Enjoy the charm of the season in Madera with our comprehensive guide. For those born and raised in Madera and those just arrived, our guide is your holiday handbook.
Popular Events: Take a ride on the Polar Express Train Ride, where families can experience the magic of the season aboard a whimsical train journey. With festive music and storytelling, it brings holiday cheer to life. Bass Lake's Tree Lighting Ceremony & Parade captivates attendees with its vibrant displays and community spirit. And definitely don't forget the Train of Lights, showcasing dazzling decorations and a festive atmosphere. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the Madera Discussion!
Top Holiday Events In and Around Madera
- Polar Express Train Ride (Sacramento)
- Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train (Santa Cruz)
- Train of Lights (Sunol)
- Bass Lake Tree Lighting Ceremony & Parade (Bass Lake)
- River Fox Magical Christmas Train (West Sacramento)
- Skunk Train Christmas Tree Train (Willits)
- Holiday Tree Walk (Santa Cruz)
- V&T Candy Cane Express (Virginia City)
- WPRM Santa Trains (Portola)
- New Years Holiday Lights Train (Santa Cruz)
See these and even more events listed below!
Madera Holiday Light Displays
Bass Lake Tree Lighting Ceremony & Parade
What to Expect:
Free event with festive floats and holiday activities.
Description:
Join the 33rd Bass Lake Christmas Tree Lighting Parade of Lights for a fun evening with festive holiday decorations, music, and the Pines Village Arts & Crafts Fair. Enjoy the parade, Santa's arrival, holiday craft fair, and more.
Where: Bass Lake | More Info: Bass Lake Tree Lighting Ceremony & Parade
Train of Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday train ride with antique coaches and festive decorations.
Description:
The Train of Lights at Niles Canyon Railway offers a 1.5-hour round trip through Niles Canyon aboard antique coaches and open cars decorated with holiday lights and decorations. Enjoy refreshments, music, and cheer while experiencing a rare opportunity to ride a train through the canyon at night.
Where: Sunol | More Info: Train of Lights
Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train
What to Expect:
Holiday lights train ride with live music and Santa visit.
Description:
Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train features vintage excursion cars adorned with thousands of colorful lights, rolling through city streets past homes in Santa Cruz. Live music by Steve Bennett plays holiday classics, and hot cider is available while visiting Santa Claus and his elves.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train
Holiday Tree Walk
What to Expect:
Holiday train ride through wintry redwoods.
Description:
Take a ride on the Redwood Forest Steam Train through wintry redwoods to Bear Mountain, sipping hot cider while greeting Santa Claus. Enjoy winter-themed activities in the town.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Holiday Tree Walk
New Years Holiday Lights Train
What to Expect:
Holiday lights train with live music and Santa Claus.
Description:
Ride vintage train cars beautifully decorated with holiday lights through the streets of Santa Cruz, accompanied by live music and festive activities.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: New Years Holiday Lights Train
Madera Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Polar Express Train Ride
What to Expect:
Interactive theatrical experience with vintage locomotives and festive activities.
Description:
Embark on a festive journey aboard the Polar Express Train Ride, where you'll enjoy hot chocolate, sweet treats, and a visit from Santa Claus as you travel to the North Pole.
Where: Sacramento | More Info: Polar Express Train Ride
River Fox Magical Christmas Train
What to Expect:
Holiday train ride with Santa and festive activities.
Description:
Step aboard the River Fox Magical Christmas Train for a holiday experience filled with Santa's elves, hot cocoa, and festive activities. Enjoy a 1-hour train ride, souvenir mug, and cookie while creating lasting memories with your family.
Where: West Sacramento | More Info: River Fox Magical Christmas Train
Madera Other Holiday Activities
Pomegranate Festival
What to Expect:
Live music and Muay Thai competition.
Description:
The Pomegranate Festival is a fun-filled event featuring pomegranates, fruits, and nuts. It includes live music by Jaded, Ohana Comic Con, and a Muay Thai competition. The festival also welcomes celebrity guest Miranda Rae Mayo from NBC's Chicago Fire.
Where: Madera | More Info: Pomegranate Festival
Madera District Fair Holiday Events
What to Expect:
Family-friendly fair with diverse entertainment and cultural activities.
Description:
The Madera District Fair is a four-day event featuring line dancing, a cosplay contest, carnival rides, and cultural food tasting. It includes free admission on Thursday courtesy of Valley Children's Healthcare and offers nightly Table Mountain Concert Series.
Where: Madera | More Info: Madera District Fair Holiday Events
Hot Rod Coalition Valley Nationals Car Show
What to Expect:
Classic car showcase with swap meet and show & shine.
Description:
The Hot Rod Coalition Valley Nationals Car Show is a premier event featuring classic cars, a car corral, show & shine, and a swap meet. It takes place at the Madera Fairgrounds, showcasing a variety of automotive enthusiasts and their vehicles.
Where: Madera | More Info: Hot Rod Coalition Valley Nationals Car Show
Golden State Invitational Truck and Tractor Pull
What to Expect:
High-stakes truck and tractor pulling competition.
Description:
The Golden State Invitational Truck and Tractor Pull is a premier motorsports event featuring top-tier truck and tractor pulling action from the West and across the U.S., showcasing exceptional pulling strength and skill.
Where: Madera | More Info: Golden State Invitational Truck and Tractor Pull
Madera Noon Rotary - Halloween Ball
What to Expect:
Annual Halloween fundraiser with a costume contest and online auction.
Description:
The Madera Noon Rotary Halloween Ball is a festive event featuring a costume contest and online auction, attracting up to 300 costumed guests. It is the club's biggest annual fundraiser, offering a fun and lively atmosphere.
Where: Madera | More Info: Madera Noon Rotary - Halloween Ball
Flyball Competition
What to Expect:
Fast-paced dog racing with precise teamwork.
Description:
Flyball Competition is a high-energy team sport where dogs and their handlers compete in racing events, showcasing speed, agility, and teamwork.
Where: Madera | More Info: Flyball Competition
Skunk Train Christmas Tree Train
What to Expect:
Visit the World's Largest Living Christmas Tree with festive activities.
Description:
The Skunk Train Christmas Tree Train offers a unique holiday experience where you can visit the World's Largest Living Christmas Tree. Enjoy seasonal treats, festive decorations, and live music on a journey through the redwoods to Mr. Skunk's Giant Christmas Tree Workshop.
Where: Willits | More Info: Skunk Train Christmas Tree Train
WPRM Santa Trains
What to Expect:
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus on festive holiday train rides.
Description:
At the Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, California, families can enjoy festive holiday train rides with free homemade cookies, hot cider, coffee, and hot chocolate. Kids get to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus while the museum opens at 4 pm and train rides start at 5 pm, continuing until everyone has a turn.
Where: Portola | More Info: WPRM Santa Trains
V&T Candy Cane Express
What to Expect:
Heated passenger cars and festive holiday activities.
Description:
The V&T Candy Cane Express is a holiday train ride from Virginia City to Gold Hill, featuring heated passenger cars, festive decorations, and complimentary hot chocolate or apple cider. Passengers can enjoy reading stories and singing Christmas carols while taking in the spectacular views of snowy Nevada.