Sacramento Holiday Fun Guide 2011

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas…and Sacramento has so many ways to celebrate!  I know that with all the hustle and bustle of the holidays it is hard to find the time to search for fun events and so I’ve tried to make it super easy for you.

Meet Santa, Tree Lightings, Holiday Celebrations, Trains, Music,
Ice Skating, Arts & Crafts, Nutcracker, Parades, Theatre

Here are over 50 things to do in the month of December!  Enjoy the magic of the season with your family!

MEET SANTA

Santa’s Secret Adventure
When: December 2-4,9-11,16-23
Where: Penryn Oak Stables, 2460 Del Mar Ave., Penryn
What: Ride through Santa’s secret place on one of his personal carriages.  Listen to Christmas stories around the Christmas fire.  Pony/Horse rides, petting zoo, visit Santa, hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies.
Cost: $39.00 Kids, $15.00 Adults with Child under 2, $12.00 Adults with Child over 2
Info: Click here

Cookies with Santa
When: Saturday, December 3; 5:30-7:30pm
Where: Fair Oaks Library
What: Annual “Cookies with Santa” program. Come start the holiday season with winter fun for the whole family. Enjoy stories, crafts, cookies, and a very special visit with Santa himself.  Space is limited. Registration is required and can be done online. (Click on the link below and go to ‘Cookies with Santa’)
Cost: FREE
Info: Click here

Breakfast with Santa
When: Saturday, December 3; 9:00, and 10:30 seatings
Where: Pavilion, Elk Grove Regional Park
What: Join us as we celebrate the season.  Meet and take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Cost: $5.00 Adults, $1.00 Kids 12 and under – advance tickets; $7.00 at door
Info: Click here

Breakfast with Santa
When: Saturday, December 10; 8:00-11:00am
Where: Cordova Senior Activities Center, Rancho Cordova
What: Pancakes, sausage, coffee, juice, and cocoa! Stop by the holiday craft fair for last minute Christmas shopping or join Mrs. Claus and create a hand painted ornament ($3 per person).
Cost: $5.00 Adults, $2.00 Kids 8 and under
Info: Click here

Breakfast with Santa
When: Saturday, December 10; 8:30-10:00am or 10:30-12:00pm
Where: West Sacramento Community Center, 1075 West Capitol Avenue, West Sacramento
What: Eat breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus.  Christmas-themed activities, mail letters to the North Pole, and complimentary pictures with Santa.
Cost: Pre-sale – Kids $8.00, under 2 $5.00, Adults $10.00; At door – $10.00 all ages
Info: Click here

Taylor’s Breakfast with Santa
When: Saturday, December 17; 8:30am, 10:00am and 11:30am
Where: Taylor’s Kitchen, Sacramento
What: Annual children’s breakfast with Santa. Bring the kids, appetites, and cameras.
Cost: Kids $11.99, Adults $19.99
Info: Click here or call 443-6881 for reservations

Brunch with Santa
When: Saturday, December 17th & Sunday, December 18th; 10:30-12:00 (check in at 10:00am)
Where: Jelly Belly Factory, Fairfield
What: Join Mr. Jelly Belly and friends for a delicious brunch with Santa.  Reservations required.
Cost: $19.99 per person, Kids 2 and under free
Info: Click here – reservations online only

TREE LIGHTINGS

State Capitol Tree Lighting
When: Wednesday, December 7; 4:45pm
Where: West Lawn of the State Capitol
What: Annual tree lighting ceremony.  The tree will be decorated with 900 hand-crafted ornaments created by children and adults with developmental disabilities who receive services and support from the state’s development centers and 21 nonprofit regional centers. It will be illuminated by 10,000 LED lights!
Cost: FREE
Info: Click here

Tree Lighting in Carmichael Park
When: Thursday, December 8; 6:00pm
Where: Carmichael Park, 5750 Grant Avenue, Carmichael
What: Tree lighting, live music, hot cider and cookies, arts and crafts, Santa.
Cost: FREE
Info: Click here

HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS

Christmas in the Village
When: Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4; 11:00am-3:00pm
Where: Town & Country Village Shopping Center, Fulton & Marconi Ave., Sacramento
What: Free activities, free freshly popped kettle corn, Santa Claus, arts & crafts, strolling Victorian carolers, live music.
Cost: Free; Charge for Photos with Santa
Info: Click here

Christmas in the Village, Tree Lighting, and Parade
When: Saturday, December 3rd; 1:00–6:00pm
Where: Plaza Park in the Fair Oaks Village, Fair Oaks
What: Visit with Santa, sing Christmas carols, Winnie the Pooh Play, and a parade at 4pm and then tree lighting and caroling right after the parade.
Cost: Free Admission for 1 canned-food item (drop at base of Christmas Tree).
Info: Click here or call (916) 967-2903

Wild Nights and Holiday Lights
When: Dec 3, Dec 8 – 10, Dec 15 – 23; 5:00-8:00pm
Where: Folsom Zoo
What: Thousands of colorful LED lights adorn the zoo, enchanted forest of lighted and decorated trees, carolers and seasonal refreshments, visits from Santa Claus and our very own “Santa Paws”, animal presentations by Zoo docents, and ride on the miniature scale live steam Starlight Express Train.
Cost: $5.00 per person, under 2 free.  Train tickets $3 per person.
Info: Click here

Holiday Open House
When: Friday, December 10; 1:00-3:00pm
Where: Franklin Library, Elk Grove
What: Come celebrate the ninth annual Franklin Community Library Holiday Open House. Enjoy music, refreshments and a children’s craft.
Cost: FREE
Info: Click here

Winter Wonderland
When: Saturday, December 10; 11:00am-3:00pm
Where: Fairytale Town
What: Celebrate holidays from around the world with hands on arts and crafts activities around the park. Head over to Santa’s workshop to visit with Father Christmas to tell him what you are wishing for this holiday season, photos available for an additional fee of $5.00. Stroll through the park and enjoy the brisk winter weather and holiday decorations.
Cost: $4.50 general admission Kids and Adults, 1 and under FREE
Info: Click here

Holiday Happenings
When: Saturday, December 10; 1:00-4:00pm
Where: Sacramento History Museum, 101 I Street, Sacramento
What: Visit Old Sacramento and stop by the Sacramento History Museum to catch up with Father Christmas! Cider and cookies will be available for all as the Parlor Singers debut their unique rendition of the 12 Days of Christmas and other holiday carols. Next door in the Stanford Gallery, the Living History Program will be showing off their dancing shoes in a 19th century period ball.  Make and decorate your own gingerbread person.
Cost: General admission Adults $5.00, Kids $4.00, 5 and under Free
Info: Click here or call (916) 808-7059

Celebrate Kwanzaa with Fenix Drum
When: Wednesday, December 21; 3:30-4:30pm
Where: Elk Grove Library
What: Ever wanted to learn more about Kwanzaa but did not know who to ask? Then join us at the library for a wonderful early celebration! Kwanzaa is a non-religious seven-day African-American holiday which celebrates family, community, and culture.
Cost: FREE
Info: Click here

Fairytale Town Free Admission Day
When: Saturday, December 24; 10:00am-2:00pm
Where: Fairytale Town
What: Fairytale Town offers free admission as a holiday gift to guests for visiting throughout the year.
Cost: FREE
Info: Click here

Sacramento Zoo Free Admission Day
When: Saturday, December 24; 10am-1:30pm
Where: Sacramento Zoo
What: PJ Party on Christmas Eve.  Celebrate at the Zoo in your pajamas.
Cost: FREE
Info: Click here

Kwanzaa Family Festival
When: Monday, December 26; 12:00-4:00pm
Where: Crocker Art Museum
What: Celebrated worldwide, Kwanzaa focuses on family, community, creativity, and the cultural traditions of the African Diaspora. At this museum-wide festival, the Crocker celebrates its collection of African art with music and dance performances, a unique studio art workshop, an arts and crafts marketplace, and more.
Cost: FREE
Info: Click here or call (916) 808-7000

TRAINS

Santa Train
When: Sunday and Monday, December 4-5 and December 11-12; 12:00-4:00pm
Where: Live Steamers Train Yard inside Hagan Community Park behind the red barn
What: Take a ride on the Live Steamers’ miniature train.  Enjoy treats…cookies, hot chocolate, and hot apple cider.  Children of all ages are encouraged to visit with Santa.  You may even take pictures with Santa using your own camera or they will be available for nominal fee.
Cost: FREE
Info: Click here or here

Christmas Train
When: Weekends December 3-18
Where: Sacramento River Train, Woodland
What: Family Christmas Train Trip featuring story-telling, Christmas Carols, playful elves, hot cocoa & cookies, and a visit from Santa! The trip lasts about 90-minutes. Pajamas are welcomed!
Cost: Adults $29.00, Kids $23.00
Info: Click here

MUSIC

The Spirit of the Season Holiday Concert
When: Saturday, December 3; 7:30pm or 9:30pm
Where: Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1300 N Street, Sacramento
What: Holiday concert featuring Sacramento Children’s Chorus.
Cost: Adults $15.00, Kids $10.00
Info: Click here

Sacramento Youth Symphony Holiday Concert
When: Sunday, December 4; 1:00pm
Where: Central Library, Sacramento
What: The Sacramento Youth Symphony Premier Orchestra plans to share its musical talents with the community at a free holiday concert.  During the show, the 85-member ensemble will play classic holiday tunes to connect with their community through service and steward holiday cheer.
Cost: FREE
Info: Click here

Jingle All the Way! Holiday Concert
When: Saturday, December 17; 2:00pm
Where: St. Francis Catholic Church, 26th and K Streets, Sacramento
What: The Sacramento Master Singers present their annual children’s holiday concert.  A shorter, family-oriented program designed for children.
Cost: Adults $5.00, Kids $3.00
Info: Click here or call (916) 788-7464

ICE SKATING

Downtown Ice Rink
When: Open daily through January 16
Where: 7th & K Streets, Sacramento
What: Ice skate on Sacramento’s original outdoor ice skating rink outside the Westfield Downtown Plaza.  Family Night: Every Tuesday from 4-8 pm receive one free children’s admission with one paid adult admission. Skate rentals for everyone are $0.96.
Cost: $8.00 all ages for 2 hours; $2.00 skate rental
Info: Click here

Iceland Ice Skating Rink
When: Open year round Friday 3-9pm, Saturday 1-9pm, Sunday 1-8pm
Where: 1430 Del Paso Boulevard, Sacramento
What: Iceland Ice Skating Rink has been a fixture in Sacramento since 1940 and in 2010 burned down.  It has been rebuilt and is now back in operation.  This is a great place to skate, take lessons, and have parties.  Iceland hopes to have enough local support to remain open.
Cost: $5.00 for all ages, including skate rental
Info: Click here

Rancho Cordova Ice Rink
When: Open daily through January 16th; 10:00am-10:00pm
Where: Capital Village on Zinfandel, Rancho Cordova
What: Ice skate on Rancho Cordova’s new outdoor ice skating rink.
Cost: $8.50 Adults, $5.50 Kids for 2 hours; $2.00 skate rental
Info: Click here

Promenade on Ice
When: Sunday – Thursday 10:00am-10:00pm, Friday-Saturday 10:00am-11:00pm
Where: Westfield Galleria at Roseville
What: The new Promenade on Ice at Westfield Galleria at Roseville is now open for the 2011 holiday season and will continue through January 16th.
Cost: $9.00 Adults, $5.00 Kids for 1 1/2 hours; $4.00 skate rental; $5.00 “Bobby” skating aid rental
Info: Click here

HOLIDAY ARTS & CRAFTS

Holiday Craft Program with ArtWorks
When: Thursday, December 1; 3:30-4:30pm
Where: Sylvan Oaks Library
What: Create holiday decorations & gifts for your family and friends. All supplies provided.
Cost: FREE
Info: Click here

Holidays Around the World with Artworks
When: Thursday, December 1; 4-5:00pm
Where: Arcade Library, Sacramento
What: Explore the way people from different cultures spend the holidays from September’s Mexican Independence Day, to Day of the Dead, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Ramadan, Chanukah, Christmas, Hmong New Year and other fall celebrations. Then create unique one-of-a-kind gifts to share.
Cost: FREE
Info: Click here

Make Cards and Gift Wrap
When: Saturday, December 3, 1:00-2:30pm
Where: Belle Cooledge Library
What: Create your own special handmade cards and gift wrap! We will have all sorts of fun supplies for you to make items that are unique and special. Play with rubber stamps, stickers, and many other materials. All ages are welcome!
Cost: FREE
Info: Click here

Handmade Holidays at reCreate
When: Every Saturday until Christmas; 1:00pm-4:00pm
Where: reCREATE, Roseville
What: Hands-on gift making classes for all ages using recyclable materials.  Each workshop is two hours long and includes all materials.
Cost: $27 per person, discount for additional family members
Info: Click here

Creative Moon Cookies
When: Saturday & Sunday, December 3- 4; 12:30-4:00
Where: Discovery Museum & Science Center, Sacramento
What: This weekend, each child frosts a cookie and adds “sugar ice”. Decorate this delicious treat and enjoy outer space fun in the Space Quest exhibit. Wash the cookie down with Tang- the drink of astronauts.
Cost: Adults $6.00, Kids $4.00, 3 and under Free
Info: Click here

Ornaments for the Holidays
When: Wednesday, December 7; 4:00-5:00pm
Where: McClatchy Library
What: Bring out your best crafting skills and wrap up all your imagination and creativity and bring them to this fun program. Using a variety of materials, we’ll make some wonderful holiday ornaments to use at home or to give away as gifts
Cost: FREE
Info: Click here

Holiday Cards
When: Wednesday, December 7; 4:30-5:15pm
Where: North Sacramento Library
What: Bring out your best crafting skills and wrap up all your imagination and creativity and bring them to this fun program. Using a variety of materials, we’ll make some wonderful holiday ornaments to use at home or to give away as gifts.
Cost: FREE
Info: Click here

Holiday Ornaments
When: Thursday, December 8; 3:30-4:30
Where: McKinley Library
What: Make ornaments from a variety of materials.
Cost: FREE
Info: Click here

Winter Holiday Crafts
When: Thursday, December 8; 4:00-5:00pm
Where: North Highlands Antelope Library, Sacramento
What: Create holiday ornaments and gifts from everyday recyclable materials such as CDs, puzzle pieces, junk jewelry and more.
Cost: FREE
Info: Click here

Gingerbread Houses
When: Saturday, December 10; 2:00-3:00pm
Where: Rancho Cordova Library
What: Make gingerbread houses with graham crackers, candies and frosting. You bring the creativity, we bring the supplies!
Cost: FREE
Info: Click here

The Gift of Art
When: Saturday, December 10; 2:00-3:00pm
Where: Carmichael Library
What: What better present than something homemade? Create something special for everyone on your Christmas list – homemade candles, jewelry, ornaments and much more. Presented by ArtWorks.
Cost: FREE
Info: Click here

Kids Gift Making with Artworks
When: Wednesday, December 14; 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Elk Grove Library
What: Create beautiful holiday presents with ArtWorks!
Cost: FREE
Info: Click here

Holiday Cookies
When: Wednesday, December 14; 4:30-5:15
Where: North Sacramento Library
What: What’s the best way to get yourself into the holiday spirit?  With cookies, of course!  Kids, come decorate pre-baked cookies to take home and enjoy.
Cost: FREE
Info: Click here

THE NUTCRACKER

The Nutcracker
When: December 9 – December 23
Where: Community Center Theater (part of Convention Center), 1301 L St., Sacramento
What: Performed by the Sacramento Ballet.  Be part of a tradition that has become the heart of Sacramento’s holiday season. Whether a cherished family tradition or your first visit to The Nutcracker, your experience of this wonderful classic will warm your spirit and stay with you forever. Live music performed by the Sacramento Philharmonic at every performance!  Sugar Plum Fairy Tea after the December 11th performance for $20.00.
Cost: $15 – $69
Info: Click here or call (916) 808-5181

The Nutcracker
When: Saturday, December 10; 2:00pm & 7:00pm
Where: Sheldon High School Performing Arts Center, Sacramento
What: The Capitol Ballet Company performs this classical holiday ballet.
Cost: Adults $18.00, Kids $12.00
Info: Click here or call (916) 484-1188

The Nutcracker
When: Friday, December 16 and Sunday, December 18; 7:30pm
Where: Three Stages, 10 College Parkway, Folsom
What: Local residents with visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads are sure to enjoy this wonderful holiday favorite.
Cost: $20-23 Adults, $15-18 Kids
Info: Click here

PARADES

Downtown Santa Parade
When: Saturday, December 10; 10:00am
Where: 9th & I to 7th & K, Sacramento
What: The Santa Parade has a spirit of its own, embodied by the many wonderful parade entrants–from tuneful marching bands to high-stepping horses, colorful clowns to vintage vehicles, skillful twirlers to dazzling floats.
Cost: FREE
Info: Click here

Santa & Sirens Parade
When: December 14-16; 7:00-9:00pm
Where: Elk Grove Fire Stations
What: The Cosumnes Firefighters Association and the Elk Grove Police Department are working together to bring jolly ol’ Saint Nicolas, also known as Santa Claus, to your neighborhood. Come out and greet Santa and his elves during three parade routes from 7-9 p.m. at three different locations.  See website for parade routes.
Cost: Free
Info: Click here

THEATRE

Theater of Lights in Old Sac
When: Thursdays through Sundays; 6:15 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.  Ongoing until December 31st
Where: Old Sacramento
What: Old Sacramento’s Theatre of Lights is a unique state-of-the-art live staging of the classic ’Twas The Night Before Christmas hosted by Mark Twain.The show blends a symphony of lights, sounds and visual effects which will take the audience back to a time when the beloved poem ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas was first introduced in Sacramento in 1857 in The Sacramento Bee. The beloved poem comes to life on the balconies and rooftops of Old Sacramento’s historic buildings on K Street between Front and 2nd Street.
Cost: FREE
Info: Click here

A Christmas Carol
When: November 30 – December 24
Where: Sacramento Theatre Company, main stage, 1419 H Street, Sacramento
What: Sacramento Theatre Company’s own musical version of Charles Dickens’ immortal tale of redemption.
Cost: $15-$46
Info: Click here or call (916) 443-6722

The Magic Toy Shop
When: Saturday, December 3; 12:00pm and 2:00pm
Where: 24th Street Theatre, 2791 24th Street
What: Runaway Stage Productions’ Storybook Theatre is presents a hilarious production about creative toy makers that try to outwit and outsmart the bumbling bad guys and save the day.
Cost: $8.00 general, $6.00 kids (12 and under). Order tickets online or purchase at the door.
Info: Click here

Reindeer Revenge
When: Saturdays, December 3-17; 12 & 2pm
Where: Chautauqua Children’s Theatre, 5235 Engle Road, Carmichael
What: Murray Moose wants to be a reindeer.  Christopher Crum wants Christmas destroyed.  The reindeer want a little peace and quiet.
Cost: $7.00 per person
Info: Click here

The Snow Queen
When: December 23, 27, 28, 29, and 30; 1:00 and 4:00 pm
Where: B Street Theatre, 2711 B Street, Sacramento
What: Family Series show.  An adventurous and beautiful fairy tale, its timeless appeal lies in persuading us that life is truly magical.
Cost: Adults $22.00, Kids $15.00
Info: Click here

Scrooge Family Holiday Musical
When: December 9-23
Where: Chautauqua Playhouse, 5235 Engle Road, Carmichael
What: The musical tale of joy and redemption, based on Chales Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”.  Performances on the 16th, 18th, and 21st will include an optional bus tour of the holiday lights with snacks and sing-alongs.  (see optional pricing)
Cost: Adults $17, Kids 12 and under $10.00; Opening Weekend $10.00 Adult tickets
Info: Click here

Happy Holidays from my family to yours! ~Keilah