Imaginarium’s Utopia, billed as Northern California’s largest holiday light festival, delayed its 2025 opening over an electrical issue, a Cal Expo spokesperson said. The annual attraction was set to return to Cal Expo starting Friday through Jan. 4, 2026. But the opening day was called off abruptly within an hour of gates being set to open. Cal Expo spokesperson Darla Givens cited “unforeseen circumstances” at the time and shared more information on Saturday. The delay was due to “damaged electrical panels that must be replaced before the event can open,” she said. “We are actively working to locate the appropriate replacement panels and will install them as soon as they are secured.”Imaginarium founder and creator Lulu Huang said in a statement that, “There are so many details that go into creating this magical moment for the holidays. We want to make sure everything is perfect for our guests.”There is no estimated opening date at this time, though organizers are hopeful the attraction can open by Thanksgiving. Those who already purchased tickets for opening weekend will receive an email with instructions on how to redeem replacement tickets for another date, Givens said. Imaginarium aims to transform the fairgrounds into a glowing wonderland powered by more than 15 million lights. The event previously faced an opening day delay in 2023 because of severe weather. This year’s edition debuts an expanded footprint and a new entrance at Cal Expo’s Main Gate at Exposition and Heritage, which was supposed to streamline access for the season’s crowds. KCRA 3 got a tour of the attraction on Friday morning. Visitors can stroll through illuminated tunnels, step into mirror rooms, glide across a covered ice rink, snap photos with Santa, and cap the night with carnival rides and festive food and drink along Food Court Row near the waterpark.Organizers say Utopia aims to be a “perfect holiday escape,” where families and couples can make new traditions in a setting designed for dazzling photos and spirited nights out. Imaginarium traces its roots to the team behind the first U.S. Chinese Lantern Festival at Great America in 2011. The concept evolved into Global Winter Wonderland, which opened at Cal Expo in 2014, and later into Imaginarium, which organizers say is the largest holiday light festival in the country. The brand now spans multiple locations across California and Arizona.Learn more about tickets here. See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
Imaginarium’s Utopia, billed as Northern California’s largest holiday light festival, delayed its 2025 opening over an electrical issue, a Cal Expo spokesperson said.
The annual attraction was set to return to Cal Expo starting Friday through Jan. 4, 2026. But the opening day was called off abruptly within an hour of gates being set to open.
Cal Expo spokesperson Darla Givens cited “unforeseen circumstances” at the time and shared more information on Saturday.
The delay was due to “damaged electrical panels that must be replaced before the event can open,” she said. “We are actively working to locate the appropriate replacement panels and will install them as soon as they are secured.”
Imaginarium founder and creator Lulu Huang said in a statement that, “There are so many details that go into creating this magical moment for the holidays. We want to make sure everything is perfect for our guests.”
There is no estimated opening date at this time, though organizers are hopeful the attraction can open by Thanksgiving.
Those who already purchased tickets for opening weekend will receive an email with instructions on how to redeem replacement tickets for another date, Givens said.
Imaginarium aims to transform the fairgrounds into a glowing wonderland powered by more than 15 million lights.
The event previously faced an opening day delay in 2023 because of severe weather.
This year’s edition debuts an expanded footprint and a new entrance at Cal Expo’s Main Gate at Exposition and Heritage, which was supposed to streamline access for the season’s crowds. KCRA 3 got a tour of the attraction on Friday morning.
Visitors can stroll through illuminated tunnels, step into mirror rooms, glide across a covered ice rink, snap photos with Santa, and cap the night with carnival rides and festive food and drink along Food Court Row near the waterpark.
Organizers say Utopia aims to be a “perfect holiday escape,” where families and couples can make new traditions in a setting designed for dazzling photos and spirited nights out.
Imaginarium traces its roots to the team behind the first U.S. Chinese Lantern Festival at Great America in 2011.
The concept evolved into Global Winter Wonderland, which opened at Cal Expo in 2014, and later into Imaginarium, which organizers say is the largest holiday light festival in the country.
The brand now spans multiple locations across California and Arizona.
Learn more about tickets here.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel