The arrival of Santa Claus inside the Marketplace at Merced last Saturday not only ushered in the Christmas season in town, it also signaled the start of a countdown to the most wonderful weekend of the year.
That means big parades in Atwater and Merced, Nutcracker performances, street festivals, live music, a cozy open house at the Courthouse, and so much more!
A big crowd of residents gathered near the Marketplace entrance to greet Santa who got a ride into town with the help of Merced Fire Department crew and a shiny red firetruck.
Tiny dancers from Denisa’s School of Dance escorted Ol’ Saint Nick to the Center Court area of the shopping mall, and then they performed a variety of holiday numbers to the delight of everyone around.
Families can still visit Santa at the Marketplace for holiday portraits, through Dec. 24. There’s also a day for pet photos, Dec. 8, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
For more information about Santa photos, go online to: marketplaceatmerced.com.
• Atwater Parade
Atwater’s annual Christmas parade is set for Friday night, beginning at 7 p.m.
This year’s theme is “Candyland Christmas,” according to event organizer Brad Pickle, who said there will be several grand marshals among city and county dignitaries expected to attend.
“We’re looking forward to another great parade,” Pickle said.
Led by the Mitchell Sr. Elementary School Cadet Color Guard, the parade will begin on Winton Way, turn down Broadway, and then head north on Third Street, ending at Ralston Park.
Vendors will be set up at the downtown parking lot at Fifth Street and Broadway.
Now in its 15th year, the City’s Christmas Parade is always well attended with spectators lining the parade route. The judge’s reviewing stand will be in front of the City Hall building on Broadway.
“We’re looking forward to another great parade,” Pickle said.
• Merced Parade
Merced will host its annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6, starting at 2 p.m., on Main Street. Titled “Holiday Hit Parade,” this Downtown Merced spectacle is the city’s most anticipated holiday tradition, and draws the most-ever crowds for a single-day event.
Keep your eyes wide open for the all-new Kiddieland Train that is expected to make a first-ever public appearance by joining the parade route. Rumor has it that the train entry is so specially guarded that the locomotive will receive a special police escort to the parade route.
Dale Johns, the president and CEO of Mercy Medical Center, will be this year’s Gran Marshal of the parade.
Meanwhile, a holiday version of the monthly Night Market will be held downtown on Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 18th & Canal Streets. Discover unique gifts, delicious food, and local artisans!
Also starting at 1 p.m., will the “Not So Silent Night Block Party on N Street just outside the Tioga Sequoia Taproom. Merced Firefighters are hosting the event in collaboration with the Taproom. There will be Beer, Food Trucks, Vendors, and live music by Rear View Mirror and Four Fifteen. Things will run through 8 p.m. All proceeds will support the Merced Firefighters’ Scholars Foundation & The Random Acts of Kindness Program.