Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

NEWPORT BEACH--The Newport Harbor Christmas Parade, billed as the oldest boat parade in the United States, turns 88 this year. About 150 vessels are expected to participate in the event nightly, Tuesday through Dec. 23. The harbor is bordered by Jamboree Road, Newport Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. Free. (714) 729-4400.

QUINCY--It’s bowl time. This town will whip up a batch of wassail--about 20 gallons of it--for its 31st annual Wassail Bowl, 3-6 p.m. Friday at the Plumas County Museum, 500 Jackson St. There will also be nonalcoholic punch and snacks. Santa will visit with children on Main Street, and a “sing-off” between the Rotary and Lions clubs will be held at 6:30 p.m. at Main and Fillmore streets. A college chorus will perform at 8 p.m. in the foyer of the 1906 courthouse, 520 Main St. All activities, including the wassail, are free. (916) 283-0188.

McFARLAND--Festivalgoers can work up a sweat Saturday at the city’s festivities, which include the annual Christmas Run and parade. Runners can register at the recreation center, 100 S. 2nd St., beginning at 8:30 a.m. Two- and four-mile runs and a one-mile walk will begin at 10:30 a.m.; $20 entry fee; tel. (805) 792-3187. A crafts fair will be held on Perkins Street, with pottery, knickknacks and Mexican food among the offerings, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. The Christmas Parade begins at 1 p.m. at 5th and Perkins streets; tel. (805) 792-2625.

BAKERSFIELD--Nature-themed events, emphasizing animal survival in winter, will be offered Saturday at the Holiday Wonderland at the California Living Museum, which is part zoo and part museum. Kids can make a bird feeder or feed livestock and waterfowl. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at 14000 Alfred Harrel Highway. The activities are included with museum admission: $3.50 for adults, $2.50 for those over 60, $2 children 3-12 and students with ID, free for children under 3. (805) 872-2256.

FRESNO--This city--home to thousands of Hmong refugees, who began migrating from Southeast Asia nearly two decades ago--will be the site of the Hmong National New Year Celebration, Dec. 26-Jan. 1 at Fresno Fairgrounds, 1121 Chance Ave. Highlights include beauty, dance and singing contests; and Laotian, Hmong and Thai foods. $2 adults; free for children under 10. 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. (209) 455-1032.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.