Visit Visalia Announces Schedule of Holiday Events and Winter Activities
From a trip to the ‘Nation’s Christmas Tree’ to the iconic Beach Boys in Concert, there is no better way to spend an American Holiday
Visalia, Calif. (Nov. 11, 2019) – Today, Visit Visalia announced exciting winter events happening in its Sierra Nevada foothills. Grouped into three can’t-miss itineraries, these events will allow visitors to experience the best in local food, culture, adventure—and holiday spirit. The seasonal itineraries, “Hoppy Holidays,” “A Very Visalia Holiday” and “Holiday Harmonies,” include a visit to the one-and-only, official Nation’s Christmas Tree.
“Visit Visalia is looking forward to the influx of visitors coming to enjoy a truly unique holiday experience,” said Nellie Freeborn, Visit Visalia executive director. “Our quintessential American heritage, mix of family friendly activities and access to winter adventure make Visalia the perfect destination for a California road trip.”
Located in central California with easy access to major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, Visalia is the most robust city near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
“A Very Visalia Holiday” itinerary includes a goodie-filled walk through downtown on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30. It’s followed by a visit to America’s Christmas tree on Dec. 1 and a front-row seat at the 74th Annual Candy Cane Lane Parade on Dec. 2.
“Hoppy Holidays” itinerary lets visitors wear their most Instagrammable ugly sweater and pub crawl through Downtown Visalia on Dec. 14. Weather-permitting, they can snowshoe through Sequoia National Park on Sunday and take a selfie with the Nation’s Christmas Tree in neighboring Kings Canyon National Park.
“Holiday Harmonies” provides an opportunity to groove to the iconic, legendary Beach Boys in a concert on Dec. 5 at the famous Visalia Fox Theatre. Visitors can sample the best of the foodie scene and marvel at the Nation’s Christmas Tree in Kings Canyon National Park.
Visitors are encouraged to book their stay directly through the Visit Visalia website for exclusive promotions at www.visitvisalia.com. Concert tickets can be purchased through Visalia Fox Theatre.
Here are a few more details about events included in these exciting itineraries:
Visit the “Nation’s Christmas Tree”
From Visalia, visitors can create their own trek to the “Nation’s Christmas Tree.” Officially proclaimed in 1926, the General Grant Tree is the most iconic symbol of the holidays. Located in Kings Canyon National Park, the General Grant is the second largest tree in the world. (Second only to the General Sherman located in the connecting Sequoia National Park.) In 1926, President Coolidge designated this marvel as the official Christmas tree of the United States. Each year—for almost a century—a ceremony takes place where the park rangers place an official wreath upon the tree and share a Christmas program.
See the Snow
Located at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Sequoia National Park receives as much as 40 to 45 inches of precipitation each year. Winter season, from December to May, often offers visitors a deep blanket of snow. Check the current weather conditions before making the trip. If snow has fallen, visitors can participate in FREE Snowshoe Walks as well as the quintessential snowball fights and snow angels. Play in Sequoia National Park, then head back to warm and cozy accommodations in Visalia.
Shop Small Business Saturday
Visitors will be able to fulfill all their magical wishes in downtown Visalia, including sampling some festive foodie dishes and shopping local. Check out Main Street on Small Business Saturday, for everything from jewelry to home goods.
Attend the 74th Annual Candy Cane Lane Parade
Add to the wonder of the season with the 74th Annual Candy Cane Lane Parade in December. As the longest-running nighttime parade in the Central Valley, the Candy Cane Lane Parade boasts all the favorites, including a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. The parade takes place down Main Street and features dancing, music, characters and a small-town spirit you can only experience in Visalia.
Enjoy the Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl in Downtown Visalia
Make new memories with the Instagram-worthy Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl. It’s the third year for this now-annual tradition. Join the Crawl on the second Saturday of the month in Downtown Visalia. Known for its craft breweries and specialty taps, Visalia is making a name in the beer scene. With all the sips you’ll enjoy, this tour is as unique as the ugly sweater you arrive in.
See the Beach Boys’ Concert “Holidays, Harmonies and Hits”
The official, legendary band famous for songs such as “Surfin’ USA,” “Kokomo” and “Good Vibrations,” is coming to Visalia’s Fox Theatre on Thursday, Dec. 5. The Beach Boys show, “Holiday, Harmonies and Hits,” is at 7:30 p.m. at Visalia Fox Theatre, a popular destination in Central California since 1930, noted for its history and charm. The live performance will feature legendary pop songs, as well as classic holiday hits. Tickets are on sale at FoxVisalia.org.
For more information or to book your stay, go to www.visitvisalia.com.
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ABOUT VISIT VISALIA:
Visit Visalia is a collaboration of the Visalia Tourism and Marketing District and the Visalia Convention and Visitors Bureau (VCVB) dedicated to marketing, advertising, public relations and other promotional efforts that inspire travel to the City of Visalia. Visit Visalia works closely with local lodging properties, restaurants and attractions to foster interest in Visalia as a year-round destination for leisure, family, and meeting and convention travelers. For more information about Visit Visalia go to www.VisitVisalia.com and follow Visit Visalia on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest.
Media Contact:
Heather McKinney
Heather@AMFmediagroup.com
(925) 790-2630
