Christmas parades 2026Stockton–Modesto · The Central Valley

Christmas parades and tree lightings in Stockton–Modesto, 2026.

We found five Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Stockton–Modesto with 2026 dates: four parades and one tree lighting or lighting night, two free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page.

The quick answersChecked
When’s the Christmas parade?Miracle Mile Holiday Parade: Dec 4 · 6pm to 8pm. Plus 3 more.4 paradesWhen’s the tree lighting?Stockton Tree Lighting: Dec 5 · 3–7pm.1 lightingIs it free?2 of 5 are free to watch; the rest list a price.2 freeDaytime or after dark?1 daytime, 4 in the evening. Each card is marked.4 evening

Last checked · 5 events · Every listing links to its official page. How we choose

By date

Every parade and tree lighting, soonest first

Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.

4DecFriMiracle Mile Holiday ParadeParade · 6pm to 8pm4DecFriTurlock Downtown Christmas ParadeParade · 6:30pm5DecSatStockton Tree LightingTree lighting · 3–7pm5DecSatModesto Celebration of Lights Holiday ParadeParade · 5:30pm5DecSatManteca Christmas Parade & Christmas in the ParkParade · Christmas in the Park noon to 9pm

Christmas parades

Christmas parades in and around Stockton

Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.

Tree lightings

Tree lightings and lighting nights near Stockton

Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.

More to come.Tree lightings are often announced late. We recheck every week through early December.Email me when one’s added

Before you go

Three things that make parade night easier

SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.

Keep planning

More for little kids in Stockton

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Good questions

Christmas parades in Stockton–Modesto: the FAQ

Miracle Mile Holiday Parade: Fri, Dec 4, 2026, 6pm to 8pm (Stockton). Turlock Downtown Christmas Parade: Fri, Dec 4, 2026, 6:30pm (Turlock, CA · about 14 miles from Modesto). Modesto Celebration of Lights Holiday Parade: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 5:30pm (Modesto). Manteca Christmas Parade & Christmas in the Park: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, Christmas in the Park noon to 9pm; parade at 5pm (Manteca, CA · about 13 miles from Stockton).

Stockton Tree Lighting at Weber Point Events Center: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 3–7pm; lighting at 5:30.

Two of the five we list are free to watch: Stockton Tree Lighting and Modesto Celebration of Lights Holiday Parade. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.

Daytime ones are easiest with toddlers: Stockton Tree Lighting. Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.

Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 30, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.

Holiday plans every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Stockton that weekend, parades included.

Stockton–Modesto skyline