As a family photographer here in Fresno, I’ve put together a Fresno Christmas Guide because I know how quickly the holiday season flies by. If you’re looking for things to do this holiday season in Fresno, here’s a list of both local activities and in-home ideas that are perfect for making memories (and maybe even capturing a few photo-worthy moments along the way). Whether you’re heading out to enjoy what our community has to offer or staying in, these ideas are all about slowing down and soaking in the season together.

Fresno Christmas Guide: Local Activities in the Community

• Santa’s Arrival at River Park Fresno
  • His arrival is usually on Black Friday. There are a lot of activities all December long at River Park.
• Children’s Electric Christmas Parade
  • Old Town Clovis – December 2nd at 6:30 pm
• Christmas Tree Mini Session with Madison Thomson Photography
  • December 4th – If you missed them this year, join my newsletter to be the first to hear about them next year!
• Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade
  • This is the first year they’re doing a night time light up. Kickoff is on December 13 at 6:30 pm is kickoff.
• Watch The Nutcracker Performance
  • It’s running on December 20th and December 21st
• Hillcrest Tree Farm Pajama Nights
  • Tickets are currently on sale and dates are all weekends in December
• Illuminature at Fresno Chaffee Zoo
  • Tickets are currently on sale. It will be going on during nights throughout December and January.
• Christmas at Kearny Mansion
  • There are tours with decorated Christmas trees on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. You do need tickets in order to participate.
• Hanford Ice Skating Rink
  • I recommend going later in the day, we went last year and in the late afternoon the ice got melty. There are dates available through December and January.
• Drive Down Christmas Tree Lane
  • There are no walk nights this year, but it is open to drive down for the entire month of December.
• Walk/Drive Candy Cane Lane
  • This is available for the entire month of December.

Fresno Christmas Guide: In-Home Activities

• Write letters to Santa
• Watch a Christmas movie
• Decorate Christmas tree
• Make Christmas tree ornaments
• Read Christmas books
• Make gingerbread houses
• Try a new Christmas recipe (a la Great British Bake Off)
• Everyone wear Christmas pjs
• Hot cocoa night
• Christmas music dance party
• Watch the nutcracker
• Polar Express night
• Longest night of the year dinner (eat by candlelight)
• Christmas crafts (Amazon has easy kits, we liked modeling clay this year!)
• Sibling gift shopping
• Meet Santa
• Reindeer games (Christmas themed minute to win it games)
• Dinner at Denny’s + watch the Santa Clause (kids eat free Saturday and Tuesday!)

However you choose to celebrate this holiday season in Fresno, what matters most are the moments you create together. As a family photographer, I see firsthand how these simple experiences turn into the memories families treasure long after the season has passed. I hope this list inspires you to slow down, be present, and enjoy the magic of the holidays in a way that feels meaningful to your family. And if you ever want help preserving those moments, you know where to find me.