Christmas! The most wonderful holiday season of the year. For two millennia, people all across the world have observed it through religious and secular customs and practices. Christmas is spending more time with family, being grateful and loving, sharing, and making others happy. Christmas offers a variety of one-of-a-kind seasonal experiences that are not available at any other time of year.
Christmas is one of the finest times of year in any city, and Sacramento is no exception! If you are visiting family or going on a day trip in the Sacramento area, or if you live in the Sacramento area, you should not miss out on all the fun this Christmas! The shops and family homes alike are decked out in holiday lights, welcoming in the holiday season in Sacramento!
This is your guide to Sacramento Christmas festivities. We will present some of the best Christmas events in the Sacramento metro to help you decide where to take your family for the holidays.
#1 The Polar Express Train Ride
Have you ever heard of the Polar Express? Indeed, it is a train to the North Pole that serves hot chocolate. One of the most popular Sacramento Christmas events is the Polar Express. The kids will love meeting movie characters while enjoying hot chocolate. They will also have the opportunity to see Santa and receive their own silver sleigh bell. When pulling into the station at the California State Railroad Museum on the return trip, everyone joins in and sings Christmas carols.
The Polar Express Train Ride in Sacramento comprises seven distinct cars drawn by historic engines from the inventory of the California State Railroad Museum. The excitement and amazement of THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride will be felt equally by everyone in each car.
Departure Dates and Times
All departures will leave from the Central Pacific Passenger Station on Sacramento’s Old Sacramento Waterfront.
25 November – 21 December 2022
Wednesday through Sunday
3:30, 5:00, 6:30, and 8:00 p.m.
#2 The Museum of Wonder and Delight
Taking your child to the Museum is one of the best approaches to educating them in a fun way. So, why not pay a visit to the museum during the Christmas season? Visit the Museum of Wonder and Delight with your family. The Folsom Historical Society was created in 1960 by local people as a non-profit educational organization with the purpose of preserving, protecting, and promoting Folsom’s history. This Folsom Historical Society museum houses an incredible collection of Professor Dolph Gotelli’s Christmas characters, vintage toys, and international folk art.
The Museum of Wonder & Delight features three distinct gallery experiences with fanciful settings that appeal to people of all ages – Once Upon a Time, Christmas Dreams, and an ever-changing space presenting thematic exhibitions – as well as an absolutely unique gift shop.
The Christmas Dreams exhibition extends on Dolph Gotelli’s record-breaking An Enchanted Christmas exhibit, which debuted at the Folsom History Museum in 2009. It certainly is for folks of all ages who enjoy Christmas wishes.
DATE & LOCATION
They are on the ground floor of the parking garage at Reading and Leidesdorff Streets, facing Sutter Street in Historic Folsom.
For exact days and times, check their schedule.
#3 Theater of lights
Have you seen the light shows? It is a type of entertainment that primarily consists of continually changing patterns of light and color, which are generally accompanied by music and sound effects. It is without a doubt one of the most enjoyable ways to spend the day with lighting and music.
Every year, a spectacular light show takes place in our own Sacramento. It’s known as the Theater of Lights. The Old Sacramento Waterfront is hosting a free Christmas lighting extravaganza. The performance is sponsored by the Downtown Sacramento Partnership’s Old Sacramento Waterfront Department in collaboration with the Downtown Sacramento Foundation.
Theater of Lights brings together some of California’s most talented light and sound artists. You can listen to some of the most iconic songs and music from California. One of the most fascinating aspects of the events is that you will be shown how your early leaders dealt with the disasters and revelry that befell the budding city in the 1850s.
As the 150-year-old building facades light up with color, the audience will be surrounded by the sounds of fires, floods, and celebrations.
Seasons Schedule:
November 23rd – December 24th Wed., Nov. 23rd, 5 p.m. Following the pre-show performances, there will be a Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m., followed by the first Theater of Lights Show at 6:30 p.m.
#4 The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker by the Sacramento Ballet is the ideal way to get into the holiday mood! The Nutcracker is one of the country’s favorite Christmas festivities, as well as one of the world’s most performed ballets, with productions held each Christmas in London, New York City, and Sacramento!
With this brand-new adaptation of The Nutcracker, Sacramento Ballet creates an entirely new holiday spectacle. This timeless classic follows Clara, a young girl who receives a nutcracker doll from her enigmatic godfather. Clara’s nutcracker comes to life on Christmas Eve and takes her on a fantastic adventure to the Land of Sweets. They meet a variety of fascinating characters along the route, including the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Mouse King. An evening spent watching your local ballet company perform this lovely Holiday classic is the ideal way to celebrate Christmas with the whole family!
Location: Folsom Lake College, 10 College Pkwy, Folsom, CA 95630
DATES: Opening night: 10 December 2022
#5 Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
Spending time with family is one of the nicest parts of the holiday season. And what better way to do so than to go ice skating together? The Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink is the ideal place to have some festive fun. The rink, which is surrounded by glittering lights and festive decorations, is guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. And, with a heated lounge area, you can warm up with some hot cocoa in between skate sessions. The Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink is fun for the whole family, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skater. So, this Christmas, make some long-lasting memories by taking your family to the ice rink!
LOCATION:
7th and K Streets, Ali Youssefi Square
DATES & HOURS:
November 9, 2022, until January 16, 2023
Tuesday through Thursday, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday through Sunday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Conclusion
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. If you’re looking for festive events to get into the Christmas spirit, look no further than Sacramento. Our top 5 list of Christmas events have something for everyone. From the Polar Express™ Train Ride to the theater of lights, we guarantee you won’t be disappointed. So gather your loved ones and head on out to enjoy all that Sacramento has to offer this holiday season!
