In 1965, the Fresno, Calif., Downtown Association created its first “Christmas Fantasyland” out of golden tinsel and twinkling lights at the downtown Fulton Mall, a six-block-long area of businesses. Decorations at street intersections, two dozen 17-foot spiral Christmas trees and 100 bells covering street lamps created a winter wonderland, according to the December 1969 issue of The American City. Fulton Mall businesses and other nearby organizations covered event costs through 1967. To commence the festivities, which began the day after Thanksgiving, then-Mayor Floyd Hyde — to the sound of Christmas carols — pressed a button to light the decorations, which “blossomed into a golden cascade of twinkling color.”

Today, the city's holiday events have expanded and now include the Fresno Municipal Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in front of city hall. In its second year, the event features area church and school performances. The city also will mark the inaugural year of the Christmas in the Park celebration in Eaton Plaza that will include a Ferris wheel, arts and crafts and choirs performing holiday classics. An old favorite — the annual Christmas Parade — will return for its 78th year. Last year, nearly 4,500 spectators watched the three-hour procession of floats. City officials expect up to 8,000 onlookers for this year's parade.