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The holidays are officially on in Hanford, and we’re bringing you a front-row seat to everything that makes this season shine. From a redesigned Winter Wonderland with an elevated viewing deck and crackling fire pits to a bigger, safer Christmas Parade with three announcer stands, we break down what’s new, what’s returning, and how to make the most of it.

We sit down with organizer Brad Albert for a guided tour of Winter Wonderland’s smartest upgrades: a smoother park layout, an expanded vendor village, and dedicated space for games and small rides. Tickets are simpler and friendlier on the wallet, with youth pricing reduced to $10 every day and clear tips for reserving sessions before weekends sell out. Special add-ons like the Princess and Superhero breakfasts, Santa story time, Faith Night, and a base night with NAS Lemoore keep the calendar full, while flexible rentals—from the North Pole Lounge to intimate garden domes—turn a night on the ice into a private celebration.

The Hanford Christmas Parade gets an extended route to spread out crowds and add more great viewing spots. We highlight the Spanish-language plaza at 8th and Reddington in partnership with La Buena and Univision, plus a robust safety plan that includes nine uniformed officers and reinforced street closures. Need-to-know details are all here: entry deadlines, easier requirements for community groups, and where to find the application. We also round up the week’s community events, from Main Street Hanford’s Tree Walk to the Carnegie Museum exhibit, and close with a lively high school sports update as basketball season tips off.

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