December 1, 2025 / Author: the Railyards
Discover seven of the best things to do in Sacramento for the holidays.
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.
Best Spots for Christmas Lights & Holiday Cheer in Sacramento
Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
November through January in Ali Youssefi Square A beloved Downtown tradition, 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 and include skate rentals. Add magical memories to your favorite holidays: the ice rink is open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink is open:
- Tuesday-Thursday: 2PM – 9PM
- Friday-Sunday: 10AM – 10PM
- Closed Mondays (except holidays)
Spend Time with Santa
Photos with Santa 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 pictures with Santa at Arden Fair Mall. Photos with Santa are free, and photo packages are available for purchase. Your fur-children can also spend time with Jolly St. Nick. Santa Pet Photos capture the magic of the season in a festive, pet-friendly setting designed for joyful memories and wagging tails.
Sustainable Crafts and Photos with Santa in Old Sacramento Atrium 916’s Sustainable Santa Winter Wonderland returns to Historic Old Sacramento.
Sustainable Santa returns to Old Sacramento for the most magical winter wonderland family portraits, clay sculpting, ornament painting, mulled wine, and cozy hot drinks. It is an enchanting and immersive zero-waste experience at the Atrium 916 Gallery and Art Cafe – California’s most unique place to visit.
Sculpt and paint your own keepsake ornaments, shop local unique art, home goods, fashion, and upcycled creations from Sacramento makers and craftspersons, and, of course, book a family photo session with Santa.
Sacramento Santa Parade Santa Claus is coming to town for the 40th anniversary of the Santa Parade! You and your family will get to enjoy marching bands, fancy vehicles, youth groups, super-heroes, dog clubs, dance and cheer squads, and fabulous sponsors as the Grand Marshall welcomes over 10,000 moms, dads, and children to one of Sacramento’s largest annual family events.
Route: Around Capitol Park. 14th and N start, west to 10th, north to L, east on L to 12th.
Theatre of Lights
November through December at Old Sacramento Waterfront An event for the whole family and an Old Sacramento Waterfront holiday tradition! Watch the uniquely Sacramento retelling of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas on the rooftops of historic K Street.
Sounds of Sacramento History will surround the audience as the 150-year-old building facades light up with color. The highlight of the 20-minute production is a live dramatization on the balconies above K Street, complete with a special appearance by Jack Frost and St. Nick himself.
Old Sacramento Waterfront is its most magical during the holiday season and provides a picturesque backdrop for holiday photos and memorable moments with your family and friends.
Imaginarium Holiday Light Festival November through January at Cal Expo Sacramento’s largest holiday light festival, Imaginarium “Holiday Lights, Fairytale Delights,” returns to Cal Expo this holiday season. Enjoy the glow of 5 million lights in this festive display that brings your most beloved fairy tales to life, synchronized music and light shows, circus shows, ice skating, carnival rides, games, live entertainment, and more.
Get Tickets Before They’re Gone
Enjoy the Sounds of the Season at DOCO
Saturdays and Sundays in December at DOCO A visit to DOCO during the holidays is a delightful experience. There are plenty of shops and places to eat, drink, and be merry! While you’re here, enjoy weekend afternoon entertainment by Ryan Hernandez and Friends and other local musicians as they amplify West Plaza with holiday tunes. Plus, enjoy beautifully adorned trees, wreaths, and other seasonal backdrops that offer sparkling holiday photo ops this season at DOCO.
Home for the Holidays Concert
Select Dates in December at Memorial Auditorium The Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra is partnering with KVIE, Sacramento’s PBS station, to present “Home for the Holidays.” Enjoy this matinee presentation of new and familiar choral holiday songs, complete with an audience sing-along.
Capitol Holiday Music Program
Select December Dates at the California State Capitol Museum Enjoy festive sights and sounds this December as the California State Capitol transforms into a joyous display of holiday cheer, complete with vintage decorations and live musical performances. Make a free online registration. The Capitol has plenty of room to hear the performances, so there’s no need to worry about not attending a performance. However, making a free online registration allows you to be contacted if there are any changes or cancellations.
