Sacramento Holiday Events For You And Your Family!

Mark your calendars - Sacramento is gearing up for the holidays! There's plenty of fun stuff happening this season - and the radio stations of iHeart Radio Sacramento want to make sure you and your family don't miss anything! Browse our list of local holiday events for the entire family - from ice skating and Christmas markets to concerts and photos with Santa. 

And if that's not enough to get you into the holiday spirit: 92.5 The Breeze is the home of Sacramento's Christmas Favorites. We're playing 100% holiday music all season long! Listen at https://www.925TheBreeze.com/listen

🎄 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. 

 

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. 

 

Theatrical Productions & Concerts 

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. 

 

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.) 

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