Your 2021 guide to Sacramento holiday fun: Lights, skating discounts, Sippin’ Santa, more
Cue the festivities: The holiday season is in full swing in Sacramento.
If you’re looking for ways to have a holly jolly December, The Bee has you covered. Whether you are looking for a great winter date — go ice skating! — or a family friendly Friday night activity, we’ve got something for you.
Check out this guide to Sacramento holiday celebrations:
(Pro tip: read all the way through to find out how to get discounted ice skating tickets.)
Theatre of Lights
Head to the Old Sacramento Waterfront for free performances of a 20-minute “holiday lighting extravaganza.” The show features a live dramatization on the balconies above K Street, according to the Old Sacramento Waterfront website.
There are two shows nightly Thursdays through Sundays at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. until Christmas Eve, when the final show will kick off at 6 p.m.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
On Friday, the famed Trans-Siberian Orchestra will perform its iconic holiday rock music show as part of its 2021 North American Tour at the Golden 1 Center. The group will play two shows, one at 3 p.m. and one at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $32.
Sippin’ Santa Holiday Bar
Starting Wednesday, the Jungle Bird bar in midtown will turn into a holiday pop up bar featuring drinks like a “White Russian Christmas” and “The Regifter.” Sippin’ Santa at the Jungle Bird will “feature a holiday oasis with over the top kitschy, festive décor and a tiki themed cocktail menu,” according to a press release. The Jungle Bird is located at 2516 J Street and is open 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Happy Holidays Shop Small Market
Support small businesses on Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Happy Holidays Shop Small Market. Head to 108 L Street in Old Sacramento from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to finish up all your Christmas shopping.
Christmas in Oak Park
This event for children at Underground Books in Oak Park at 2814 35th Street will feature various activities and the opportunity to take pictures with Black Santa, a tradition meant to show Black children a figure that represents them, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11. And at 1 p.m., head to the Guild Theater for a showing of the holiday movie “Jingle Jangle.” Admission is free.
Midtown Holiday Market
Check out Hacker Lab’s annual holiday market from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at 2533 R Street. The market will feature more than 40 local makers and artists, according to Hacker Lab.
The Fourth Annual Christmas Bar Crawl
Benefiting Toys for Tots, The Zebra Club will hold its Christmas Bar Crawl on Saturday, Dec. 11. To participate, you must buy a ticket as well as purchase a toy for donation. Tickets include two shots as well as drink specials, waived covers and an after party. Check in begins at 4 p.m. at The Zebra Club at 1900 P Street. Tickets start at $15 for groups and $20 for individuals.
Swingin’ Yuletide Revue
Now in its sixth year, Hepcats Holla’Daze is back in 2021 after taking 2020 off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Relive the jazz era of the Harlem Renaissance in a show featuring an 11-piece jazz orchestra on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. The event is recommended for adults ages 18 and up takes place at The Sofia at 2700 Capitol Avenue and tickets cost $40.
Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
Nothing says winter wonderland like an ice skating rink. The downtown Sacramento rink is located at Seventh and K streets and is open daily through Jan. 16. Generally, the rink is open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays to Sundays 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., but on Christmas Eve the rink is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and it’s open 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Tickets for kids 6 and under are $6, while regular hours tickets cost $13 and holiday hour tickets are $15 per skater. But you can score $5 off your ticket price if you show a same-day receipt from a Downtown Commons business or $2 off with a same-day Sac RT bus or light rail ticket.
Did we miss an event? Send us an email at utilityteam@sacbee.com.