Sacramento Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Sacramento and surrounding areas

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Christmas Markets (28 events) Christmas Shows (16 events) Christmas Lights (14 events) Christmas Parties (6 events) Other Christmas Activities (36 events)

Sacramento sparkles for the holiday season with Christmas lights and festive events across Old Sacramento and Midtown where riverfront views meet seasonal cheer. Enjoy Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink, Sac Brew Bike's Fab 40's Light Tours, and Sacramento Ballet's The Nutcracker while browsing holiday attractions and neighborhood markets near the State Capitol. From caroling events to festive markets, Sacramento offers a range of holiday activities and seasonal entertainment that welcome visitors of all ages.

Find the best Sacramento Christmas happenings this year!

Sacramento Christmas Events

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Christmas Markets

28 events
Crocker Holiday Artisan Market • Nov 28 – Nov 30

Juried artisan market supporting local artists and museums.

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Christmas Shows

16 events
Sacramento Ballet's The Nutcracker • Dec 12 – Dec 21

Sacramento's favorite holiday tradition, The Nutcracker ballet.

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Christmas Lights

14 events
Roseville Downtown Holiday Celebration • Dec 3 – Dec 18

Community-decorated Tree Grove and gingerbread house contest.

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Christmas Parties

6 events
Crawl 'Til The Ball Falls: Sacramento NYE Bar Crawl 2025 • Dec 31

New Year's Eve bar crawl with wristband access

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Other Christmas Activities

36 events
Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink • Nov 1 – Jan 31, 2026

Historic downtown ice rink tradition

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Editor's Picks (6)

  1. Roseville Downtown Holiday Celebration (Roseville)
    Community-decorated Tree Grove and gingerbread house contest.
  2. Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
    Historic downtown ice rink tradition
  3. Historic Folsom Community Christmas Tree Lighting (Folsom)
    Winter wonderland transformation with snowfall and tree lighting.
  4. Sunrise Winter Wonderland (Citrus Heights)
    Dual holiday events with toy donation drive
  5. Sacramento Ballet's The Nutcracker
    Sacramento's favorite holiday tradition, The Nutcracker ballet.
  6. Sac Brew Bike's Annual Fab 40's Light Tours
    Pedal-powered holiday light tour through East Sacramento.

This Week / Coming Up (6)

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Fri, Nov 14
Pence Gallery Holiday Market Fri, Nov 14
Crocker Holiday Artisan Market Fri, Nov 28
Sacramento Gay Men's Chorus: Holiday Hits with a Splash of Sass! Sat, Nov 29
Small Business Saturday Historic Folsom Sat, Nov 29
Cordova Community Christmas Tree Lighting Sun, Nov 30

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Also Near Sacramento

Rancho Cordova

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Roseville

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Woodland

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Folsom

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Sacramento Christmas FAQ

What are the biggest annual Christmas events in Sacramento?

The Old Sacramento Waterfront tree lighting, Theatre of Lights, and the annual holiday market are among the largest and most popular Christmas events in the city.

What holiday traditions are unique to Sacramento?

Sacramento’s Theatre of Lights on K Street and the East Sacramento Fab Forties light displays are beloved local traditions that bring the community together each year.

Which neighborhoods are best for Christmas lights in Sacramento?

The East Sacramento Fab Forties is the most famous neighborhood for Christmas lights, but other areas also feature festive displays each holiday season.

Where can I find Christmas markets and local makers in Sacramento?

Old Sacramento is a central spot for holiday markets and local makers, with seasonal events and vendor stalls throughout the district.

What are the best free or budget-friendly holiday activities in Sacramento?

Free activities include visiting neighborhood light displays, the Old Sacramento Waterfront tree lighting, and exploring seasonal markets with no admission fee.

What are good picks for families with kids in Sacramento?

Families enjoy the Theatre of Lights, holiday markets with kid-friendly activities, and walking tours of the Fab Forties light displays.