by Noella Noelophile®
(Photo courtesy of Downtown Sacramento Partnership/Natalie Dolan.)
It’s almost time.
Just a little over twenty-four hours from now, Old Sacramento Waterfront’s giant Christmas tree will blaze to life, with 24,000 lights.
A time-honored immersive performance will welcome the festive season, while celebrating California history.
Some new activities will engage shoppers’ imagination.
Oh–and did I mention, there’s ice skating, too? That’s going on right now!
Here are the specifics.
(Photo courtesy of Downtown Sacramento Partnership/Natalie Dolan.)
The return of a holiday tradition
Tomorrow evening, Wednesday, November 26th, at 5:30, talented community groups will offer a short entertainment program, to kick off the Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Prepare to “ooh” and “aah” at 6 pm, at the conclusion of the program, as the switch gets thrown to light the 60-foot tree.
And shortly thereafter, the uniquely Sacramento “Theatre of Lights” performance begins its 2025 season.
(Photo courtesy of Downtown Sacramento Partnership/Natalie Dolan.)
Now in its 17th year, Theatre of Lights is a free, family-friendly light show, staged on the balconies of Old Sacramento Waterfront.
Narrated by Disney voice legend Bill Farmer, and created by Stage Nine Exhibitions’ Troy Carlson, Theatre of Lights blends the retelling of Clement Clark Moore’s “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” with stories from Sacramento’s history. The performance, which runs for approximately 20 minutes, is an entertaining immersive presentation that’s become a beloved community tradition.
(Photo courtesy of Downtown Sacramento Partnership/Natalie Dolan.)
(And if you can’t make it tomorrow evening, Theatre of Lights runs weekends through December 21st, with two performance each on Fridays and Saturdays. For increased accessibility, an American Sign Language interpreter will be onsite on Saturday evenings. This year, a special Sunday show has been added, and there will be two special show dates on Tuesday, December 23rd, and Wednesday, December 24th. Here’s the link for times and details.)
Meanwhile, for shopping, some new activities have been added.
(Photo courtesy of Downtown Sacramento Partnership/Natalie Dolan.)
New this year
Visitors this year can support the area’s more-than-150 small businesses in a new way: the Old Sacramento Waterfront Holiday Bingo Card!
Collect stickers for the card by shopping, dining or exploring the attractions in the area. Then, turn in the completed card for a chance to win prizes–including a family four-pack of tickets to The Polar Express Train Ride for 2026!
In addition–and with a decided 21st-century festive slant–guests this year can embark on a “North Pole Safari”.
Following two themed routes–The Workshop Route of The Winterwood Route–you’ll scan QR codes at each trail marker. The codes will reveal 3D artifacts and their owners in augmented reality! If you collect all five artifacts on either route, you’ll earn a prize. Complete both routes, and you’ll become an official North Pole Explorer, with bonus digital gifts.
(Photo courtesy of Downtown Sacramento Partnership, and used with permission.)
Sacramento on ice
And, last but never least–the skating.
Just a short distance from Old Sacramento Waterfront is the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink.
And it’s open for business–or rather, for a festive skate–day or night.
The rink, open from now through Monday, January 19th, is open from 2 pm to 9 pm on weekdays, and weekends from 10 am to 10 pm. (Please note: it’s closed on Mondays.)
Here’s the link for their hours and more information, including their upcoming special events!
A joyous, and festive season to you–“and to all, a”…great time celebrating California Christmas in Sacramento!
Old Sacramento Waterfront’s annual “Holiday Tree Lighting” program begins at 5:30, Wednesday evening, November 26th, at Front and K Streets. Tree lighting is scheduled for 6:00 pm, with a performance of “Theatre of Lights” immediately afterwards. Plan to arrive early–this is a popular program! Here’s the link for parking information.