Advance signups are required for the Children’s Christmas Party to be held Dec. 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chico Elk’s Lodge (Manzanita Place) at 1705 Manzanita Ave. Kids 12 and under can enjoy crafts, snacks and Santa. To reserve a spot, call 343-1431 by Dec. 16.
The historic Stansbury Home is hosting a Victorian Christmas event Friday, Dec. 5 from 6-9 p.m. and again on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 7, between 1 and 5 p.m. There wil be entertainment, refreshments, a raffle and carriage rides. The nonprofit Stansbury Home Preservation Association maintains the 125-year-old home in downtown Chico at 5th and Salem streets. Tickets are $6 for adults and $2 for children at the door, or save $1 by buying tickets beforehand at: Brambley Cottage, Cal Java, Grace Jr. or Zucchini & Vine.
Christmas in Chico wouldn’t be the same without a tree all lit up in the plaza. The annual lighting of the community tree on Chico’s City Plaza will be held Dec. 5 beginning at 5 p.m. The event includes a short address by the Mayor Andy Holcombe, and the lights go on around 6 p.m. If your kids are not big fans of mayoral speeches, I’m sure Mr. Holcombe won’t mind if you show up just for the tree lighting. But older kids should enjoy performances by the Children’s Choir of Chico, Sound of the Foothills and the Yule Logs.
I’m biased because my kid goes to Chico Nursery School, but honestly this Shopping Day event is so fun! It’s Friday, Dec. 5 from noon to 7 p.m. Kids get to pick out handmade presents for their family with the help of a “personal shopper” while parents can’t peek and can instead visit the silent auction and huge bake sale. There are so many great things to bid on this year, and huge deals to be had! There’s also a Greenline Cycle Bike Raffle for only $1 a ticket. The presents are $2 each, and there’s something for everyone in the family. Santa will be on-hand from 3 to 5 p.m. so bring your camera! All proceeds go to benefit the nonprofit parent cooperative preschool.
What could be more fun than breakfast with Santa Claus? Somehow, the Chico Area Recreation District has convinced the jolly old elf to take time out of his busy holiday schedule to enjoy a pancake breakfast with local children. This year, it’s Saturday, Dec. 6 from 8 to 11 a.m. at the CARD Center at 545 Vallombrosa Ave. Kids also get to visit Mrs. Claus and make crafts with the elves. It’s $8 per person. You must sign up for the event in advance, and in fact, it’s already filled up this year. (So, why am I posting this? Because there’s a wait list!) Call 895-4711 or visit the CARD Web site.
You wait for it all year and it’s here! Christmas Preview! Kids love it and it’s somehow, magically, more exciting than claustrophobic seeing so many people enjoying Chico’s downtown. The Downtown Chico Business Association event will be held Sunday, Nov. 23 from 4 to 8-ish, and the weather is supposed to be great. Shops open their doors and show off their holiday wares while giving out free treats, samples and coupons. There’s also great live entertainment: Watch for the Yule Logs and Sounds of the Foothills on the streets, and don’t miss the live music at Chico Paper Co. at 345 Broadway. Santa will be hearing kids’ wish lists and posing for pictures at Third and Broadway. My tips: Get in the Santa line early, and plan on a later bedtime because your kid should be all hopped up on cookies and cocoa. The Nutcracker dance is always a favorite, and it’s almost as fun watching the little kids’ eyes light up as they watch the performers in the shop window.
Every year the Downtown Chico Business Association sponsors Treat Street, where children can stroll the downtown collecting candy from friendly merchants. It’s free and fun, and so cute to see the kids in costume. Kids 12 and under check in at the Plaza and get a sticker before visiting as many as 80 participating merchants. It all takes place between 2 and 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 31.
You could also head out to the Chico Mall for its Safe and Sane Halloween (as opposed to an unsafe and insane Halloween.) It’s from 5 to 7, with a costume contest starting at 5:30 in four age categories. While you’re there, if check out the Halloween store, be advised some of the displays might be too scary for little kids.
Also on Oct. 31 1078 Gallery is showing the movie Wallace & Gromit in the Curse of the Were-Rabbit. Show up for the “Spooky Cinema” at 4:30, in costume!
We’re really looking forward to Chico’s annual Independence Day shindig at One Mile in Bidwell Park. Last year Alec got a rad Blue’s Clue’s tattoo and I think there was a snowcone involved. The pancake breakfast is from 7:30-11 a.m.; the 5k run starts at 8am; the horseshoe contest is from 9 a.m.-noon; the Chico Community Concert Band plays from 9-10:35 a.m.; the “Let Freedom Ring” speech is from 10:45-11:30 a.m.; the pie eating contest is from 12:15-12:45 p.m.; games are from 1-2 p.m. and the Midnight Blues Society is from 1-3 p.m. There are also food booths, activities and crafts from 10am-3pm. Much credit goes to CARD and Do-It Leisure. See you there!
