15 Things to Do in Sacramento this December 2018
From horse-drawn hayrides, charity events, classic films, wreath-making classes, and other holiday events, check out the fantastic things Sacramento has to offer for the month of December!
#1 THE FAB FORTIES
When: First Weekend after Thanksgiving – Weekend following Christmas (Nov. 24th – Dec. 31st)
Where: 40th-49th St, between J Street and Folsom Blvd.
Time & Cost: Free!
It’s a well-known Christmas tradition to walk the blocks of the Fab 40’s beautifully adorned houses. Through the streets, you’ll find carolers out in force, friendly conversations, and perhaps an offering of warm cider. Dress warmly and pack up some hot cocoa for a treat. Plan ahead for a horse-drawn hayride or take the Sac Brew bike tour to see the lights and get a little buzzed. But be quick, these attractions book up early!
#2 NEVADA CITY VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS
When: Sundays Dec. 9th, 16th, & 23rd from 1:30 – 6 pm, Wednesdays Dec. 12th & 19th from 5 – 9 pm
Where: To the Shuttle: Nevada County Government Center, 950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City CA 95959.
Cost: Event is free. But…. Get the shuttle. Don’t fret over parking.
- Shuttle costs $5 for adults and children 15 and over. Children under 15 ride free.
- Return journeys are free for all.
- Shuttle hours are 4:30 – 9:30 pm Wednesdays and noon – 6:30 pm Sundays.
We personally love roasting chestnuts, enjoying freshly made sausages, and checking out unique stores like Kitkitdizzi and don’t forget a pick-me-up at The Curly Wolf.
For the full list of entertainment Nevada City has to offer on Victorian Christmas, click here.
#3 ATL 94.7 ELECTRIC CHRISTMAS 2018
When: Dec. 6th, 2018
Where: Golden 1 Center, Downtown Sacramento.
Time: Doors: 6 pm, Show: 7 pm
Cost: Starts at $30. Buy tickets here.
We think the music sings speaks for its self.
#4 THE NUTCRACKER WITH THE SACRAMENTO BALLET
When: Dec. 14th – 23rd, 2018
Where: Sacramento Community Center Theater
Time: Varies, View schedule here.
Cost: $35 – $90
Amy Seiwert’s new take on this Sacramento tradition. Marie is a heroine for our times, adventurous, loving, and kind. Join Marie and her Nutcracker Prince as they travel through the Land of the Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets. Featuring the Sacramento Philharmonic at select performances. – via Sacballet.org
#5 THE SACRAMENTO SANTA RUN
When: Dec. 15th, 2018
Where: California State Capitol, 1315 10th St, Sacramento, CA 95814
Time: 9 am for 5k Race Start, Merry Mile starts after 5k, 10:30 am for the Awards Ceremony
Cost: $30 – $45
Seven Seas Industries specializes in helping Non-Profits raise millions of dollars at 5k, 10k, Half Marathons, Triathlons, and Paddle Races. We started the Sacramento Santa Run in our home area to bring participants together for a fantastic holiday gathering. – via SacramentoSantaRun.com
#6 HOLIDAY FILMS AT THE CREST
Film: Miracle on 34th Street
In this Christmas classic, an old man going by the name of Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) fills in for an intoxicated Santa in Macy’s annual Thanksgiving Day parade. Kringle proves to be such a hit that he is soon appearing regularly at the chain’s main store in midtown Manhattan. When Kringle surprises customers and employees alike by claiming that he really is Santa Claus, it leads to a court case to determine his mental health and, more importantly, his authenticity.
When: Dec. 15th, 2018
Where: Crest Theatre
Time: Doors: 6:30 pm, Show: 7:30 pm
Cost: $7.50 – $9.50
Film: Love Actually
Nine intertwined stories examine the complexities of the one emotion that connects us all: love. Among the characters explored are David (Hugh Grant), the handsome newly elected British prime minister who falls for a young junior staffer (Martine McCutcheon), Sarah (Laura Linney), a graphic designer whose devotion to her mentally ill brother complicates her love life, and Harry (Alan Rickman), a married man tempted by his attractive new secretary.
When: Dec. 21st, 2018
Where: Crest Theatre
Time: Doors: 6:30 pm, Show: 7:30 pm
Cost: $7.50 – $9.50
#7 THE CROCKER BALL 2018
When: Dec. 1st, 2018
Where: Crocker Art Museum
Time: 6 pm – midnight
Cost: $$$, Patron tickets start at $1,500.
Okay, okay. So it ain’t cheap. But it is the night of a lifetime and a great cause. So if you’re feeling spendy and want to live like a pop star, you may want to consider buying a ticket!
#8 SACRED HEART HOLIDAY HOME TOUR 2018
When: Nov. 30th, 12 pm – 8 pm, Dec. 1st, 10 am to 7 pm, Dec. 2nd, 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Varies
Cost: $35, Find tickets here.
Talented local designers work around the clock to sprinkle magical holiday spirit throughout five East Sacramento homes.
#9 HOLIDAY CLASSES WITH THE SACRAMENTO NATURAL FOODS CO-OP
Class: Succulent Wreath Workshop
Discover how to make beautiful succulent wreaths while making your own to take home. You will learn how to prepare cuttings, how to care for your wreath to keep it beautiful year after year and how to use different design principles to create a wreath that can be hung up or used as a holiday centerpiece.
When: Dec. 5th, 2018
Where: Soil Born Farms’ American River Ranch Schoolhouse
Time: 6 pm
Cost: $25 + Material Fee, Find tickets here.
Class: Tamales For the Holidays
Tamales are a holiday tradition in many Latin cultures, where everyone gathers for a tamale-making party. Chef Adam will lead our tamalada as we learn to make homemade masa, then we’ll prepare a dozen green chili and pepper jack cheese tamales; fire-roasted salsa and avocado crema.
When: Dec. 18th, 2018
Where: Co-op Cooking School & Community Learning Center, on the second floor
Time: 6 pm
Cost: $50, Find tickets here.
#10 DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO ICE RINK
When: Nov. 2nd, 2018 – Jan. 21st, 2019
Where: 701 K St, Downtown Sac
Time: Varies, Find the schedule here.
Cost: $15 during peak, $13 regular, $6 kids 6 and under.
A magical holiday tradition, a must for December!
#11 PJ PARTY CHRISTMAS EVE @ THE SAC ZOO
When: Dec. 24th, 2018
Where: Land Park Drive & 16th Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95822
Time: 9 am – 1:30 pm
Cost: Free!
Bring the family to the Sacramento Zoo for the most comfortable Christmas tradition and you don’t even have to change out of your pajamas! From 9 am to 1:30 pm, zoo admission is free for the whole family. Wear your best PJs and spend your holidays with the animals at the Sacramento Zoo. – via SacZoo.org
#12 THEATRE OF LIGHTS
When: Nov. 21st – Dec. 24th, 2018
Where: Old Sacramento Waterfront
Time: Varies, Find the schedule here.
Cost: Free!
Visitors in Old Sacramento Waterfront can view the production from the center of K Street as the story is performed from the balconies of the buildings around them. Discover how early pioneers experienced the calamities — and revelry — that befell the new city in the 1850s, the sounds of the fires, floods and parties will surround the audience as the 150-year-old building facades light up with color. – via Sacramento365.com
#13 GLOBAL WINTER WONDERLAND
When: Nov. 23rd – Jan. 6th, 2018
Where: Cal Expo
Time: Varies, but generally 4:30 pm – 11 pm
Cost: General Admission Adult $19, Find tickets here.
The famous Winter Wonderland is back and as bright as ever. This family-friendly event is great for all.
#14 A CHRISTMAS CAROL
When: Nov. 28th – Dec. 27th, 2018
Where: The Sofia, Home of B St
Time: Varies
Cost: Children $18, Adults $23
The return of this hilarious adaptation of Dickens’ classic story, Ebenezer Scrooge has had enough of his yearly redemption and does everything he can to bust out of it. All the familiar characters are present as he fights his way through the night, providing fodder for his disdain but also pushing him, reluctantly, to his absolution.
*Recommended for all ages!
*Please be advised, only children 5 years and up are permitted in the theatre. – via bstreettheatre.org
#15 SACRAMENTO ANTIQUE FAIR
When: Dec. 9th, 2018
Where: 21st between X & W
Time: 6:30 am – 3 pm
Cost: $3, Age 16 and under attend FREE
The fair is a great place to pick up those one-of-a-kind holiday antiques and Christmas presents. Treat yourself to a coffee and hand pie at Camellia (open at 7 am) then head on over early to get the best picks!
With my love of all things design and food, it was only natural for me to start a blog. I want to share with others my adventures as I travel, eat, read, photograph, and discover my way through Sacramento. As a Realtor, it’s important to me to know what’s happening in my community. And why not share that with you?