Holiday pageants glistening from Pacific Grove to Fresno
The Victorian inns that Pacific Grove is known for strut their stuff, duly decked out in holiday finery, as soon as December rolls around. In addition to getting a peek at the architectural standouts, tour participants will find light refreshments and entertainment to get you in the holiday mood. Each night has a different lineup of inns, and one ticket is good for both nights. Asilomar will also participate this year, welcoming guests at the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Social Hall each night. A limited number of tickets is available each evening, so advance purchase is prudent.
Vitals: Dec. 1-2, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Various Pacific Grove inns; see website for schedule. Tickets available at Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce, 584 Central Ave. $20. (831) 373-3304. www.pacificgrove.org.
Bethlehem in Salinas: A living nativity scene is just the beginning when Salinas’ First Baptist Church gets ready for Christmas. Each year, volunteers create the whole nativity story, which means constructing realistic sets replicating (as far as is known) the entire town of Bethlehem, with actors portraying villagers, shopkeepers, artisans and, of course, Joseph and Mary. Free shuttles will run between a special parking lot and “Bethlehem.” Dec. 2-5, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Free. (831) 422-9872. www.streetsofbethlehem.com.
Christmas Tree Lane: One Fresno neighborhood has been busy since October, preparing to turn their stretch of Van Ness Boulevard into a 2-mile Christmas showcase. Imagine seeing 140 of your most gung-ho neighbors’ decorating extravaganzas in an unbroken line — except that 10,000 people walk the street on nights when it closes to auto traffic so caroling, hot chocolate and cider can happen. Dec. 2-25, 6-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 6-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Walk nights Dec. 2 and Dec. 8. Free (donations appreciated). (559) 3489200. www.christmastreelane.com.