Meetings & Groups
christmas tree in front of Sacramento's Capitol building

Holiday Activities

The winter season is a time for togetherness and gratitude, which is why businesses and organizations throughout Sacramento offer holiday programming that celebrates people of all backgrounds, identities and traditions. Whether you’re gathering with friends, family or chosen family this winter, here are 7 activities to help LGBTQ people make this their most joyous and enchanting holiday season yet.

Holiday Hits with a Splash of Sass - December 9-13, 2022

Don we now our gay apparel for a family-friendly extravaganza that delivers holiday nostalgia with LGBTQ flair. The Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus invites queer community members, along with friends and allies, to enjoy an evening of music and laughter that will have you fa-la-la-la-flaunting your brightest colors. The event has become a local tradition and attracts more than 2,000 attendees every year, so be sure to get tickets in advance.

christmas_w640

Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink - November 9, 2022 - January 16, 2023

Lace up your skates and head to the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink, where Ali Youssefi Square is transformed into a dazzling wonderland that’s friendly for all ages. Live out your Olympic figure skating fantasy, enjoy a leisurely glide under the holiday lights with your kids or loved ones, or book a private skating event for larger groups. Look out for special themed events throughout the winter season as well, including an Ugly Sweater Party on December 17 and a Crafting Kindness event on January 14.

drag queens sitting at the ice rink lacing up their skates

Theatre of Lights - November 25, 2022 - January 1, 2023

Just a short walk away from the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink is the Theatre of Lights, an immersive projection-mapped experience that transforms 150-year-old building facades into colorful, wintery spectacles. Enjoy a live-action retelling of “A Visit From St. Nicholas (‘Twas the Night Before Christmas)'' featuring Jack Frost, and for an extra special treat, arrive at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving eve (Wednesday, November 23) to see the 60-foot Christmas tree lit by St. Nicholas himself.

Christmas in Old Sac

Enchant Winter Wonderland - November 25, 2022 - January 1, 2023

Presented by the Hallmark Channel, Sacramento’s Enchant Winter Wonderland in Sutter Health Park brings the magic of the holidays–and classic characters–to life. Find all the missing toys in The Mischievous Elf Maze, hit the frosty trail with your loved ones on the ice rink, and get the perfect gift from one of The Village’s artisanal vendors. For your littlest family members, the Little Elves Play Place offers ornament crafting and a storytime with Mrs. Claus, or head to Santa’s Landing for a photo with Santa himself! After all of your holiday fun, you’ll need to refuel on hot chocolate, s’mores, and delicious hot meals, or even a specialty cocktail at the Tipsy Tree Lounge.

Enchant Christmas

Chanukah Wonderland - December 11, 2022

For the 16th year, the Chabad Jewish Community Center invites community members to celebrate Jewish identity, heritage and tradition for their family-friendly spectacular, Chanukah Wonderland. This year’s event includes a Build a Menorah activity, live entertainment by The Science Wizard, music, food, face painting and more. If you want to experience everything this event has to offer, be sure to snag an Unlimited Pass for access to all crafts, games, food and more.

 

California State Capitol Kwanzaa Workshop - December 26, 2022

Discover the history of Kwanzaa, a significant cultural celebration for African Americans and the African diaspora, at this educational community event.  Make your own kinara (the Swahili word for candle holder) and learn about the seven symbols, seven principles and seven days of Kwanzaa. The event is free and will be held in the State Capitol Park World Peace Rose Garden.

roses in the capitol rose garden with palm trees and a fountain in the background

Dine Downtown Restaurant Week – January 2023

To celebrate its title as America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital, Sacramento invites foodies to experience the talents of local chefs, farmers, brewers, vintners and more. Dine Downtown Restaurant Week features exclusive menus and flexible price points that make it easier than ever to support the food and agriculture industry. Make room in your schedule (and your stomach!) for tapas, artisanal tequilas and some of the best lamb shanks you’ll ever have!

Chef plates dish for 2017 Dine Downtown at Biba Resaurant. Taken 1/3/2017

 

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