Several downtown Fresno streets will be closed Saturday as the city prepares for its first evening Christmas Parade, the city said in a statement.

The 96th annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade, presented by Mid Valley Disposal, kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Saturday on Fulton Street from Inyo to Calaveras.

Spectators can vote for their favorite parade entries once the parade begins, with the top winner receiving $250, and attendees can also scan QR codes at announcer stations for a chance to win Disney on Ice tickets.

The city says closures will begin at 11 a.m. and are expected to last until about 9:45 p.m., though some streets may reopen earlier or later to allow access for businesses, parade vehicles and emergency crews. Fresno police will staff major intersections to direct traffic and maintain safety.

Mariposa Street remains closed from Fulton to Broadway for the seasonal ice rink, with Congo Alley open for parking access. Two-way traffic continues on Cesar Chavez Boulevard amid ongoing sewer and water work between M Street and Broadway, and drivers are encouraged to use Broadway to Mono Street as a detour.

Street work near Tuolumne and Van Ness is also underway, and while it does not conflict with the parade closures, the city says drivers may notice adjacent construction and existing traffic controls.

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