🦃 Thanksgiving & Fall Events
Run to Feed the Hungry (Turkey Trot)
- Location: East Sacramento (start at 38th & J St)
- Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025 – morning
- Cost: Approx. $39–$45 for 5K/10K; virtual options available [kcra.com]
- Description: Sacramento’s largest Thanksgiving fundraiser and fun run supports local Food Bank & Family Services. Whether walking or running (5K/10K), families can enjoy a festive holiday run while giving back—start the day with community spirit and purpose.
Elk Grove Gobble Wobble (5k)
- Location: Elk Grove (8280 Longleaf Dr)
- Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025 – 8:00 a.m. [itsyourrace.com]
- Cost: Approx. $40-$50, virtual options available
- Description: 5k walk/run to support “Chicks in Crisis”. There will be music, a raffle, vendors, snacks, and more.
Harvest Festival Original Art and Craft Show
- Location: Cal Expo
- Date: November 14th – 16 – 10 a.m. [harvestfestival.com]
- Cost: $10/person
- Description: Local art fair exhibiting handcrafted art, photography, jewelry, specialty food, blown glass, wood art, and more.
Thanksgiving PJ Party
- Location: Historic Folsom Ice Rink
- Date: Thursday, November 27th – 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. [historicfolsom.com]
- Cost: Starts at $20/person
- Description: Get on the ice and skate away in your pjs all day!
🎄 Christmas & Holiday Events
Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
- Location: Ali Youssefi Plaza (Downtown Sacramento)
- Dates: Nov 5th – Jan 19th [visitsacramento.com]
- Cost: ~$10–$15 per skater incl. skates
- Description: Outdoor skating beneath city lights is perfect for families. Enjoy music in the plaza atmosphere, sharing warm cocoa, laughs, and holiday moments in downtown Sacramento.
Historic Folsom Ice Rink
- Location: Folsom Historic District
- Dates: Nov 8th – Jan 19th [https://historicfolsom.org/]
- Cost: ~$20/person
- Description: The annual Folsom Historic District ice rink is back for another year! Break out your skates and hop on the ice. Check out the official calendar for the various rotating events happening throughout the season – from PJ Parties to movie screenings, Ugly Sweater Night, and a Princess Party for the little ones.
Global Winter Wonderland (Imaginarium 360)
- Location: Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd
- Dates: Nov 21, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 [visitsacramento.com]
- Cost: Starts at $20
- Description: Millions of lights in immersive displays create a multi-zone holiday spectacle. Families explore whimsical scenes, enormous light tunnels, festive platforms and carnival-style ambiance—ideal for evening strolls and photo ops.
Theatre of Lights – Old Sacramento Waterfront
- Location: Old Sacramento Waterfront
- Date: Thursday–Sunday, Nov 27 – Dec 24 (Thanksgiving Eve through Christmas Eve) [theatlasheart.com]
- Cost: Free
- Description: Historic holiday plays performed nightly next to a 60-foot Christmas tree in a pioneer-era setting. With food, period decor, and carols, this free community tradition delivers nostalgia, education, and festive ambiance.
Hometown Holiday On Main
- Location: Placerville Main Street
- Date: Nov 28th, 2025 [https://visit-eldorado.com/event/hometown-holiday/]
- Cost: Free
- Description: Kick off the holiday season with a magical night in downtown Placerville! The Placerville community gathers each year, filling Main Street with family, friends, and neighbors to share the magical moment when we kick off the Holiday Season with the Christmas tree lighting.
Trans‑Siberian Orchestra – The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
- Location: Golden 1 Center, 500 David J Stern Walk
- Date: Friday, November 28, 2025 – 7:30 PM (matinee at 3:00 PM) [sacramento…heater.com]
- Cost: Tickets from ~$62; most between $100–$163
- Description: This rock-opera Christmas spectacle blends orchestral music, choir, lasers, and pyrotechnics in an immersive holiday concert. Beloved hits like “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo” create thrilling family entertainment and a festive alternative to traditional seasonal shows.
Crocker Holiday Artisan Market
- Location: Scottish Rite Center, 6151 H Street
- Date: Friday, November 28, 2025 – Sunday, November 30th – Opening times vary by day [https://www.crockerholidayartisanmarket.com/]
- Cost: $10/person
- Description: 3-day bazaar for art lovers. Seasonal art, entertainment, and activities for children, artist meet-and-greets, and more.
Polar Express Train Ride
- Location: CA State Railroad Museum, West Sacramento
- Dates: Nov 28th – Dec 21st [https://www.californiarailroad.museum]
- Cost: $80+/person
- Description: Board a vintage train that recreates The Polar Express story with hot chocolate, caroling, and Santa meet-and-greet. Cozy, theatrical, and magical—ideal for young children and nostalgic parents.
Magical Christmas Train / River Fox Train
- Location: 18095 County Road 117, West Sacramento, CA
- Dates: Nov 28th – Dec 28th [https://www.riverfoxtrain.com/]
- Cost: $70+/person
- Description: Hop on a magical train ride with Santa and his elves! Enjoy hot cocoa, Christmas cookies, and take home a souvenir mug.
Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus – Holiday Hits
- Location: SAFE Credit Union PAC
- Date: Saturday, Nov 29, 2025 [allevents.in]
- Cost: $97+/person
- Description: A lively holiday concert blending choral classics with humor, sparkle, and sass. Family-friendly vocals aimed at spreading joy and inclusive seasonal cheer.
Theatrical Productions & Concerts
- Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! – Stage One, Natomas | Nov 6–9 [sacramento…heater.com]
- Cost: Starts at $141
- Desc: A joyful Whoville stage musical, fun for kids and nostalgic for parents.
- A Christmas Carol (Musical) – Woodland Opera House | Nov 21–Dec 7 [sacramento…heater.com]
- Cost: Starts at $99/person
- Desc: Dickens’ classic holiday redemption tale with live actors—heartwarming and timeless.
- Straight No Chaser: Holiday Road – The Venue At Thunder Valley | Nov 21 [sacramento…heater.com]
- Cost: Starts at $74
- Desc: Acapella group performs holiday arrangements and pop hits—rhythmic, fun, and family-friendly.
Fab 40s Lights Tour (Sacramento Midtown)
- Location: Midtown Sacramento (Fab 40s neighborhood)
- Dates: Early – late December [visitsacramento.com]
- Cost: Free if you go by yourself. Paid tours available, e.g., Sac Brew Bike BYO snacks/drinks
- Description: Wander or pedal past some of Sacramento’s most festive homes decorated to dazzle. Group-friendly famines and holiday routes combine lights with laughter and local charm—perfect for family outings or gathering friends together.
12 Days of Midtown
- Location: Many venues across Midtown Sacramento
- Dates: Dec 1–12 [visitsacramento.com]
- Cost: Free, though some attractions may charge
- Description: A rotating sequence of holiday pop-ups, farmers’ markets, craft booths, and local performances across Midtown. Families can sample small bites, shop at unique vendors, and enjoy daily surprises throughout the season.
Folsom Tree Lighting & Festival
- Location: Folsom Historic District
- Date: Friday, December 5th – 6-9 p.m. [https://historicfolsom.org]
- Cost: Free
- Description: Annual tree lighting ceremony in Historic Folsom, featuring festive performances, ice skating shows, children’s activities, photo-ops with Santa, and more!
River District Community Extravaganza
- Location: 400 Pipevine Street, Sacramento
- Date: Friday, December 5th, 2025 [allevents.in]
- Cost: Free
- Description: A neighborhood-focused holiday night with tree lighting, crafts, food trucks, and kid-friendly activities. A close-knit feel for families to mingle, celebrate, and enjoy festive entertainment.
Sacramento Lighted Boat Parade
- Location: Sacramento Waterfront/Sacramento River
- Date: Saturday, December 6th – 5 p.m. [https://www.seecalifornia.com/christmas/boat-parades/sacramento.html]
- Cost: Free
- Description: Annual boat show with festively decorated boats, organized by Capital City Yacht Club. Grab your loved ones, a cup of hot chocolate, and enjoy holiday cheer by the water.
Sacramento Makers Market
- Location: DOCO
- Date: Saturday, December 6th, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. [https://www.sacramentopress.com]
- Cost: Free entry (vendor purchases optional)
- Description: A festive artisan market with local vendors, holiday decor, and boutique seasonal items. Kids and adults can craft, snack, shop, and enjoy the holiday flair in a creative environment.
Pictures with Santa
Illumination Holiday Festival – Elk Grove
- Location: District56, 8230 Civic Center Drive, Elk Grove
- Date: Saturday, Dec 6th, 2025 – 3 PM to 8 PM [exploreelkgrove.com]
- Cost: Free
- Description: Free festival featuring Santa photos, ice skating, food vendors, live entertainment, kids’ inflatables, and a Parade of Lights at 6 PM. Concludes with tree lighting and synthetic snowfall—a cheerful community holiday evening.
Holiday Craft Fair (Sacramento)
- Location: 6151 H Street, Sacramento
- Date: Saturday, December 6th, 2025 [allevents.in]
- Cost: Free entry; items for sale
- Description: Local artisans and crafters showcase holiday-themed handmade items. Families can shop for unique gifts, enjoy festive music, and involve kids in creating crafts or discovering small treasures.
Wreaths of Wonder – Craft Class
- Location: 425 11th Street, Sacramento
- Date: Saturday, December 6th, 2025 [allevents.in]
- Cost: $60/person
- Description: Gather to learn wreath-making in a creative, social atmosphere. Families (with older children) or friends can design organic wreaths with guidance while enjoying seasonal treats and ambiance.
Christmas Craft Fair
Christkindlmarkt – Sacramento Turnverein
- Location: Sacramento Turnverein, 3349 J St
- Date: Sunday, Dec 7th, 2025 – 11 AM to 5 PM [concerts50.com]
- Cost: $5 entry, purchases extra
- Description: A traditional German-style holiday market featuring local vendors, pastries, Nurnberg sausages, gluhwein, live music, and Saint Nikolaus. Family-focused cultural festivity blending food, crafts, and heritage.
District Holiday Ball – Elks Tower
- Location: Elks Tower, downtown Sacramento
- Date: Friday, December 12, 2025 [allevents.in]
- Cost: Approx. $200+
- Description: A formal, festive ballroom celebration with live music, dancing, food, and decorations. Families with teen children or relatives, plus adults, can enjoy a classic holiday gala experience.
5th Annual Christmas Bazaar
- Location: Rio Linda High School
- Date: Saturday, December 13th, 2025 – 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. [https://www.facebook.com/events/2940668106119308/]
- Cost: Free
- Description: Annual high school bazaar with over 80 local vendors, raffles, food, and crafts.
Sacramento Santa Parade
Holidays at Koobs (Koobs Nature Area)
- Location: Sac Nature Center area
- Date: Saturday, December 13th, 2025 – 12 PM to 3 PM [concerts50.com]
- Cost: Free
- Description: A family-friendly environment with ornament making, cookie decorating, live holiday music, and a visit from Santa. Nature-themed crafts and outdoor charm make it a low-key, joyful seasonal celebration.
Free Pictures with the Grinch
- Location: Harley Davidson of Sacramento (1000 Arden Way)
- Date: Saturday, December 13th, 2025 [https://allevents.in/sacramento/free-pictures-with-the-grinch/]
- Cost: Free
- Description: Meet and pose with the whimsical Grinch from Dr. Seuss. A fun holiday photo opportunity for kids—bring sweaters and smiles for memorable family décor and pictures.
Candlelight Holiday Special – The Nutcracker & More
- Location: California State Railroad Museum
- Date: Thursday, December 18, 2025 [allevents.in]
- Cost: Starts at $35/person
- Description: A candlelit musical evening featuring excerpts from The Nutcracker among other festive scores. A cozy, elegant seasonal showcase under historic train depot ambiance—ideal for all ages.
California State Capitol – Kwanzaa Unity Celebration
- Location: California State Capitol grounds
- Date: Wednesday, December 26th, 2025 [allevents.in]
- Cost: Free
- Description: Cultural celebration featuring Kwanzaa principles of community, unity, and heritage. Expect music, dance, drumming, storytelling, and family-friendly performances under holiday lights on the Capitol lawn.
🎄 Holiday-themed Bars
- The Snug (2718 J St)
- Butterscotch Den “Miracle on Broadway” (3406 Broadway)
- Jet’s Midtown (1226 20th St.)
- The Jungle Bird (2516 J St.)
- Trophy Club (630 K St #120)
- Tiger Restaurant & Lounge (722 K St.)
