🦃 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.)