Arts & Culture, Family, Nightlife

Head Downtown for the Holidays!

Frankie Wenson

The dishes are done, the leftovers have been eaten and the relatives have all gone home. Thanksgiving has come and gone and we all know what that means…it is now socially acceptable to play Christmas music all day, every day until December 26th! If you are looking for ways to make this winter season merry and bright then head downtown for the holidays and experience all the festivities we have to offer.

Yule love our guide for how to plan your month in #DowntownSac this holiday season!

Theatre of Lights
Now -December 24th
Old Sacramento Waterfront

Theatre of Lights is a free holiday lighting extravaganza at the Old Sacramento Waterfront with nightly performances now through Christmas Eve (Thurs-Sun) features a live-action retelling of Moore’s 1823 poem — “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” more popularly known as “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” The highlight of the 20-minute production is a live dramatization on the balconies above K Street, complete with a special appearance by Jack Frost, and the lighting of the 60-foot Christmas tree by St. Nick himself.

Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
Now – January 20th
7th and K Streets

The Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink has been a seasonal landmark on The Kay for over 25 years, providing a playful escape into a winter wonderland for kids and adults alike. The City of Sacramento established the rink back in 1991 and soon after the Downtown Sacramento Partnership assumed operation and management of the rink with the goal of creating a signature holiday experience for the region. Come out and experience the treasured holiday destination for outdoor skating and a launching pad for exploring the ever-booming central city.

Tiger Miracle Pop-Up
Now-December 31st
722 K Street

Are you ready for your festive photo-op!? Tiger Bar & Restaurant is one of the few locations in Northern California to be a part of the Miracle Christmas Cocktail Pop-Up Bar. When you walk downstairs of the bar you will see lights decorated from celling to floor with digital fireplaces, garland and even a twerking Santa! The pop-up has 13 different festive craft cocktails with unique glassware to make your drink over the top. Make sure to head over to get your fix of all things holiday and make sure to wear your best ugly sweater and take your photo to make all your friends jealous that you have a winter wonderland right here in #DowntownSac!

Holiday Movies at The Crest Theatre
Now – December 24
1013 K Street

Some of your favorite holiday classics are coming back to the big screen this holiday season! The Crest Theatre will be playing holiday movies throughout the month of December and will make you feel all kinds of nostalgia making you remember the first time you ever saw these holiday movies. Check days and time to see if one of your favorites will be playing!

Sacramento Ballet’s the Nutcracker
December 12 – 22
1515 J Street

The most beloved of all Sacramento traditions, The Nutcracker is the “crown jewel” of holiday entertainment. Clara’s fearless battle with the Mouse King, the soaring Magic Balloon, the sparkling Snowflake Forest, the delicious Kingdom of the Sweets, and the radiant elegance of the Sugar Plum Fairy have been creating cherished family memories for three decades.

Torch Club Holiday Party
December 16th
904 15th Street

Celebrate the holidays at The Torch Club! Come out and listen to some great holiday music from Bill Mylar & Friends and eat some tasty treats. They are even collecting items to help make Christmas merry and bright for kids who have been affected by the Camp Fires. Here are a few of the items that will be accepted:

  • New (unwrapped) toys
  • Backpacks
  • Gift Cards

Sacramento Santa Run
December 21st
California State Capitol

 The Sacramento Santa Run brings a day of fun for the whole family with a 5k Run/Walk and Merry Mile, and a festive finish at DOCO with cookies, milk, music, and snow. All participants are encouraged to dress up as Santa Claus (one Santa suit is provided per registration entry) or one of your favorite holiday characters or traditions. Costume ideas include Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, reindeer, elves, dreidels, menorahs, ornaments, trees, and candlesticks.

Holiday on the Steps
December 21st
California State Capitol

Spread holiday cheer on the steps of the California State Capitol with Dance on the Edge! They will be hosting an outdoor Latin dance night for the community to come out in their coziest sweaters and bring their holiday spirits and get ready to dance on the steps of the Capitol with friends and family.

There you have it! We just planned your whole month of December that will be filled with fun, laughs and holiday cheer.