California Corner

SAN JOSE--The 21st Christmas in the Park, featuring thousands of twinkling lights, 60 animated holiday displays and more than 200 decorated trees, continues daily through Jan. 1. Entertainment is provided 7-9 each night through Dec. 22. Plaza de Cesar Chavez downtown. 9 a.m.-midnight. Free. (408) 277-3303.

SAN LUIS OBISPO--About 40 downtown businesses are decorated for the Festival of Trees, through Dec. 24. Pick up a map from the businesses and follow the walking tour, which benefits the DeGroot Home for terminally ill children. St. Nick will be at Santa’s House at the Mission Plaza through Dec. 24 (hours vary). Free. (805) 541-0286.

MAMMOTH LAKES--Last-minute holiday shoppers can check out the Christmas Arts & Crafts Show Dec. 20-23. Artists from the Mammoth Art Guild, in Inyo and Mono counties, will provide most of the items, from sweaters to sculptures. Minaret Mall. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Free. (760) 872-1554.

BEAR VALLEY--Celebrate the snow season with a torchlight parade Dec. 23. Skiers will descend Porridge Bowl beginning at 6 p.m. Fireworks follow. Bear Valley Mountain Resort in Alpine Valley. 6-7:30 p.m. Free. (209) 753-2301.

STOCKTON--Join the family-oriented First Night festival Dec. 31. Activities include entertainment at 25 venues, food and fireworks at midnight. Main Street, downtown. 6 p.m.-midnight. $8; free ages 6 and under. (209) 937-8136.

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Schenden’s e-mail address is lkschenden@msn.com.