Macy’s Theatre of Lights
When: Through December 31
Where: Old Sacramento
What: Experience the holiday magic of Old Sacramento’s 7th Annual Macy’s Theatre of Lights. The free outdoor performances artfully mix the historic charm of Old Sacramento with state-of-the-art sound and lighting technology to create a memorable and visually-exciting holiday experience. With new storytelling elements incorporated this year, Old Sacramento’s Theatre of Lights blends a symphony of lights, sounds, and visual effects that transport the audience back in time with a reading of the famous poem “‘The Night Before Christmas” by Clement Clarke Moore. The narrated reading of the powerful and nostalgic poem is brought to life through theatrical elements and visually-exciting lighting choreography that takes place on the balconies and rooftops of Old Sacramento’s historic buildings.
Cost: FREE
Info: Visit website
Christmas in the Village
When: Saturday, December 5; 12pm–6pm
Where: Plaza Park in the Fair Oaks Village, Fair Oaks
What: Visit with Santa, sing Christmas carols, Winnie the Pooh Play (Free admission for 1 canned-food item), a parade at 4:30pm and then tree lighting right after the parade.
Cost: FREE
Info: Visit website
Wild Nights and Holiday Lights
When: December 5-6 and December 11-12, 16-23; 5-8pm
Where: Folsom Zoo
What: Thousands of colorful LED lights adorn the zoo, enchanted forest of lighted and decorated trees, carolers and seasonal refreshments, visits from Santa Claus and our very own “Santa Paws”, animal presentations by Zoo docents.
Cost: $5.00 per person, 2 and under free.
Info: Visit website
Winter Wonderland
When: Thursdays – Sundays, December 10-13, 17-20; 1-7pm
Where: Fairytale Town
What: The storybook park will be trimmed with festive holiday décor and lit up with a dazzling display of lights, starting at dusk each night. A flurry of snow fall nightly at 7pm near the Mother Goose Stage, On the weekends, even more holiday fun awaits with hands-on activities, a holiday marketplace, Victorian carolers and more. Santa will also be making a special stop at Fairytale Town and will be available for visits and photos in his workshop, located in the Children’s Theater, from 3pm-6pm. Photos will be available for purchase for an additional cost.
Cost: $5.50 general admission Kids and Adults, 1 and under FREE; Photos with Santa $5.00
Info: Visit website
Holiday Drop-Off Night
When: Monday, December 21; 5-9pm
Where: Sacramento Children’s Museum
What: Need time to sneak away from the kids for some holiday shopping or a Date Night? Drop off your children at SCM for a night of Museum play and fun, including a viewing of Polar Express Museum.
Cost: $25 per child, $20 per sibling (register in advance)
Info: Visit website
Fairytale Town Free Admission Day
When: Thursday, December 24; 10am-2pm (guests who are in the park by 2pm can stay and play until 3pm)
Where: Fairytale Town
What: Happy Holidays from Fairytale Town! Guests who visit Fairytale Town on Christmas Eve receive FREE admission. It’s the perfect opportunity to have some fun, enjoy a day of play in the park and take a break from the busy holiday season.
Cost: FREE
Info: Visit website
Sacramento Zoo PJ Party
When: Thursday, December 24; 10am-1:30pm
Where: Sacramento Zoo
What: Celebrate Christmas Eve at the Zoo, and you don’t even have to change out of your pajamas.
Cost: FREE
Info: Visit website
Written by Keilah Woodard
My love for exploring and creating experiences with my three kids led to the founding of SacramentoSidetracks.com in 2009. I realized that Sacramento has so much to offer and I was excited to share my findings with other parents. Besides simply having fun, these are the other positive side effects of taking my kids on outings that I’ve discovered: we have quality time together away from the distractions at home, we cultivate our curiosity, learn new things, conversations are triggered by what we see and do, we connect and bond as a family, and we create new memories. Ready to get sidetracked, too? Let me be your guide!
