by Noella Noelophile®
Old Sacramento Waterfront’s 60-foot-tall fir tree goes in place, November 6, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Traci Rockefeller Cusack.)
The transformation is happening.
In just six more days, Old Sacramento Waterfront will become a holiday village!
Red bows will adorn every lamppost. Every building in the district will be decked out in garlands and LED lights. Storefronts in the area will sport their own individual decorations.
(Photo courtesy of Downtown Sacramento.)
Light shows, themed bar crawls, pedestrian-friendly streets and lots of great shopping for unique gifts, from local independent businesses, will all be a part of Christmastime in Old Sacramento.
And the star of the show will be the 60-foot-tall fir tree, with almost 26,000 lights.
At 5:00 on Wednesday evening, November 22nd, the Holiday Tree Lighting program begins. Talented local performers, like the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus, will welcome the season.
Then, at 6:00 pm, the switch gets thrown…
(Photo courtesy of Julian Martinez, Downtown Sacramento.)
…this is going to be absolutely gorgeous.
But don’t go away, once the lights go on.
Immediately following the grand tree lighting, will be the first performance of a landmark season for Theatre of Lights!
2023 marks the 15th anniversary of this beloved Sacramento tradition. Created by Stage Nine Exhibitions’ Troy Carlson and voiced by Emmy-nominated voice actor Bill Farmer, this free and family-friendly immersive performance takes place on the balconies of Old Sacramento Waterfront.
(Photo courtesy of Julian Martinez, Downtown Sacramento.)
While Theatre of Lights is a reading of Clement Clarke Moore’s “The Night Before Christmas”, it’s also a uniquely-Californian celebration. Elements of California history, exploring the stories of pioneers in the new city of Sacramento in the 1850s, are woven into a live-action light show.
So, of course, is an appearance by a certain red-suited gentleman.
(Photo courtesy of Julian Martinez, Downtown Sacramento.)
As well as a villain, who challenges St. Nick in this approximately 20-minute performance.
Can’t get to Sacramento next Wednesday? You’ll still have time to enjoy Theatre of Lights during the Christmas season. Two shows are scheduled nightly, Thursdays through Sundays, at 6 and 7:30 pm from Thanksgiving Eve to December 30th.
(Photo courtesy of Julian Martinez, Downtown Sacramento.)
And while you’re in Old Town Sacramento, take time to enjoy the festive atmosphere of a holiday village.
Roaming carolers will serenade visitors on Fridays, while live music performances are scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays, from 11 am to 5 pm.
More than 50 independently-owned local businesses await your shopping pleasure. On Small Business Saturday, November 25th, Old Sacramento Waterfront will launch official gift guides to give you some ideas for everyone on your list while supporting Sacramento businesses. (Don’t forget to stop in and say “Happy 15th” to Troy Carlson, at Stage Nine Entertainment! Here’s the link to his 2021 interview about creating Theatre of Lights.)
(Photo courtesy of Downtown Sacramento.)
Just to tempt you further, Old Sacramento Waterfront will also host a pop-up holiday market, courtesy of Peachy Pop-Ups, on Front Street every Friday through Sunday, starting Friday, November 24th and ending Sunday, December 31. You’ll find artisan goods and art from 5 to 9 p.m. on Fridays, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 8 p.m.
Would you like one more incentive? Here it is: a car-free area for weekend shopping!
From November 25th through December 30th, Front and K Streets will be closed to vehicles on Saturdays and Sundays, creating a pedestrian-friendly area.
Merry Christmas to all, in Old Sacramento and otherwise, and to all…have a great time celebrating!