Sacramento's Best Holiday Events

Ready to celebrate the season in style? There’s no need to leave town. Sacramento has an incredible array of festivities to get you into the holiday spirit.

Whether already an annual tradition or something you’ll be trying for the first time, there is no shortage of holiday events taking place in and near Sacramento this season.

Sacramento’s Best Holiday Events

Sacramento has all the holiday spirit that you need to celebrate, from family-friendly classics to modern, themed pop-up bars. There is a Sacramento Holiday event for everyone.

Capitol Tree Lighting

Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom will host the 94th Annual Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the CA State Capitol Rotunda on 1315 10th Street, Sacramento.

The tree will be illuminated by approximately 10,000 lights and decorated with more than 900 hand-crafted ornaments made by children and adults with developmental disabilities who receive services and support from the state’s developmental centers and 21 nonprofit regional centers. This time-honored tradition dates back to 1983.

When: Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Where: California State Capitol Rotunda

Theater of Lights

The Old Sacramento Waterfront is host to Theater of Lights, transforming the Old Sacramento Waterfront district into a 19th-century winter wonderland as spectators watch the light show spectacular and enjoy a unique retelling of the American classic, “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

Old Sacramento Waterfront visitors can immerse in the 20-minute production, a live dramatization that takes place on the balconies above K Street, complete with special appearances by Jack Frost and St. Nick himself.

Discover how early pioneers experienced the calamities — and revelry — that befell Sacramento in the 1850s. Theater of Lights surrounds the audience with the sounds of the historic fires, floods, and parties as the 150-year-old building facades light up with color.

Produced by Downtown Sacramento Partnership, the shows are on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Shows are at 6:30PM and 7:30PM on Fridays and Saturdays; 6:30PM only on Sundays and a special 6:30PM show on Christmas Eve (Wednesday, December 24).

When: Fridays - Sundays throughout December
Where: Old Sacramento Waterfront

Ice Skating Downtown

Open from November through January, the Downtown Sacramento Ice Skating Rink is the perfect place to lace up and get in the holiday spirit.

For over 30 years, the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink has transformed the neighborhood into a winter wonderland. Located in Ali Youssefi Square right outside Golden 1 Center and some of the best restaurants in the city, the rink is the perfect place to spend a winter day.

When:

• Tuesday-Thursday: 2PM – 9PM
• Friday-Sunday: 10AM – 10PM
• *Closed Mondays (except holidays)

Where: Ali Youssefi Square at 7th Street and K Street, Downtown Sacramento

Fab Forties Christmas Lights

If Sacramento Christmas Lights top your list of holiday traditions, then you won’t want to miss the displays in the Fab Forties.

Greta Gerwig’s critically acclaimed film Lady Bird skyrocketed Sacramento’s Fabulous Forties neighborhood into the international spotlight. But those of us who live here know that it has always been the star of the show – especially during the holiday season.

Known for its grand old houses that were custom-built in the early decades of the 20th century, the “Fabulous Forties” is renowned for its eclectic “Revival” style of architecture as well as the English cottages, Tudor-style homes, Dutch farmhouses, Mediterranean villas, and Craftsman bungalows.

With no two houses the same, the neighborhood is a city treasure year-round. During the holidays, however, it really comes to life.

The majestically tree-lined streets sparkle with twinkling lights while the homes are decked out in timeless decorations. Taking in the trimmings and grandeur of the Fabulous Forties is a can’t-miss Sacramento holiday tradition.

When: November - December
Where: East Sacramento, “Fab 40’s”: 38th - 46th Streets between Folsom Boulevard and H Streets

Magical Holiday Journeys

With trains and two rivers at the heart of our city’s rich history, it comes as no surprise that Sacramento is home to holiday train and boat adventures that awe and excite.

Magical Christmas Train

Make timeless memories on a 90-minute train ride through a storybook wonderland with Santa and his elves aboard the Magical Christmas Train.

Don your Christmas jammies and join caroling and reindeer games.

Tickets include cookies and hot chocolate in a souvenir mug, as well as a personal visit with Santa Claus himself.

When: Boarding through December (see calendar for details)
Where: Sacramento RiverTrain at 18095 County Road 117, West Sacramento, CA 95691

Polar Express Train Ride

Hot chocolate and cookies are served on six vintage train cars as you relive the magical journey of THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride on an hour-long trip to the North Pole.

The evening begins in the passenger station with entertainment by beloved Polar Express characters. Board your train to the North Pole where you will enjoy hot chocolate and a sweet treat courtesy of Polar Express hot chocolate chefs. Once you reach the North Pole, the jolly old elf — Santa himself — will come on board to give each passenger the first gift of Christmas, a silver sleigh bell.

This family-favorite event sells out early every year, so book your tickets early! Missed this year’s release date? Mark your calendars for next year: public ticket sales start in September.

When: Boarding November 14 – December 21 (see calendar for details) Where: California State Railroad Museum Train, 930 Front Street, Old Sacramento Waterfront

Sacramento Holiday Cruise

Not all magical holiday journeys take place on trains. You can climb aboard a scenic Sacramento River cruise to celebrate the season, as well.

Spend your December afternoon cruising along the Sacramento River on a Sacramento Holiday Cruise. You and your family will be greeted with a complimentary cookie and a cup of hot cocoa to warm up your chilly winter afternoon. Relax to the sounds of background holiday music, or take your family to the coloring area where fun holiday-themed coloring sheets will be available. Don’t forget to bring your camera because a costumed character will be on board and ready for a photo op for this scenic Sacramento River cruise. Get your tickets and sail away with Santa.

When: Weekends in December at 12:30 PM
Where: 1206 Front Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Miracle Holiday-Themed Pop-Up Bar

A Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting, Miracle takes over bars worldwide with kitschy holiday décor and professionally-developed cocktails. And this year Miracle will be taking over two popular Sacramento bars and one Folsom location for the holiday season.

Where:

• Butterscotch Den, 3406 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95817
• The Snug, 1800 15th St, Sacramento, CA 95811
• Yager Lodge, 727 Traders Lane Folsom, California, Folsom, CA, 95630

Christmas Movies at the Crest

Question: What better way to get in the holiday spirit than cozying up with a classic holiday movie on the television?

Answer: Classic holiday movies on the big screen.

Downtown’s Crest Theater brings classic holiday films and shows to celebrate the season in Sacramento. Watch Muppet Christmas Carol, Elf, Die Hard — yes, it’s a holiday film — and more. Screenings are limited so get your tickets early!

Sacramento Area Holiday Events

Venture out of downtown Sacramento to enjoy holiday events in outlying historic areas. You can get to these fabulous holiday events in under an hour!

Old Town Auburn’s Country Christmas

A longtime foothill tradition, Country Christmas in Old Town Auburn has it all. Enjoy a bowl of clam chowder served out of the historic Hook and Ladder fire station. Quench your thirst for cocoa, craft beer, or something with a little more spirit and shop local vendors for unique gifts. Enjoy seasonal food offerings and plenty of entertainment.

With live music, Santa, a kids' corner, and much more, it’s a can’t-miss holiday tradition for the whole family.

When: December 13th and 20th 5 PM-9PM
Where: Streets of Old Town Auburn

Nevada City’s Victorian Christmas

The hilly streets outlined with twinkling white lights and authentic gas lamps welcome carolers dressed in Victorian attire in one of the region’s most popular holiday events.

Strolling minstrels provide warm music throughout the downtown area, where you can also enjoy Victorian singers, bagpipers, brass bands, and Nevada City’s famous Walking Christmas Tree. Hot roasted chestnuts and horse-drawn carriage rides complete the Nevada City Victorian Christmas experience.

When: Various dates and times throughout December
Where: Streets of Downtown Nevada City

Grass Valley’s Cornish Christmas

Step into a winter wonderland in historic Downtown Grass Valley to celebrate the magic of the season with Cornish Christmas — a cherished tradition of warmth, light, and holiday cheer.

Held on select Friday evenings beginning the day after Thanksgiving, and each successive Friday through December 19th, Cornish Christmas transforms Mill and Main Streets into a festive marketplace filled with twinkling lights, local artisans, seasonal treats, carolers, and live music. Stroll the beautifully decorated streets, savor hot cider, and revel in the joyful sights and sounds of the holidays — all while honoring the Cornish heritage that helped shape the town during the Gold Rush era.

This free, family-friendly event captures the spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas. Established in 1967, this will be Grass Valley’s 57th celebration of Cornish Christmas

When: Fridays through December 19th, 6PM - 9PM
Where: Streets of Historic Grass Valley

With so many fun and exciting holiday events in and around Sacramento, ‘tis the season to make holiday memories that last a lifetime.