(Last UPDATED 11/12/2020) Description of a variety of fun and entertaining things to do in Sacramento during the holiday season. You are sure to find something that will get you in the holiday mood!
Note: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the cancellation this year of a number of holiday events including the Downtown Ice Skating Rink, Old Sacramento Theatre of Lights, holiday musical performances and holiday shows.
New this year – a 65-foot Ferris Wheel on the waterfront! Details below.
Original Post (updated)
The Holiday Season in Sacramento is upon us. Lucky for Sacramentans we have lots of choices of things to do to help get us in the holiday mood.
There have been some years in the past where it took an effort for me to get into the holiday spirit. If decorating the tree did not work, then baking special holiday cookies usually did the trick. I am sure that some of you have had the same difficulty from time to time.
SacramentoRevealed.com – All Things Sacramento (from a personal perspective)
Consider the following if you need some help getting into the right “holiday” frame of mind:
State Capitol Tree Lighting. In early December each year the Governor and First Lady (or First Partner in the case of Jennifer Siebel Newsom, spouse of Governor Gavin Newsom) host the Annual Tree Lighting on the West Steps of the State Capitol. Even if you miss the event you can stop by and admire the tree with the State Capitol Building in the background. It is always a beautiful sight – especially at night.
Downtown Ice Skating Rink. The Downtown Ice Skating Rink at 7th & K Streets in downtown Sacramento is open starting on November 1, 2019 through January, 20, 2020. Last year the rink was upgraded and enlarged to 6,800 square feet! ($) If ice skating is not for you – I find that watching others skate (especially the children) can be entertaining and fun. Check days/times.
Old Sacramento Waterfront Christmas tree. Stop by and admire the Old Sacramento Christmas Tree at K Street between Front and Second Streets while you shop for gifts in Old Sacramento. The tree this year is a 62-foot white fir. The tree lighting ceremony will take place on November 27 (the day before Thanksgiving) at 6:00 p.m.
Old Sacramento Waterfront Ferris Wheel. Open for 5 minute rides rain or shine through January 31, 2021, the 65-foot Ferris Wheel is located in front of Rio City Cafe. Riders must maintain an appropriate distance from others when in line, wear masks, and occupy the four-seat cabin only with other household members. $6 per person. Monday – Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Friday – Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Old Sacramento Theatre of Lights. The Theatre of Lights show features a live-action retelling of the poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas” (aka “The Night Before Christmas”), by Clement Clarke Moore. Shows will take place at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. every Thursday starting the Sunday after Thanksgiving up through December 24 (only 6:00 p.m. showing on Christmas Eve) . Free.
Holiday Music
State Capitol Holiday Music Program. Starting in late November, and running daily until a day or two before December 25, a variety of holiday musical performances take place in the rotunda of the State Capitol Building. The acoustics are fantastic! Free. Check days/times.
A variety of Sacramento organizations feature holiday musical offerings each year. Check out the following organizations to see what they have on tap:
Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra
The Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus
Holiday Shows
Each year local theaters offer up holiday-themed shows. Check out the following to see what is onstage during this holiday season:
The Nutcracker. The annual Sacramento Ballet production of The Nutcracker is performed each year in December. ($) Check days/times.
Bonus – Free Parking. Parking at meters in much of downtown, midtown and Old Sacramento is free after 4:30 on weekdays and all day on weekends. The free meter zone is from I Street to L Street and from Front Street in Old Sacramento to 29th Street.
Comments on The Holiday Season in Sacramento?
What other activities would you suggest for someone who needs a little help getting into the holiday spirit?
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