto · Dec 11
- Central West Ballet: The NutcrackerModesto · Dec 11 to Dec 20
- Family Movie Night: The Polar ExpressSalida · Dec 15
- Mini Snow GlobesRiverbank · Dec 15
- Winter Ornament DecoratingNewman · Dec 15
- Cookie DecoratingCeres · Dec 17
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Modesto? 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.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
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 Modesto
5 confirmed events for kids in Modesto, soonest first.
Modesto: Photos with Santa at Vintage Faire Mall
Santa visitVintage Faire Mall · Modesto
- Host
- Vintage Faire Mall (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Vintage Faire Mall, JCPenney wing, 3401 Dale Rd, Modesto, CA 95356
- When
- Friday, November 6, 2026 to Thursday, December 24, 2026 (hours vary by date, see page)
- Cost
- A visit is free, photo packages cost extra
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Vintage Faire Mall runs Photos with Santa between November 6 and December 24, 2026. You will find Santa on the lower level in the JCPenney wing. Seeing Santa never costs anything, and you can buy photo packages if you want them.
The mall suggests reserving a time slot so you can skip the line, and reserving ahead also gets you a free custom digital greeting from Santa. Hours shift during the season. For example, mid November weekdays are 3 to 7 pm, weekends are 11 am to 7 pm, and December has longer days. Extra Santa events appear on the mall's list too, among them pajama parties and Santa Cares with Autism Speaks. The venue is Vintage Faire Mall, JCPenney wing, 3401 Dale Rd, Modesto, CA 95356. Cost: A visit is free, photo packages cost extra. Advance booking is recommended. Ages: All ages.
Parent tip: Reserve a slot online to avoid waiting. Santa usually takes breaks at 2 to 3 pm and again at 5 to 5:30 pm.
See dates and details from Vintage Faire Mall (opens in a new tab)Modesto: Breakfast with Santa
Breakfast with SantaVisit Modesto · Modesto
- Host
- Visit Modesto (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Modesto Senior Citizens Center, 211 Bodem St, Modesto, CA 95354
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 8 to 11:30 am
- Cost
- $10 per person, children 2 and under free
- Ages
- Families
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Visit Modesto lists Breakfast with Santa for Saturday, December 5, from 8 to 11:30 am at the Modesto Senior Citizens Center, 211 Bodem Street. The menu is scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage, milk, orange juice and coffee.
The festivities include a photo opportunity with Santa, stories read by Mrs. Claus, a children's craft station, a letter to Santa station and live music. Tickets are $10 per person, children 2 and under are free, and tickets are purchased online. The Modesto MoCheer holiday calendar for 2026 also lists this event on December 5. The event is at Modesto Senior Citizens Center, 211 Bodem St, Modesto, CA 95354. Cost: $10 per person, children 2 and under free. Registration or tickets are required. Ages: Families.
Parent tip: Buy tickets online ahead of time. The event listing does not show a year, but December 5 falls on a Saturday in 2026 and the Modesto 2026 holiday calendar lists it.
See dates and details from Visit Modesto (opens in a new tab)Modesto: Celebration of Lights Holiday Parade
Holiday paradeVisit Modesto · Modesto
- Host
- Visit Modesto (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Downtown Modesto, 14th and I Street, 14th St and I St, Modesto, CA 95354
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5:30 pm
- Cost
- Not stated on the page
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Visit Modesto lists Modesto's annual Celebration of Lights for Saturday, December 5, with the Holiday Parade starting at 5:30 pm in downtown Modesto. This year's theme is Winter Wonderland.
The parade begins at 14th and I Street, travels west on I Street to 10th Street, north on 10th to J Street, and east on J Street to 17th Street. Road closures between 14th and 16th Streets begin at 1 pm, and all closures from 10th to 17th Streets between K and H Streets are in place by 4 pm, so plan to arrive on foot or park a few blocks away. The event is at Downtown Modesto, 14th and I Street, 14th St and I St, Modesto, CA 95354. Cost: Not stated on the page. Ages: All ages.
Parent tip: Road closures start at 1 pm and are fully in place by 4 pm. Arrive early to find a curb spot.
See dates and details from Visit Modesto (opens in a new tab)Modesto: Central West Ballet: The Nutcracker
Holiday showGallo Center for the Arts · Modesto
- Host
- Gallo Center for the Arts (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St, Modesto, CA 95354
- When
- Fri December 11 (7 pm), Sat December 12 (2 to 7 pm), Sun December 13 (2 pm), Sat December 19 (2 to 7 pm) and Sun December 20 (2 pm), 2026
- Cost
- Tickets required, price not shown
- Ages
- The whole family
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Central West Ballet stages The Nutcracker at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto. Dates in 2026 are Friday, December 11 at 7 pm, then both Saturday and Sunday of December 12 and 13, and again both Saturday and Sunday of December 19 and 20. Afternoon shows start at 2 pm, and Friday and Saturday evenings start at 7 pm.
The Gallo Center describes it as the ultimate holiday ballet, with every favorite character included. Audiences go along as Clara travels to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Some shows are followed by on-stage Sugar Plum Fairy Parties, where kids can greet their favorite characters, and those need their own tickets. Everyone who attends, children too, needs a ticket. The venue is Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St, Modesto, CA 95354. Cost: Tickets required, price not shown. Registration or tickets are required. Ages: The whole family.
Parent tip: Each guest needs a ticket, kids included. Parties with the Sugar Plum Fairy cost extra and are offered after certain shows.
See dates and details from Gallo Center for the Arts (opens in a new tab)Modesto: Winter Bash Family Party at MoChiMu
Holiday craftsModesto Children's Museum · Modesto
- Host
- Modesto Children's Museum (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Modesto Children's Museum, 928 11th St, Modesto, CA 95354
- When
- Friday, December 11, 2026, 6 to 8:30 pm
- Cost
- $5 per person for members, $20 for non-members
- Ages
- All ages, adults need a child
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Modesto Children's Museum, known as MoChiMu, hosts its Winter Bash Family Party on Friday, December 11, 2026, from 6 to 8:30 pm. It is an annual, one-night, after-hours event with crafts, cocoa, carols and cookies, plus full access to the exhibits in a limited-capacity setting.
Tickets are $5 per person for members and $20 for non-members, with a SNAP and EBT discount available. All families are welcome, and guests are encouraged to wear a classy Christmas Carol outfit or a holiday sweater. As with regular museum admission, every adult must be accompanied by a child and every child by an adult. The event is at Modesto Children's Museum, 928 11th St, Modesto, CA 95354. Cost: $5 per person for members, $20 for non-members. Registration or tickets are required. Ages: All ages, adults need a child.
Parent tip: Book tickets in advance because capacity is limited. Wear a holiday sweater. Adults must come with a child.
See dates and details from Modesto Children's Museum (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Ceres
1 confirmed event for kids in Ceres, soonest first.
Ceres: Cookie Decorating
Holiday craftsFreeStanislaus County Library · Ceres
- Host
- Stanislaus County Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Ceres Library, 2250 Magnolia St, Ceres, CA 95307 (near Modesto)
- When
- Thursday, December 17, 2026, 4 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Children and families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Ceres Library hosts Cookie Decorating on Thursday, December 17, 2026, at 4 pm. The library describes it as a festive day of cookie decorating, and it provides sugar cookies, frosting and sprinkles.
The program is free like all Stanislaus County Library events, and the calendar lists no registration requirement. Ceres is just south of Modesto, so it is an easy trip for local families looking for a simple holiday activity after school. The event is at Ceres Library, 2250 Magnolia St, Ceres, CA 95307. Cost: Free. No registration is needed. Ages: Children and families.
Parent tip: Supplies are provided. No registration is listed.
See dates and details from Stanislaus County Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Hughson
1 confirmed event for kids in Hughson, soonest first.
Hughson: Origami Ornaments
Holiday craftsFreeStanislaus County Library · Hughson
- Host
- Stanislaus County Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Hughson Library, 2412 3rd St, Hughson, CA 95326 (near Modesto)
- When
- Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 4 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Children and families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Hughson Library hosts Origami Ornaments on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, at 4 pm. The library invites children to get into the festive spirit by making their own paper ornaments and decorations.
The program is free and open to the public, like all events at Stanislaus County Library. Hughson is southeast of Modesto in the Central Valley. The calendar does not list an end time or an age range, so families with children of different ages can try the craft together. The event is at Hughson Library, 2412 3rd St, Hughson, CA 95326. Cost: Free. No registration is needed. Ages: Children and families.
Parent tip: No end time is listed, so plan for about an hour. Call the library if you need details.
See dates and details from Stanislaus County Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Newman
1 confirmed event for kids in Newman, soonest first.
Newman: Winter Ornament Decorating
Holiday craftsFreeStanislaus County Library · Newman
- Host
- Stanislaus County Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Newman Library, 1305 Kern St, Newman, CA 95360 (near Modesto)
- When
- Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Children and families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Newman Library hosts Winter Ornament Decorating on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. Children express their creativity by painting a winter-themed ornament, with all materials provided while supplies last.
The library asks that children under 8 have direct supervision from a parent or adult guardian. The program is free like all Stanislaus County Library events. Newman is southwest of Modesto. The event is at Newman Library, 1305 Kern St, Newman, CA 95360. Cost: Free. No registration is needed. Ages: Children and families.
Parent tip: Children under 8 need a parent or guardian with them. Materials are provided while supplies last.
See dates and details from Stanislaus County Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Riverbank
1 confirmed event for kids in Riverbank, soonest first.
Riverbank: Mini Snow Globes
Holiday craftsFreeStanislaus County Library · Riverbank
- Host
- Stanislaus County Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Riverbank Library, 3442 Santa Fe St, Riverbank, CA 95367 (near Modesto)
- When
- Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 3:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Children and families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Riverbank Library hosts Mini Snow Globes on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, at 3:30 pm. Participants create a cute nature scene and add glittering snow to make a magical mini winter wonderland.
Supplies are limited and provided while they last. The program is free, like all Stanislaus County Library events, and the calendar lists no registration. Riverbank is a short drive northeast of Modesto. The event is at Riverbank Library, 3442 Santa Fe St, Riverbank, CA 95367. Cost: Free. No registration is needed. Ages: Children and families.
Parent tip: Supplies are limited, so arrive on time.
See dates and details from Stanislaus County Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Salida
1 confirmed event for kids in Salida, soonest first.
Salida: Family Movie Night: The Polar Express
Holiday eventFreeStanislaus County Library · Salida
- Host
- Stanislaus County Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Salida Library, 4835 Sisk Rd, Salida, CA 95368 (near Modesto)
- When
- Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 5:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Children and families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Salida Library hosts a family movie night on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, at 5:30 pm, and this month's movie is The Polar Express (rated G). Children may attend in their pajamas.
Families are invited to bring a picnic dinner and a blanket to sit on, and the library provides a beverage and popcorn. The event is free, like all Stanislaus County Library programs. This is a movie screening in a library community space and not a train ride, and it fits a cozy winter evening with small children. The event is at Salida Library, 4835 Sisk Rd, Salida, CA 95368. Cost: Free. No registration is needed. Ages: Children and families.
Parent tip: Bring a blanket and a picnic dinner. Pajamas are welcome.
See dates and details from Stanislaus County Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Turlock
1 confirmed event for kids in Turlock, soonest first.
Turlock: 2026 Model Train Show
Model trainsSan Joaquin Valley Toy Train Operators · Turlock
- Host
- San Joaquin Valley Toy Train Operators (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N Broadway, Turlock, CA 95380 (near Modesto)
- When
- Sat December 5 (10 am to 4 pm) and Sun December 6 (10 am to 3 pm), 2026
- Cost
- $10 daily admission, kids under 12 free with a paid adult
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The San Joaquin Valley Toy Train Operators hold their 2026 Model Train Show at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds in Turlock on Saturday, December 5, from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday, December 6, from 10 am to 3 pm. This year the show adds toy vendors in addition to its extensive range of railroad and model railroad vendors.
Daily admission is $10 by cash or credit and includes a ticket for door prizes. Kids under 12 are free with a paid adult. Parking is free and food vendors are on site each day. The show is a hobby event rather than a Christmas program, but its toy and train focus makes it a popular early December outing for families with train fans. The event is at Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N Broadway, Turlock, CA 95380. Cost: $10 daily admission, kids under 12 free with a paid adult. Ages: All ages.
Parent tip: Admission is cash or credit. Parking is free. Kids under 12 are free with a paid adult.
See dates and details from San Joaquin Valley Toy Train Operators (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Waterford
1 confirmed event for kids in Waterford, soonest first.
Waterford: Handprint Holiday Trees
Holiday craftsFreeStanislaus County Library · Waterford
- Host
- Stanislaus County Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Waterford Library, 324 E St, Waterford, CA 95386 (near Modesto)
- When
- Thursday, December 3, 2026, 3 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Children and families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Waterford Library holds Handprint Holiday Trees at 3 pm on Thursday, December 3, 2026. Children press their hands into a custom holiday tree design, using a range of art materials.
Afterward they can finish it as a seasonal card or as artwork to hang on the fridge. The library welcomes children of any age, and Stanislaus County Library says every one of its events is free and open to everyone. Waterford is a quick drive to the east of Modesto. The venue is Waterford Library, 324 E St, Waterford, CA 95386. Cost: Free. No registration is needed. Ages: Children and families.
Parent tip: Every age is welcome. No end time appears on the calendar.
See dates and details from Stanislaus County 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, Fresno, Bakersfield, Riverside, Anaheim, Irvine, Stockton, Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Santa Rosa and Palm Springs. 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.
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 AmazonModesto Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Modesto in 2026?
We confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in Modesto for 2026 on each host’s own page: Photos with Santa at Vintage Faire Mall in Modesto (November 6), Handprint Holiday Trees in Waterford (December 3), 2026 Model Train Show in Turlock (December 5), Breakfast with Santa in Modesto (December 5), Celebration of Lights Holiday Parade in Modesto (December 5), Origami Ornaments in Hughson (December 8), Central West Ballet: The Nutcracker in Modesto (December 11), Winter Bash Family Party at MoChiMu in Modesto (December 11), Family Movie Night: The Polar Express in Salida (December 15), Mini Snow Globes in Riverbank (December 15), Winter Ornament Decorating in Newman (December 15) and Cookie Decorating in Ceres (December 17). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Modesto, California?
For families in and around Modesto, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Photos with Santa at Vintage Faire Mall (Nov 6 to Dec 24; hours vary by date, a visit is free, photo packages cost extra); Breakfast with Santa (Sat, Dec 5, 8 to 11:30 am, $10 per person, children 2 and under free); Celebration of Lights Holiday Parade (Sat, Dec 5, parade starts at 5:30 pm, not stated on the page); Central West Ballet: The Nutcracker (Fri, Dec 11, 7 pm; Sat, Dec 12, 2 pm; Sat, Dec 12, 7 pm; Sun, Dec 13, 2 pm; Sat, Dec 19, 2 pm; Sat, Dec 19, 7 pm; Sun, Dec 20, 2 pm, tickets required, price not shown); Winter Bash Family Party at MoChiMu (Fri, Dec 11, 6 to 8:30 pm, $5 per person for members, $20 for non-members). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Modesto section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Ceres, California?
For families in and around Ceres, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Cookie Decorating (Thu, Dec 17, 4 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Ceres section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Hughson, California?
For families in and around Hughson, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Origami Ornaments (Tue, Dec 8, 4 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Hughson section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Newman, California?
For families in and around Newman, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Winter Ornament Decorating (Tue, Dec 15, 3:30 to 4:30 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Newman section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Riverbank, California?
For families in and around Riverbank, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Mini Snow Globes (Tue, Dec 15, 3:30 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Riverbank section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Salida, California?
For families in and around Salida, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Family Movie Night: The Polar Express (Tue, Dec 15, 5:30 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Salida section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Turlock, California?
For families in and around Turlock, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: 2026 Model Train Show (Sat, Dec 5, 10 am to 4 pm; Sun, Dec 6, 10 am to 3 pm, $10 daily admission, kids under 12 free with a paid adult). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Turlock section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Waterford, California?
For families in and around Waterford, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Handprint Holiday Trees (Thu, Dec 3, 3 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Waterford section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Modesto?
Yes. 6 of the 12 events here are free: Handprint Holiday Trees in Waterford, Origami Ornaments in Hughson, Family Movie Night: The Polar Express in Salida, Mini Snow Globes in Riverbank, Winter Ornament Decorating in Newman and Cookie Decorating in Ceres. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Modesto this December?
Santa appears at Photos with Santa at Vintage Faire Mall in Modesto (November 6) and Breakfast with Santa in Modesto (December 5). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Modesto?
Holiday story times on this page: Breakfast with Santa in Modesto. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Where can we have breakfast or a meal with Santa in Modesto?
Meals with Santa confirmed for 2026: Breakfast with Santa in Modesto (Sat, Dec 5, 8 to 11:30 am). These usually sell out, so book as soon as you pick a date.
Are there kids' Christmas events in Modesto on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: Photos with Santa at Vintage Faire Mall in Modesto (through December 24).
How much is Photos with Santa at Vintage Faire Mall in Modesto?
A visit is free, photo packages cost extra. Photos with Santa at Vintage Faire Mall is on Friday, November 6, 2026 to Thursday, December 24, 2026 (hours vary by date, see page) at Vintage Faire Mall, JCPenney wing. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Handprint Holiday Trees in Waterford?
Free. Handprint Holiday Trees is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, 3 pm at Waterford Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is 2026 Model Train Show in Turlock?
$10 daily admission, kids under 12 free with a paid adult. 2026 Model Train Show is on Sat December 5 (10 am to 4 pm) and Sun December 6 (10 am to 3 pm), 2026 at Stanislaus County Fairgrounds. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Breakfast with Santa in Modesto?
$10 per person, children 2 and under free. Breakfast with Santa is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 8 to 11:30 am at Modesto Senior Citizens Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Celebration of Lights Holiday Parade in Modesto?
Not stated on the page. Celebration of Lights Holiday Parade is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5:30 pm at Downtown Modesto, 14th and I Street. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Origami Ornaments in Hughson?
Free. Origami Ornaments is on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 4 pm at Hughson Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Central West Ballet: The Nutcracker in Modesto?
Tickets required, price not shown. Central West Ballet: The Nutcracker is on Fri December 11 (7 pm), Sat December 12 (2 to 7 pm), Sun December 13 (2 pm), Sat December 19 (2 to 7 pm) and Sun December 20 (2 pm), 2026 at Gallo Center for the Arts. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter Bash Family Party at MoChiMu in Modesto?
$5 per person for members, $20 for non-members. Winter Bash Family Party at MoChiMu is on Friday, December 11, 2026, 6 to 8:30 pm at Modesto Children's Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Family Movie Night: The Polar Express in Salida?
Free. Family Movie Night: The Polar Express is on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 5:30 pm at Salida Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Mini Snow Globes in Riverbank?
Free. Mini Snow Globes is on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 3:30 pm at Riverbank Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter Ornament Decorating in Newman?
Free. Winter Ornament Decorating is on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm at Newman Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Cookie Decorating in Ceres?
Free. Cookie Decorating is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 4 pm at Ceres Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Modesto?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Modesto 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.
