Where should I take my out-of-town family in Sacramento? Your guide to food, drinks and fun
For some, holiday festivities include a reunion with family members and friends from out of town, with loved ones sharing stories over dinner or unwrapping gifts under the tree.
Between all the fun, you might find yourself needing things to do to fill downtime, to walk off your dinner or to get some fresh air from family theatrics.
Whichever it may be, Sacramento’s got it — from boozy bars, holiday-themed happenings to classic Sacramento spots that’ll show your family the city’s charm.
Food in Sacramento
Late November, The Bee published its annual 50 Best Restaurants list for 2022. The round-up is a smorgasbord of different foods and price ranges, including cheap eats at Abyssinia Restaurant, an Ethiopian eatery in Arden Arcade, and classy sit downs at Canon, a California-focused restaurant.
If you’re in the mood for enchiladas oaxaqueñas, try Centro Cocina Mexicana or Fixins Soul Kitchen for its homey southern food.
Sacramento’s constantly seeing new restaurants open, some with interesting concepts.
On 10th Street, there’s a new virtual diner and e-sports lounge called Roc & Sol Virtual Diner. In midtown, another sushi restaurant, WeDaShii, claimed 18th Street.
Drinks in Sacramento
Share a taste of Sacramento’s beer and bar scene with your boozy loved ones.
Those that are in town during the weekdays are in luck, as several bars in the area offer happy hour deals. This includes $7 cocktails at Public House Downtown on 16th Street, $8 champagne cocktails at Back Bistro in Folsom and $16 sangria pitchers at Kasbah on J Street.
If you’ve got IPA drinkers under your roof, you can take them to the best IPA in the Sacramento area — according to our readers, it’s in Rancho Cordova.
For those that don’t drink but want to join in the fun, there are bars that offer mocktails and other non-alcoholic beverages.
Holiday-themed activities in Sacramento
Sacramento isn’t shy with its holiday cheer, hosting various themed events throughout the area.
The Imaginarium’s “Light Up the Night” returned to Cal Expo in November, featuring more light exhibits, vendors and food. This year, the event will have an ice skating rink, more than 25 carnival rides, augmented reality displays, a fantasy land, laser tag and a wishing tree.
West Sacramento is hosting its own holiday lights event called Enchant at Sutter Health Park. The event features a 100-foot tall Christmas tree, a light maze and ice skating.
The Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink at Ali Youssefi Square also opened for its 30th season in November. The rink will host special events, such as a craft night and ugly sweater party.
If you haven’t already gotten and decorated your Christmas tree, now might be the best time. You can find your perfect grand fir at one of these lots.
Other holiday events you’ll find in Sacramento include the Sacramento Ballet’s Nutcracker performances starting on Dec. 10 and Menorah Lightings at the Capitol and Roseville Galleria on Dec. 18.
‘So Sacramento’ things to do
Did you really go to California’s capital city if you didn’t take a morning hike on a trail? Or peak at the various candy stores in Old Sacramento?
If you’re looking to show your loved ones the charm of Sacramento, here are a couple of Sacramento things you can do.
The outdoors
December in Sacramento started off with chilly, wet weather. Nevertheless, with typical California weather, you might find pockets of sunshine throughout the day.
You can take in some Vitamin D with a walk or hike at a nearby trail, such as Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park, a 45-minute drive east from the city, or the Auburn State Recreation Area near the I-80 where you can find views of the foothill.
Sight-seeing
Sacramento has many landmarks and local attractions, including the Old Sacramento Waterfront, which features horse-drawn carriages, shopping and museums focused on the Gold Rush era and the Transcontinental railroad.
You can also find various museums and tours, such as the Sacramento History Museum and Underground Tour and the Crocker Art Museum, which is currently showcasing its “Modern Women | Modern Vision” exhibit.
The Capitol building is home to an arboretum and beautiful dome views. You can also get a tour of the building and its museum. It’s an easy stop on your way to the waterfront or art museum.
Last-minute gifts
For last-minute gifts or retail therapy, you can shop at DoCo, Arden Fair mall, the Roseville Galleria or the Ice Blocks in midtown. You can also find local businesses, offering everything from floral arrangements, spiritual crystals and apparel.
Have suggestions? Email them to us at utilityteam@sacbee.com. We’ll consider your submission for our list.
This story was originally published December 6, 2022 at 5:00 AM.