If you are looking for holiday celebrations in Sacramento and beyond that the whole family can enjoy, we’ve got a roundup of amazing local events that include all kinds of activities!
Holiday Celebrations in Sacramento
Featured Event
3rd Annual Illumination Holiday Festival
When: Saturday, December 3, 2022; 3-8pm
Where: 8230 Civic Center Drive, Elk Grove
What: Celebrate the holiday with families, friends and neighbors at the 3rd annual Illumination Holiday Festival. This year’s event has been expanded to include a variety of free activities for the entire family! Shop for special gifts in the Vendor Village, enjoy some holiday delicacies, celebrate traditions from around the globe, strap on some skates and glide on an ice rink, check out the holiday bounce houses, find some amazing photo opportunities, get your game on with our holiday carnival booths, meet the one and only Mr. Clause and cap your night off with a photo in front of the City’s Ribbon Tree!
More info: Visit website
Imaginarium
When: November 18, 2022 – January 2, 2023
Where: Cal Expo
What: Experience the original Light Up the Night at Cal-Expo Center in Sacramento. Now bigger than ever, you’ll venture through 15 acres pack with lights (millions of them), mazes, rides, nightly shows, a fantasy zone and so much more! Wrap up your night with a meet and greet with your favorite characters, take a few laps around our ice rink, or kick back with an adult beverage while the kids visit our newly designed fantasy zone.
More Info: Visit website
Theatre of Lights
When: November 23 – December 24, 2022
Where: Old Sacramento Waterfront
What: Theatre of Lights is a free holiday lighting extravaganza at the Old Sacramento Waterfront produced by the Downtown Sacramento Partnership. The nightly performances are Thursday through Sunday from Thanksgiving Eve – Christmas Eve (no show on Thanksgiving) featuring a live-action retelling of Moore’s 1823 poem — “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” more popularly known as “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
More Info: Visit website
Enchant Sacramento
When: November 25, 2022 – January 1, 2023
Where: Sutter Health Park
What: Escape to our Illuminated Winter Wonderland. Experience a world of adventure with awe-inspiring animated light sculptures, and discover our charming Village offering ice-skating, live entertainment, interactive games, dining, holiday shopping, Santa & Mrs. Claus, and so much more.
More Info: Visit website
Six Flags Holiday in the Park
When: November 25, 2022 – January 1, 2023
Where: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
What: Get into the spirit of the season with delightful holiday animal presentations, visits from Santa and Mrs. Clause, dazzling decor, 65′ Christmas tree, sleigh rides, and more!
More Info: Visit website
Dickens Street Faire
When: Saturday, November 26; 10am – 5pm
Where: Old Town Elk Grove
What: See Santa get rescued by our trusted fire department. Stroll through Old Town and explore local shops, enjoy holiday music, craft and vendor booths, eat delicious holiday foods, meet wonderful Christmas characters, and mingle with your friends and neighbors. Free entertainment is available featuring live music, performers, Christmas carolers and a free kid’s activities in Tiny Tim Alley located in the Old Town Plaza. At 5:00 pm the sun sets and the vendors will close up shop, but stick around for Christmas carols, continues live entertainment, and Story Time with Santa. At 6:00 pm he will then flip the switch to light the town Christmas tree at Walnut Street. After the tree is lit, Santa and Mrs. Claus will take some time for hot cocoa and cookies with the children.
More Info: Visit website
Cordova Community Christmas Tree Lighting Event
When: Sunday, November 27; 4-7:30pm
Where: Village Green Park, 3141 Bridgeway Drive
What: This vibrant holiday celebration is a happy collaboration of numerous Rancho Cordova organizations. Tree lighting, hay ride, food trucks, fireworks, live nativity, snow and Santa!
More Info: Visit website
Holiday in the Park
When: Thursday, December 1; 6-8pm
Where: Arden Park, 1000 La Sierra Drive Sacramento
What: Santa will use his Christmas magic to light up our 17 foot tree and the community center for the holidays! Local music and talent groups will take the stage and help celebrate the kickoff to the holiday season. Pictures with Santa will be available after the tree lighting, as well as hot chocolate and crafts for kids!
More Info: Visit website
Wild Nights and Holiday Lights at the Zoo
When: December 2-3, 2022; 9-11am and December 16-22; 5-8:30pm
Where: Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary
What: Thousands of bright and colorful lights, sparkling ornaments and trees, lighted animal figures, and displays transform the zoo sanctuary with holiday spirit. Local caroling groups and musicians provide the merry sounds of the season.
More Info: Visit website
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For more fun things to do for the holidays in Sacramento, check out our 2022 Winter Guide
