Get into the spirit of the season with these holiday events
NOV. 21 | WEDNESDAY
HARVEST FESTIVAL – Find unique hand-made gifts at the Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show. Hundreds of artists will sell their glassware, ceramics, jewelry, clothing, specialty foods and more.
When: Nov. 21 and 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Cal Expo Pavilion, 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sac. (Enter East Gate.)
Cost: $9 adults/$7 seniors (62+)/$4 youth (13-17)/free kids 12 and younger with paid admission. Buy tickets online. Parking is $8.
More info:(415) 447-3205 or visit harvestfestival.com
NOV. 26 | WEDNESDAY
HERITAGE HOLIDAY – TREE LIGHTING – If you’re not in the mood yet to deck the halls, then head on over to Heritage Holiday, as the the historic streets of Old Sacramento will be decked with boughs of holly from Nov. 26 to Dec. 31. The festivities will begin on Nov. 26 with an evening ceremony of lighting a 50-foot tree. Other Heritage Holiday events will be included throughout this calendar. Before the tree lighting, enjoy entertainment provided by performances by the cast of Forever Plaid and The Sactones.
When: Nov. 26, 5 p.m. entertainment begins, 6 p.m. tree lighting
Where: Corner of Front and K streets, Old Sac.
Cost: Free
More info:(916) 442-7644
NOV. 27 | THURSDAY
CHRISTMAS TREE LOT – Find the perfect Noble Fir, Douglas Fir or Grand Fir Christmas tree at the huge tree lot at Cal Expo. Lamb’s Christmas Trees of Oregon provide the trees.
When: Nov. 27 to Dec. 24, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Cal Expo Lot A, 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sac. (Enter Lot B.)
Cost: Free admission and parking. Trees start at $19.95.
More info:(541) 891-2551
NOV. 28 | FRIDAY
DOWNTOWN PLAZA LIGHTING – Join shoppers, local celebrities and Santa at Westfield Downtown Plaza for its 28th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Live entertainment is also scheduled.
When: Nov. 28, 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Westfield Downtown Plaza, 547 L St., Sac.
Cost: Free
More info:(916) 442-4000
TRAIN TIME FOR SANTA – Grab the kids and the rest of the family and take a train ride with Santa at the California State Railroad Museum. While you are there, visit the model train and toy train layout displays.
When: Nov. 28 to 30. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: California State Railroad Museum, corner of I and 2nd streets, Old Sac.
Cost: $8 adults, $3 kids (6-17), free kids 5 and younger
More info:(916) 323-9280
HOLIDAY ART AND CRAFT FESTIVAL – The Crocker Art Museum will host a three-day Holiday Art and Craft Festival featuring unique items – from jewelry to paintings to ceramics - from more than 100 regional artists.
When: Nov. 28 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Scottish Rite Center, 6151 H St. Sac.
Cost: Free for members. $5 adults/$3 children. Free parking.
More info:crockerartmuseum.org
NOV. 29 | SATURDAY
CHRISTMAS PARADE – Stake out your spot for the 26th Annual Santa Parade in downtown Sacramento.
When: Nov. 29, 9 a.m.
Where: The parade route begins at the corner of 8th and I streets, then along L Street and finishes at 7th Street at the Westfield Downtown Plaza.
Cost: Free
CHRISTMAS TRAIN – All aboard the Sacramento RiverTrain for its annual holiday journey. So don your pajamas, grab a mug of hot chocolate and a cookie as you encounter musicians, elves and Santa.
When: Nov. 29 and 30, Dec. 3, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 15-23
Where: Sacramento RiverTrain Woodland boarding area
Cost: $31 adults/$24 kids
More info:(800) 866-1690
DEC. 4 | THURSDAY
POLAR EXPRESS – The Polar Express at the California State Railroad Museum is sold out.
STORYTIME WITH MRS. CLAUS – Curl up with a mug of hot chocolate or apple cider and cozy up with Mrs. Claus who will be at Streamers for the first three weekends in December for festive storytime.
When: Dec. 4 to 7, Dec. 11 to 14, and Dec. 18 to 21
Where: Streamers, 101 K St., Old Sac.
Cost: Free
More info:(916) 442-7644
DEC. 5 | FRIDAY
EAST SAC HOLIDAY HOME TOUR - If you have ever drove through the Fabulous Forties neighborhood and wondered, “I wonder what those homes look like on the inside.” Well you don’t have to wonder any further. Every year during the holidays, serveral homes in this coveted community open their doors for a holiday walking home tour. This has been an East Sacramento tradition for the past 35 years. This year the five homes participating in this tour are a craftsman bungalow, comfortable contemporary, European revival, Georgian colonial and Spanish ecclectic.
When: Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Various locations.
Cost: $20 (online until Dec. 4)/$30 (starting Dec. 7). Same day tickets can be purchased at the Sacred Heart Parish School library at 3933 I St. Proceeds from the tour will benefit the Sacred Heart Parish School.
More info:shpsholidayhometour.com/
DEC. 6 | SATURDAY
NE’QWA SIGNING – The artist Trieste will be available to sign and answer questions regarding Ne’Qwa art. This meticulous form of handpainting the inside of an ornament is a one-of-a-kind collectable. Each oranment is safely packaged in a velvet-lined box accomapnied with a certificate of authenticity.
When: Dec. 6, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Visions of Eden, 126 J St., Old Sac.
Cost: Free
More info:(916) 448-1499
BOAT PARADE – The Sacramento Yacht Club takes part of the lighted boat parade where boats will decorated in festive lights and cruise along the river.
When: Dec. 6, dusk
Where: Old Sacramento waterfront
Cost: Free
More info:(916) 442-7644
DEC. 9 | TUESDAY
CAPITOL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING – Take part in the lighting of the State Capitol’s Christmas tree.
When: Dec. 9, 4:30 p.m.
Where: State Capitol Park, 10th and L streets, Sac.
Cost: Free
More info:(916) 324-0333
DEC. 12 | FRIDAY
CALIFORNIA CHRISTMAS PARTY – Celebrate the season California style with California foods, wines and décor at the 4th Annual California Christmas Party at Discover California! Wine Bar & Tasting Room.
When: Dec. 12, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Discover California! Wine Bar & Tasting Room, 114 J St., Old Sac.
Cost: $15
More info:(916) 443-8275 or visit discovercal.com