Holiday Events in Sacramento (2025 Guide)
Sacramento shines extra bright during the holidays. From waterfront light shows to cozy neighborhood traditions, the city comes alive with festive energy and community spirit. This guide rounds up the best holiday events in Sacramento, complete with dates, neighborhoods, and local favorites to make your season unforgettable.
Planning gifts while you’re out? Explore our local picks in the Sacramento Holiday Gift Guide or send instant Massage Gift Certificates.
Signature traditions (bookmark these first)
Theatre of Lights (Old Sacramento Waterfront)
The rooftop retelling of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas returns with dozens of performances between Nov 26–Dec 24. The Tree Lighting Ceremony is Wed, Nov 26, 2025, then shows continue Thursdays–Sundays (plus select extra dates). Free.
The Polar Express Train Ride
Hot chocolate, storybook characters, and a North Pole stop on a 1-hour ride operated by the California State Railroad Museum. Select dates late Nov–Dec; sells out fast.
Imaginarium at Cal Expo
A walk-through light spectacular with tunnels, interactive zones, ice bar, and rides. Nov 21, 2025–Jan 5, 2026 at Cal Expo.
Countdown on the Cobblestones (New Year’s Eve, Old Sacramento)
Family-friendly NYE with music and a 9 p.m. pyrotechnic light show; last year’s format returned, and this is the event to watch again for 2025.
Holiday light displays & illuminated nights
Dovewood Court (Orangevale)
Sacramento’s most famous cul-de-sac light show, going strong for 35+ years. Even the local paper spotlighted last year’s display; evenings in December. Free to walk/drive.
Fab 40s Neighborhood (East Sacramento)
A beloved DIY lights stroll between J St. and Folsom Blvd. Several local operators offer guided tours if you don’t want to drive. Free to roam.
Wild Nights & Holiday Lights (Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary)
12 evenings of zoo-wide lights, Dec 5–7, 11–14, & 18–22; timed-entry tickets required.
Theatre of Lights + Old Sac Tree
Even when you’re not at a showtime, the 60-ft SMUD Holiday Tree anchors nightly photos on the waterfront starting Nov 26.
Ice skating
Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink (Ali Youssefi Square)
Under the city lights Nov 6, 2025–Jan 19, 2026. 2025 pricing: $18 general, $11 ages 6 & under; family four-pack available.
Historic Folsom Ice Rink
Classic outdoor rink on the Sutter Street turntable; opens Nov 8, 2025, with fun themed skate days all month.
Skatetown Ice Arena (Roseville)
Indoor public sessions all season; holiday rates & schedules posted (with discounted daytime sessions and Saturday night “laser-lights” skate).
New: Downtown Roseville Ice Rink (Vernon Street Town Square)
First-ever downtown rink Dec 7, 2025–Jan 4, 2026; opening coverage from local outlets confirms dates and pricing.
Markets, fairs & shopping days
Crocker Holiday Artisan Market (Thanksgiving weekend)
Three days of museum-curated makers at the Scottish Rite Center, Nov 28–30, 2025.
Christkindlmarkt (Sacramento Turn Verein)
Sacramento’s traditional German market with food, music, and Christkind; early December (watch the Turn Verein and Visit Sacramento pages for the 2025 weekend).
Historic Folsom Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair
200+ artisans line Sutter Street; Sun, Dec 7, 2025.
Ben Ali Shriners Holiday Craft Fair
A long-running local favorite at the Scottish Rite Center; Sat, Dec 6, 2025 (free admission).
Christmas at 40 Acres (Oak Park)
Free family event at Underground Books & Guild Theater with Santa, crafts, hot cocoa; Sat, Dec 13, 2025.
Trains & special family experiences
The Polar Express
See “Signature traditions.”
Magical Christmas Train (River Fox Train, West Sacramento)
1-hour evening rides with cocoa, cookies, and carols throughout December.
Fairytale Town Winter Wonderland
Five glittering nights for little ones Dec 17–21, 2025 with crafts, lights, and festive characters.
Performances, concerts & festive nights out
Sacramento Ballet’s The Nutcracker
The city’s marquee ballet returns Dec 12–21, 2025 at SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center (with live Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera).
Candlelight Concerts (Holiday Specials)
Intimate, candlelit classical shows across several venues, including the Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker” (Dec 18, 2025; California State Railroad Museum) and Christmas Carols on Strings (Dec 20; First United Methodist).
Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus: Holiday Hits with a Splash of Sass!
Two shows on Sat, Nov 29, 2025 at SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center.
A Christmas Carol Cocktail Experience
Immersive, adults-only Dickensian romp Dec 6–7, 2025 at West Sacramento’s Black Box Theater.
Navidades! (Calidanza at The Sofia)
A vibrant celebration of Mexican Christmas traditions, Sat, Dec 6, 2025.
A Very Sinatra (and more holiday revues)
Seasonal crooner nights and swing-era revues pop up downtown; watch The Citizen Hotel/Crest calendars (e.g., A Very Sinatra Christmas Special).
Santa sightings, parades & tree lightings
Old Sacramento Waterfront Tree Lighting
Wed, Nov 26, 2025 kicks off the season; the first Theatre of Lights show follows.
Elk Grove Illumination Holiday Festival
Parade, tree lighting, and “holiday lane” displays Sat, Dec 6, 2025.
Fair Oaks: Christmas in the Village & Tree Lighting
Old-fashioned community Christmas with carols, vendors, and lights Sat, Dec 6, 2025.
Rancho Cordova Tree Lighting
Kickoff celebration Sun, Dec 7, 2025 at Village Green Park.
Carmichael: The Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
Free community tree lighting at the County DHA campus Sat, Dec 6, 2025.
D1 Winter Wonderland (North Natomas Regional Park)
Your note is spot-on: free community day Sun, Dec 14, 2025, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. with Santa, ice skating, games, and vendors.
Hanukkah & Kwanzaa Celebrations
Public Menorah Lightings (Hanukkah)
Chabad hosts community lightings each December around the region, including a Capitol menorah lighting most years; 2025 announcements will post closer to Hanukkah (which begins the evening of Sun, Dec 14, 2025).
Kwanzaa in Sacramento
The Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum and partners typically host Kwanzaa programs between Dec 26–Jan 1; watch their feeds for the 2025 schedule.
Quick planner: what to book early
Ticketed lights & trains: Imaginarium, Polar Express, Magical Christmas Train, Wild Nights (timed entry).
tickets.eventhub.net | Facebook | californiarailroad.museum
Performances: The Nutcracker, Candlelight, SGMC holiday show, Calidanza’s Navidades! sell quickly.
The Sofia — Home of B Street | Sacramento Ballet | Sacramento365
Skating: Downtown Sac & Folsom rinks open in early November; weekends and theme nights fill up.
Need a break between events? Unwind with a calm, unhurried session in Midtown.
FAQ
Where can I see Christmas lights in Sacramento?
Start with Old Sacramento’s Theatre of Lights and the Cal Expo Imaginarium. Neighborhood favorites include East Sac’s Fab 40s and Orangevale’s Dovewood Court—free to stroll/drive.
When does the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink open?
The 2025–26 season runs Nov 6, 2025–Jan 19, 2026 at Ali Youssefi Square (7th & K). Check the official site for hours and theme nights.
Is Polar Express running in 2025?
Yes—select dates in late November and December. Book early; it sells out fast.
When is the Nutcracker in Sacramento?
Dec 12–21, 2025 at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center (Sacramento Ballet).
