Last updated: November 11, 2024
Create your ultimate holiday schedule with our guide for Sacramento. Discover all the best festive events and activities. Whether you're rediscovering Sacramento or seeing it for the first time, this guide unveils its festive charms.
Popular Events: Kick off your holiday season with the enchanting Theatre of Lights, where the historic district transforms into a stunning spectacle of lights and music. Experience the excitement of winter outdoor fun at the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink, offering a classic skating experience right in the heart of the city. And the Imaginarium Holiday Light Festival is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring vibrant displays that will delight attendees of all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Sacramento Holiday Light Displays
Imaginarium Holiday Light Festival
- What to Expect
- Synchronized LED light displays with interactive attractions.
- Description
- Imaginarium Holiday Light Festival features millions of LED lights, a rose garden with 30,000 LEDs, mirror worlds, enchanted forests, and fantastical creatures. It includes carnival rides, games, ice skating, and daily circus performances.
- Where
- Sacramento | More Info : Imaginarium Holiday Light Festival
Sacramento Holiday Markets and Shopping
2nd Annual Sacramento Harvest Festival
- What to Expect
- Supports local artisans and raises funds for refugees.
- Description
- The 2nd Annual Sacramento Harvest Festival is a vibrant marketplace featuring handmade arts and crafts, unique holiday gifts, gourmet foods, and live entertainment suitable for all ages. It supports local artists and small businesses while contributing to a meaningful cause.
- Where
- Sacramento | More Info : 2nd Annual Sacramento Harvest Festival
Enchanted Viking Yule Fest SACRAMENTO
- What to Expect
- Viking-themed holiday market with award-winning mead and local foods.
- Description
- The Enchanted Viking Yule Fest SACRAMENTO is a festive event at Lucid Winery, featuring award-winning mead, Viking demonstrations, and a curated holiday market. Meet the Vikings from Bjornstad, an educational group that recreates the Viking era through costume, weaponry, storytelling, and music. Shop from specially curated vendors, enjoy local foods, and drink award-winning wines. The entire Lucid building will be transformed into a Viking-themed setting, making it a fun and free family event.
- Where
- Sacramento | More Info : Enchanted Viking Yule Fest SACRAMENTO
Sacramento Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Theatre of Lights
- What to Expect
- Immersive retelling of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" with special appearances and lighting.
- Description
- Theatre of Lights is a free, family-friendly performance retelling "Twas the Night Before Christmas" uniquely in Sacramento, featuring live dramatization on the rooftops of Old Sacramento Waterfront.
- Where
- Sacramento | More Info : Theatre of Lights
Candlelight: Holiday Carols on Strings
- What to Expect
- Live string quartet performance in a candlelit setting.
- Description
- Candlelight: Holiday Carols on Strings features a live string quartet performing classic Christmas carols at the California State Railroad Museum under the gentle glow of candlelight.
- Where
- Sacramento | More Info : Candlelight: Holiday Carols on Strings
Candlelight: Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker” and More
- What to Expect
- Live performance of holiday classics and ballet under candlelight.
- Description
- Immerse yourself in a live, multi-sensory musical experience at the California State Railroad Museum, where Candlelight: Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker” and More will transport you through a rich tapestry of holiday classics and timeless ballet. Enjoy a beautifully arranged program under the gentle glow of candlelight, featuring iconic pieces like "Hark Herald Angels Sing," "O Holy Night," and excerpts from Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker."
- Where
- Sacramento | More Info : Candlelight: Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker” and More
Movies Under the Stars: Hocus Pocus
- What to Expect
- Spook-tacular Halloween-themed movie series with a costume contest.
- Description
- Watch Hocus Pocus under the stars in Old Sacramento Waterfront, where a Halloween-themed movie series is projected on a large wall starting at sundown. Dress up for a costume contest and enjoy popcorn, soda, and blankets available for purchase.
- Where
- Sacramento | More Info : Movies Under the Stars: Hocus Pocus
Sacramento Other Holiday Activities
Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
- What to Expect
- Themed activations and discounts with local organizations.
- Description
- The Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink is a holiday tradition located in Ali Youssefi Square, offering ice skating under the city lights. It partners with local organizations to provide discounts and themed activations like craft days and silent disco nights. Admission includes skate rental, and special rates are available for group reservations.
- Where
- Sacramento | More Info : Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
Samhain Celtic New Year 2024
- What to Expect
- Diverse performances and activities celebrating Celtic traditions.
- Description
- Join the Samhain Celtic New Year 2024 celebration in Fair Oaks, CA, featuring vendors, dancers, ritual performances, drag shows, workshops, and a poetry contest. Connect with spiritual energy as you honor the ancient Celtic festival and welcome the changing seasons.
- Where
- Sacramento | More Info : Samhain Celtic New Year 2024
Lil Sprouts: Farm Walk Holiday Edition
- What to Expect
- Interactive farm exploration for toddlers.
- Description
- Explore the farm with toddlers through multi-sensory sessions, singing songs, playing games, and harvesting leafy greens.
- Where
- Folsom | More Info : Lil Sprouts: Farm Walk Holiday Edition
Palladio’s Tot Tuesday Holiday Edition
- What to Expect
- Themed story time and activities for young children.
- Description
- Themed story time and fun activities for children aged 6 and below, with parents required to be present.
- Where
- Folsom | More Info : Palladio’s Tot Tuesday Holiday Edition
Cut and Collage Collective Holiday Event
- What to Expect
- Self-directed art workshop with provided supplies.
- Description
- Repurpose discarded magazines and books into unique art pieces through cutting, ripping, pasting, and layering. No art experience is necessary; just bring your imagination and desire to create in a community setting.
- Where
- Sacramento | More Info : Cut and Collage Collective Holiday Event