Sacramento, CA, transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, offering a variety of festive events for locals and visitors alike. Immerse yourself in historical light displays at the Theatre of Lights, where K Street comes alive with vibrant projections depicting the Gold Rush era. The Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony kicks off the season with a breathtaking illumination of a towering tree, accompanied by carols from local choirs.
For those seeking a more spirited celebration, Sacramento SantaCon invites you to join hundreds of Santas spreading cheer and supporting local charities downtown. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Sacramento's holiday events promise unforgettable experiences filled with joy and community spirit.
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The Top Christmas Events in Sacramento
- Theatre of Lights
- Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Sacramento Santa Con
- Ice Skating at Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
- Sacramento Christmas Lights Tour
- Polar Express Train Ride
- California Auto Museum Christmas Tree Festival
- Sacramento Ballet’s Nutcracker
- California Christmas Light Show
Sacramento Holiday Light Displays
Theatre of Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive light show on historic K Street
Description:
Sacramento's K Street transforms into a dazzling spectacle during the Theatre of Lights. This innovative event blends cutting-edge technology with the charm of the city's historic district. Visitors can control light displays using their smartphones, creating a personalized experience. The show pays homage to Sacramento's Gold Rush era, with light projections depicting scenes from this pivotal time in California's history. As you stroll down K Street, the buildings come alive with vibrant colors and moving images, telling stories of the past and present.
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Sacramento Christmas Lights Tour
What to Expect:
Guided tour of elaborately decorated neighborhoods
Description:
The Sacramento Christmas Lights Tour unveils the city's most spectacular holiday displays. This guided excursion takes visitors through neighborhoods known for their elaborate decorations, showcasing the creativity and spirit of local residents. The tour highlights homes that have won awards for their displays, some featuring synchronized music and animated figures. You'll learn about the history of holiday lighting in Sacramento, dating back to the early 20th century. Participants can vote for their favorite displays, contributing to a friendly community competition that has been running for over a decade.
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Sacramento Christmas Lights Tour
California Christmas Light Show
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display celebrating California's landmarks
Description:
The California Christmas Light Show transforms a local park into a dazzling tribute to the Golden State. This drive-through experience features light displays depicting California's most iconic landmarks and natural wonders. Visitors cruise through a twinkling representation of the Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite's Half Dome, and Hollywood's famous sign. The show incorporates educational elements, sharing facts about California's history and ecology through creative light installations. You can tune your car radio to a dedicated station for synchronized music and narration. This innovative display combines state pride with holiday spirit, offering a uniquely Californian take on Christmas lights.
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California Christmas Light Show
Sacramento Holiday Giving Opportunities
Sacramento Santa Con
What to Expect:
Charity-focused Santa-themed pub crawl
Description:
Sacramento SantaCon injects a spirited twist into holiday revelry. This lively event sees hundreds of Santas flood the streets, spreading cheer while supporting local charities. Participants hop from bar to bar, collecting donations and engaging in merry-making. The event's roots trace back to San Francisco in 1994, inspired by a Danish activist theatre group. You'll witness a sea of red suits and white beards as the Santas converge on downtown Sacramento, creating a unique spectacle. SantaCon blends philanthropy with festivity, encouraging participants to give back while celebrating the season.
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Sacramento Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Polar Express Train Ride
What to Expect:
Immersive train ride based on the popular children's book
Description:
The Polar Express Train Ride brings a beloved children's story to life on the rails of Sacramento. This immersive experience transports passengers to the North Pole aboard a vintage train. Actors recreate scenes from the book, engaging riders in the narrative. The journey features a reading of the Polar Express story, complete with hot chocolate service that fills the air with its rich aroma. This event takes place on historic train cars, preserving a piece of Sacramento's railway heritage. Passengers can join in singing carols as the train chugs along, creating a moving concert through the night.
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California Auto Museum Christmas Tree Festival
What to Expect:
Christmas trees displayed alongside classic cars
Description:
The California Automobile Museum Christmas Tree Festival presents a unique blend of automotive history and holiday cheer. Elaborately decorated trees stand alongside vintage and classic cars, creating a visually striking contrast. Each tree is themed to match a specific era or style of automobile, offering a creative twist on traditional displays. Visitors can vote for their favorite tree-and-car pairing, influencing the festival's awards. This event celebrates Sacramento's rich automotive heritage, showcasing how car culture has evolved alongside holiday traditions. The gleaming chrome of classic vehicles reflects the twinkling lights, creating a dazzling spectacle.
Website:
California Auto Museum Christmas Tree Festival
Sacramento Ballet’s Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Locally produced version of the classic ballet with Sacramento-specific elements
Description:
Sacramento Ballet's Nutcracker offers a fresh take on the beloved holiday classic. This production incorporates local elements, with scenes set in recognizable Sacramento landmarks. The choreography blends traditional ballet with modern influences, creating a dynamic and engaging performance. Dancers bring characters to life with expressive movements that captivate audiences of all ages. The production features live music by the Sacramento Philharmonic, filling the theater with Tchaikovsky's iconic score. This Nutcracker has been a Sacramento tradition for over 60 years, evolving with the city while maintaining its timeless appeal.
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Sacramento Ballet’s Nutcracker
Sacramento Other Holiday Activities
Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Lighting of a massive tree at the State Capitol
Description:
The Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony marks the official start of the holiday season in Sacramento. A towering tree, carefully selected from California's forests, takes center stage on the Capitol grounds. This tradition dates back to the 1930s, symbolizing unity and hope for Californians. Visitors can join in singing carols led by local choirs, their voices echoing across the Capitol Mall. The moment when thousands of lights illuminate the tree is a breathtaking sight, transforming the Capitol into a beacon of holiday spirit visible for miles around.
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Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony
Ice Skating at Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating in California's capital
Description:
The Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink brings a touch of winter charm to California's capital. This outdoor rink transforms the city center into a frosty oasis, defying the typically mild climate. Skaters glide across the ice under the open sky, surrounded by the urban landscape. The rink has been a Sacramento tradition for over two decades, evolving into a beloved community gathering spot. Visitors can try their hand at ice sculpting during special workshops, adding an artistic element to the skating experience. The crisp sound of blades on ice fills the air, creating a unique atmosphere in the heart of the city.
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Ice Skating at Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
Nearby Events
Folsom Christmas Tree Lighting (Folsom)
What to Expect:
Small-town tree lighting with a focus on local performers
Description:
Folsom's Christmas Tree Lighting captures the essence of small-town holiday charm. This event showcases local talent, with performances by community choirs, dance troupes, and school bands. The ceremony takes place in the heart of Folsom's historic district, surrounded by buildings dating back to the Gold Rush era. Visitors can participate in a community sing-along, joining voices with neighbors and friends. The lighting of the tree is accompanied by a fireworks display, illuminating the night sky over Folsom. This event has been a cornerstone of the community for generations, bringing residents together to celebrate the season.
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Folsom Christmas Tree Lighting
Christmas in Fair Oaks Village (Fair Oaks)
What to Expect:
Old-fashioned Christmas celebration with roaming chickens
Description:
Christmas in Fair Oaks Village transports visitors to a bygone era of holiday celebrations. This charming event takes place in a historic district known for its free-roaming chickens, which add a unique touch to the festivities. Carolers in period costumes serenade visitors as they explore the village's quaint shops and eateries. You can try your hand at traditional crafts like candle-making or ornament painting. The event pays homage to Fair Oaks' agricultural roots, with displays showcasing the area's farming history. The village's iconic Plaza Park serves as the centerpiece, adorned with lights and decorations that highlight its rustic beauty.
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Christmas in Fair Oaks Village
River City Chorale’s Christmas Concert (Carmichael)
What to Expect:
Diverse choral performance featuring international holiday music
Description:
River City Chorale's Christmas Concert celebrates the global diversity of holiday music. This vocal ensemble performs a wide range of pieces, from traditional carols to lesser-known international holiday songs. The concert showcases the rich cultural tapestry of Sacramento, with songs performed in multiple languages. Audience members can experience the power of choral music in its purest form, with complex harmonies filling the concert hall. The chorale, founded in 1977, has been a cornerstone of Sacramento's music scene for decades. Their repertoire includes pieces that span centuries, connecting modern audiences with holiday traditions from around the world.
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River City Chorale’s Christmas Concert