SACRAMENTO, Calif. - In addition to its fascinating Gold Rush past, the Sacramento area is rich with an amazing array of state-of-the-art museums and historic sites that offer visitors the chance to explore California's fine art, history, science, and wildlife treasures during the holidays and all year long. With 28 active partners, the Sacramento Association of Museums (SAM) is proud to showcase a diverse sampling of holiday-related events and activities happening in December, including:
Gingerbread Holiday at the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum - December 2-21
For 20 years and counting, the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum is gearing up for their festive and fun gingerbread house decorating contest! Kids and adults interested in participating are encouraged to bring their decorated masterpieces to the Museum on December 2 or 3 for judging. Winners will be announced on December 10 and the houses will be on display through December 21. Afterward, many of the gingerbread houses will be donated to children's homes and hospitals.
Christmas Memories at the Governor's Mansion State Historic Park - December 3 & 10
For two Saturdays in December, visitors to the Governor's Mansion State Historic Park will delight in lavishly re-created period décor, an impressive array of live holiday music and captivating storytellers during special "Christmas Memories" events. Surrounded by docents in period costume, Mansion visitors will be transported back in time to the very place where thirteen of California's early governors and their families lived, spent Christmas seasons and shared holiday traditions.
PJ Party Christmas Eve at the Sacramento Zoo - December 24
The Sacramento Zoo invites local residents to get in the spirit of the holiday while wearing their favorite pajamas! On Christmas Eve, admission is free and visitors are invited to join the annual PJ Party in their best pajamas while watching how the amazing animals, birds and reptiles celebrate the holiday. Visitors are encouraged to get there early as the Sacramento Zoo opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 1:30 p.m. that day.
Kwanzaa Celebration at the Sojourner Truth Multicultural Museum - December 31
Visitors to the Sojourner Truth Multicultural Art Museum will enjoy special Kwanzaa Celebration activities on December 31 from 4 to 7 p.m. to honor universal African American heritage and culture. Embracing creativity and supporting the exchange of of cultural ideas, the Museum is dedicated to presenting artistic displays from every corner of our globe.
For more information about SAM, its partners and/or these and other events and activities, visit www.sacmuseums.org
