‘Tis the season, Sacramento! With so many holiday events, light displays and activities, there’s no shortage of festive fun to be had here in Sacramento this time of year. It’s time to make your holiday bucket list, check it twice, and make sure these Sacramento holiday happenings are on it.
Image Courtesy of: Downtown Sac
Get in the Holiday Spirit at the Old Sacramento Waterfront
There’s snow place like the Old Sacramento Waterfront during the holidays. From Theatre of Lights to the 60-foot decorated Christmas tree, holiday market, and holiday bars, the Old Sacramento Waterfront will be nothing short of magical this season.
For more information, read our guide to the Old Sacramento Waterfront’s holiday happenings.
Image Courtesy of: Francisco Chavira
Make Your Spirits Bright at a Holiday Pop-Up Bar
Whether you’ve been naughty or nice this year, treat yourself to a jolly good time at a Sacramento holiday pop-up bar. Bars like The Snug, Butterscotch Den, Jungle Bird, and Bottle & Barlow have all decked the halls from floor to ceiling with holiday décor, complete with festive cocktails.
For more information, read our guide to Sacramento’s holiday pop-up bars.
Image Courtesy of: Lisa Nottingham Photography
Cruise Through the Fab 40s on the Sac Brew Bike
Grab your friends and family and enjoy the holiday season aboard the Sac Brew Bike’s 90-minute light tour through the Fab 40s from Dec. 1-29. Don’t forget to break out the cookies and cocoa, as Sac Brew Bike allows you to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on board.
To book your tour, visit SacBrewBike.com or call (916) 952-7973.
Get Festive with Explore Midtown’s 12 Days of Midtown
Experience the holiday magic of Midtown Sacramento during Explore Midtown’s 12 Days of Midtown. From holiday treats to holiday farmers markets, there’s plenty of jolly good fun to be had in Midtown during the holidays this year.
See what’s happening during 12 Days of Midtown at exploremidtown.org/12-days-of-midtown/.
Image Courtesy of: Downtown Sac
Go Ice-Skating at the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
Sharpen your skates, perfect your triple axel and don’t miss gliding on down to the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink from now through Jan. 15, 2024. Ice skating at Ali Youssefi Square makes for the perfect holiday outing whether it be a festive night out with the family, a night out with friends, or even a first date.
For more details, read our guide to visiting the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink.
Take Photos with Santa at the Arden Fair Mall
No holiday season is complete without photos with Santa. Wrangle the whole family, put on your holiday best, and head to the Arden Fair Mall to snap a photo with Santa.
Pre-book your visit at ardenfair.com/SantaPhotos.
Go on the Sacramento River Fox Train's Magical Christmas Train
Looking for a magical night with the whole family? Hop aboard the Sacramento River Fox Train’s Magical Christmas Train to meet Santa and his elves and enjoy all sorts of festive fun this holiday season.
For more information, visit riverfoxtrain.com/experiences/magical-christmas-train/.
Image Courtesy of: Jim Hamilton
Check Out Sacramento's Largest Holiday Lights Display
Light up your holiday season with a trip to Imaginarium “Holiday Lights, Fairytale Delights” at Cal Expo. Packed with over 5 million lights, Imaginarium features dozens of festive light displays, circus shows, ice skating, carnival rides, live entertainment, and more.
For more information, read our guide to Imaginarium.
See the Sacramento Ballet’s Nutcracker
Escape into the magic of the holiday season with Sacramento Ballet’s Nutcracker. This beloved holiday performance brings the classic tale to life with 200+ local youth dancers, alongside Sac Ballet’s professional company.
For more information, visit: www.sacballet.org/events/nutcracker-2023/.
Image Courtesy of: Francisco Chavira
Try a Holiday-Themed Drink from a Sacramento Coffee Shop
There’s nothing quite sipping on a warm drink on a brisk winter night. Don’t miss the chance to try holiday-themed drinks from Sacramento coffee shops like Temple Coffee Roasters, Pachamama, and Old Soul Co.
Image Courtesy of: Francisco Chavira
Grab a Last-Minute Gift from a Sacramento Small Business
Stressed about what to get that special someone in your life this holiday season? Give the gift of Sacramento to your loved ones this year by buying them a gift from one of Sacramento’s many small businesses.
Read our guide to shopping local during the holidays in Sacramento HERE.
Image Courtesy of: Francisco Chavira
Check out the California State Capitol's Christmas Tree
Bundle up and sip some hot cocoa as you take in the beauty of the California State Capitol’s Christmas tree. This year’s 67-foot tree is decorated with over 10,000 lights and about 200 handcrafted ornaments.
Go See a Holiday Play
A holiday play filled with festive tunes is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Some of the holiday plays happening in Sacramento this year include: Dr’ Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, ‘Tis the Season: Around the World at the Sofia Tsakopoulos Center For the Arts, and Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley at Capital Stage.
