It’s a Real-Life Holiday Movie: A Local's Guide to A Small Town Christmas in Oakdale

If you've ever watched one of those perfect holiday movies and wished you could just step inside the screen—where the entire town is draped in lights, everyone is sipping cocoa, and community cheer is the main event—I’m here to let you in on a secret.

You can.

Here in Oakdale, we don't just decorate for Christmas; we become a Christmas town. As a local, there's a specific kind of magic I wait for all year. It’s the moment our entire community gets a dusting of North Pole magic, and it’s called A Small Town Christmas.

If you're looking for the most enchanting place to be this December, let me be your guide.

The Magic in the Air

(and Our Show-Stopping 3rd Avenue!)

The charm of Oakdale in December is something you have to feel to believe. Our whole downtown transforms. From Wood Park and the Gene Bianchi Center to Yosemite Avenue, everything is draped in holiday spirit.

But the real show-stopper? You must take a walk down 3rd Avenue.

This is the heart of the glow. It’s where you’ll want to stroll, arm-in-arm, just taking it all in. The historic lamp posts are wrapped in garland, our amazing local shops try to outdo each other with sparkling window displays, and there’s a genuine warmth that has nothing to do with the weather.

And this year, we are so excited to welcome our new centerpiece: the Julia Haidlen Memorial Ice Skating Rink!

That's right—we're getting our very own outdoor rink, nestled right downtown. Can you even imagine anything more picture-perfect? It’s designed to be a place for families and friends to make those cozy winter memories. I can already picture us gliding under the twinkling trees or sipping hot cocoa on the sidelines, watching the little ones take their first spin.

The rink opens to the public on Wednesday, December 3rd, and will be open all the way through January 3rd. It’s a new tradition we're so proud to start, all in memory of a wonderful community member.

Mark Your Calendar: The Can’t-Miss Main Event

While the holiday spirit (and the ice rink!) lasts for weeks, the one day you must mark on your calendar is Friday, December 6th.

This is the heart of Small Town Christmas. The whole day is packed with holiday magic. It’s when our beloved Christmas Parade marches through town, with festive floats, our local bands, and all our community groups showing their spirit (with a horse or two always making an appearance).

Then, as the sun sets, we all gather for the touching tree-lighting ceremony. There’s just something about the whole town counting down together that gets me every time.

Of course, the guest of honor will be there. You can get photos with Santa Claus, and I’ve even heard a rumor that the Grinch himself might be making a special (and grumpy) appearance over at Reata on 3rd!

It's About Heart, Not Just Lights

You can find pretty lights in a lot of places. But what makes Oakdale's Small Town Christmas so special is its heart. This isn't a corporate event; it's us. It’s a labor of love, now proudly run by the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce Foundation and their many amazing community volunteers.

And here’s the best part: a portion of the profits from the event goes right back into our community to support local scholarships. We're celebrating the holidays by investing in our town's future. How wonderful is that?

So, my advice to you? Come for the parade, but stay for the feeling. Stroll down 3rd Avenue, do your Christmas shopping at our unique local stores, grab a warm drink, and just soak in the atmosphere.

Come Be Our Neighbor for the Holidays

Oakdale’s Small Town Christmas is more than just an event on a calendar. It's the warmth of community, the joy of tradition, and a genuine reminder of the simple, magical moments that make this season so special.

We can't wait to share our holiday spirit with you. See you in Downtown Oakdale!

Plan Your Magical Visit:

• What: A Small Town Christmas

• Where: Downtown Oakdale, CA (Don't miss 3rd Avenue!)

• When: The main event day is Friday, December 6, 2025. The Ice Rink opens December 3rd and runs through January 3rd, 2026.

• Get All the Details: https://www.smalltownchristmas.co/

• Explore More of Oakdale: Plan your trip, find the best places to eat, and discover everything else our charming town has to offer HERE.