As the air gets chillier and holiday lights start twinkling, it's time to dust off our favorite wintertime traditions here in Sacramento. From Christmas light displays to ice skating and more, discover the best things to do in Sacramento for the holidays.
11 Best Spots for Christmas Lights & Holiday Cheer in Sacramento
Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
November 9th, 2022 through January 16th, 2023 in Ali Youssefi Square
A beloved Downtown tradition is returning in 2022. The Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink is open for the holiday season. Enjoy an afternoon of ice skating – tickets are available when you arrive at the rink. For extra holiday magic, the rink is holding themed events throughout the season, including romantic K Street Date Nights.
Come Skate Away
Photos with Santa
November 11th through December 24th, 2022 at Arden Fair Mall
Arden Fair Mall is bringing a little holiday magic to the Sacramento area. Celebrate a holiday tradition by taking your kids to get their picture taken with Santa. Photos with Santa are free, and photo packages are available for purchase.
Visit the North Pole
Theatre of Lights
November 23rd through December 24th, 2022 at Old Sacramento Waterfront
Sacramento residents can discover some of the city's most breathtaking Christmas lights in Old Sacramento along the waterfront. This free holiday lighting extravaganza will be held nightly from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve.
See the Lights
Enchant
November 25th through January 1st, 2022 at Sutter Health Park
This holiday light experience will be at Sutter Health Park this season. Enjoy an enchanting evening exploring the story-themed maze of lights, go ice skating, do your holiday shopping, and discover other seasonal festivities.
Be Enchanted
Crocker Holiday Artisan Market
November 25th through November 27th, 2022 at Scottish Rite Center
The Crocker Holiday Artisan Market is a beloved holiday tradition with proceeds benefiting local artists and the Crocker Art Museum. Meet and speak with artists and explore booths filled with glass, textiles, wood, ceramics, photography, jewelry, paintings, and other fabulous art pieces.
Get Artsy
Dickens Street Faire
November 26th, 2022 at Old Town Elk Grove Plaza
The Dickens Street Faire marks the beginning of the Yuletide season in Elk Grove. Held the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, explore local shops and vendor booths while you enjoy holiday music and food.
Celebrate in Elk Grove
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
December 2nd at Golden 1 Center
Trans-Siberian Orchestra's “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” tour is coming to Sacramento this December. Enjoy the holiday hits of this multi-platinum, progressive rock group when they come to the Golden 1 Center.
Rock Around the Christmas Tree
Sacramento Lighted Boat Parade
December 3rd, 2022 along the Old Sacramento Waterfront
Enjoy a holiday light parade on the water this year! Capital City Yacht club will host its annual lighted boat parade on December 3rd. The decorated boats will head up river, passing Old Sacramento, Riverbank Marina, Virgin Sturgeon, and Riverview Marina before heading back.
Celebrate at the Waterfront
Home for the Holidays 2022
December 10th, 2022 at Memorial Auditorium
The Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra is partnering with KVIE, Sacramento's PBS station, to present “Home for the Holidays 2022”. Enjoy this matinee presentation of new and familiar choral holiday songs, complete with an audience singalong.
Get Tickets to the Orchestra
The Nutcracker
December 10th through 24th, 2022 at SAFE Credit Union Performing Art Center
The Sacramento Ballet is continuing its beloved holiday tradition this December with this performance of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker. Enjoy the choreography of local Sacramento dancers. Tickets are available online or by calling the box office.
Holiday at the Ballet
Santa Hustle
December 11th, 2022 at Vernon Street Town Square
Santa is cruising through town and you can join him with Roseville's Santa Hustle Fun Run! This run has different lengths available – 10K, 5K, and a Kid's Dash – so you can choose the best option for you. Participants will receive a cozy hoodie, an embroidered beanie, and a shakeable snow globe medal.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Which Sacramento Holiday Tradition is on your list this year? Share your favorite festivities with us on social media.