With just 12 days until Thanksgiving, that means we’re only 13 days away — less than two weeks — from the annual Friday-after-Thanksgiving tree-lighting ceremony in downtown Turlock.

The holiday season will officially get underway on Nov. 24, when the city’s Christmas tree in Central Park is lit for the first time.

The three-hour downtown event starts at 5 p.m., while the tree will be lit at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Amy Bublak, for whom the holiday traditions never get old.

“The tree-lighting and the Christmas parade are my absolute favorites,” said Bublak.

More than 100 vendors are expected to attend, including fan favorites The Apple Chick, Wetzel’s Pretzels, and Cap’n Coop’s Gourmet Popcorn.

“Last year we doubled in size to about 60 vendors — we usually have about 30,” said Travis Regalo, executive director for the Turlock Downtown Property Owners Association. “We nearly doubled again this year, but not quite.”

Most downtown businesses will be open during the event to take advantage of the foot-traffic windfall.

In addition to the tree-lighting and downtown shopping, there will be a Kids Zone on Canal Drive — on either side of Main Street — featuring bounce houses and a trackless kiddie train.

Additionally, West Side Ministries, the A.R.T.-COLAB and Alegria Performing Arts Academy will deliver performances on the stage in the parking Central Park, where it “snowed" last year and is expected to “snow” again this year.
“We were hoping to make it snow throughout downtown, but we just ran out of time,” said Regalo. “Hopefully, next year.”

Specifically, the stage is in the parking lot of Central Station Bar and Grill, adjacent to the park.

“Central Station very generously donates their parking lot each year for this event, ” said Regalo, who encouraged musical acts interested in performing to contact him at director@turlockdowntown.com.

Regalo also said there’s still time for craft or community vendors to apply (spots for food vendors are closed).

One week after the tree-lighting, on Dec. 1, the city’s 44th annual Christmas parade will be held, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Main Street and Canal Drive. The parade will head west on Main Street and eventually turn north onto Broadway. The parade concludes at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds.

“This is a holiday tradition for many,” said Karen Packwood, the city’s deputy public works director. “So, the streets will be lined.”

This year’s parade theme is Christmas Luau.

“Traditionally, we have a theme for judging,” said Packwood. “And it’s up to the entrants to determine which way they’re going to go.”