The Bee’s Christmas Guide: Store hours, family feuds, last-minute gifts
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Last-Minute Holiday Guide
Christmas is just around the corner. Here’s where to buy last-minute gifts on Christmas Eve in Sacramento, how to plan ahead for New Year’s Eve and more.
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The Bee’s Christmas Guide: Store hours, family feuds, last-minute gifts
What’s still open in Sacramento? Here’s which stores have Christmas Eve and Day hours
Plan ahead for New Year’s Eve in Sacramento: Check out these restaurants, events near you
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Christmas bliss is just around the corner, and while we hope you’re kicking up your feet and relaxing with your family — or however you celebrate — we also know there’s much to be done before the holiday.
Whether you’re looking for last minute gifts (yes, there are a few stores open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) or trying to navigate a tricky social situation, The Bee has gathered everything you’ll need right here in one place.
What’s still open?
If you’re needing a gift, food or booze, the following stores are open.
Christmas Eve
Sam’s Club — Open until 6 p.m.
Costco — Open until 5 p.m.
Safeway — Open 5 a.m. to 2 a.m (may vary by location)
Raley’s — Open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. (may vary by location)
Whole Foods — Open until 7 p.m.
Walmart — Open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sprout’s Farmers Market — Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Trader Joe’s — Open until 5 p.m.
Aldi — Store hours vary by location
Rite Aid — Store hours vary by location
CVS — Store hours vary by location
Westfield Galleria at Roseville — Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m
Arden Fair — Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas Day
Safeway — Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (may vary by location)
Rite Aid — Store hours vary by location
If you’re headed to a store not on this list, make sure to check on its website for holiday hours or call ahead. Some liquor stores and restaurants are also open over the holiday. For that list, visit sacbee.com. This list is also subject to change. Updates will be posted on the website.
What if family isn’t vaccinated against COVID-19?
Psychologist Dr. Benjamin F. Miller told The Bee that decisions on gatherings should be based on what you are most comfortable with as an individual for you and your family — whether it is requiring vaccinations or making sure everyone wears masks indoors.
“It comes down to you to set the boundaries, to be the one who’s saying ‘this is what I’m comfortable with and this is what I’m not’ and really sticking to that,” said Miller, who is the president of Well Being Trust, a mental health organization based in Oakland.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared some tips people can use to safely celebrate the holidays, which include taking a COVID test and wearing a mask indoors.
You need to have a straightforward and honest discussion with your family and friends, Miller said in a November interview.
He said you can start by stating what you want. Then, if necessary, you should “leverage the facts.”
People who are immunocompromised, have certain medical conditions or are unvaccinated are more likely to be severely ill if they contract the coronavirus.
The CDC recommends wearing a mask regardless of the level of transmission to protect these individuals. People in these groups should also wear a mask to protect themselves.
Don’t drink? Tips on navigating the holiday
When you head to a holiday get-together, there’s no guarantee hosts will have non-alcoholic options beyond water. Keeping your hands full, preferably holding a fun drink like a sparkling water or non-alcoholic beer, is critical, said Heidi Taugher, a licensed marriage and family therapist who has a private practice in Folsom.
Or you can mix up your own mocktail to bring along. Try a simple apple cranberry spritz by mixing equal parts apple and cranberry juices and top it off with Sprite. Something as simple as a garnish on top of a drink — a lime wedge or cranberries — can immediately halt inquiries around what you’re drinking because of the resemblance to a cocktail.
Before you go out, you want to have a clear sense of your goals. You should plan not only what you’re going to say when people ask you if you want a drink but also what time you’re going to leave and what route you’re going to take home.
And when attending an event you know will feature alcohol, make sure you are aware of your triggers. Whether they’re environmental — like the presence of a certain type of alcohol — or even a certain friend around whom you’re more likely to drink, it’s important to steer clear of triggers.
If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, one way to make sure you can handle any added stress or discomfort brought on by the holiday season is to be proactive. Attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings can provide an outlet to work through these challenges.
In addition to regular meetings, you can call the hotline for help at 916-454-1100.
Christmas celebrations and winter fun
While many choose to spend Christmas at home with family, there are a few (maybe welcome) escapes for you and your loved ones.
The downtown Sacramento ice rink, at Seventh and K streets, is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve and noon to 9 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Or you can head to the Old Sacramento Waterfront for free performances of a 20-minute “holiday lighting extravaganza” at the Theatre of Lights. The show features a live dramatization on the balconies above K Street, according to the Old Sacramento Waterfront website. The final show will kick off Christmas Eve at 6 p.m.
Wanting to stay warm and cozy and escape to another world? These movie theaters will be open Christmas Day.
Century DOCO and XD — You can find showings online.
Cinemark Roseville Galleria Mall and XD — You can find showtimes online.
Regal UA Laguna Village — You can find showtimes online.
You can find other showtime and theater options for Christmas Day on Fandango.
Where can I see Christmas lights?
Grab your family and hop in the car: Holiday lights are up on houses and buildings across the Sacramento region. The Bee’s annual guide showcases the most over-the-top Christmas lights displays.
You can find a list of addresses on sacbee.com.
Grab a bite to eat
Want to grab a bite but don’t want to cook (or clean it up)? These restaurants are open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Many require reservations. Check Open Table for the latest.
Christmas Eve
La Provence — Make reservations online.
Fabian’s Italian Bistro — Make reservations online.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse — Make reservations online.
Taco Bell — Hours vary by location
Christmas Day
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse — Make reservations online.
The Porch Restaurant & Bar — Make reservations online.
Chevys Fresh Mex-Riverfront — Make reservations online.
Romano’s Macaroni Grill — Make reservations online.
It’s best to call ahead or check online for any changes to hours or reservation availability. Any updates to this list will be reflected on sacbee.com.
Keep your home safe
U.S. fire departments respond to hundreds of holiday fires a year, according to a report from the National Fire Protection Association, a leading fire resource.
Fires caused by holiday decorations and Christmas trees result in millions of dollars in damages.
More than two of every five decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source, according to the report.
The most common cause of holiday decoration fires: candles. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, December is the peak month for candle fires and Christmas is the peak day.
Other common holiday decoration fire starters include:
▪ Cooking
▪ Electrical distribution and lighting equipment
▪ Heating equipment
▪ Intentional
▪ Smoking materials
Here’s what you need to know about how to avoid home fires during the holidays including tips on holiday decorations, fire hazards and guest smokers, according to the NFPA.
▪ Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, not both.
▪ Replace any string of lights that has a worn or broken cross or loose bulb connections.
▪ Read manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.
▪ Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
▪ Keep decorations away from windows and doors.
▪ Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
▪ Ask smokers to smoke outside and to keep their materials with them so young children do not touch them.
▪ Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet smoking butts with water before discarding.
▪ Blow out lit candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
▪ Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
Christmas tree fires
Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in almost half of the home Christmas tree fires.
Christmas tree fires are often started by decorative lights or heat sources.
Here’s what you need to know about lighting and the aftercare of your Christmas tree to avoid a home fire, according to the NFPA.
How to light a tree safely
▪ Use lights that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
▪ Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
When to get rid of the tree
▪ Properly dispose of the tree when it’s dry because dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home, garbage or placed outside against the home.
▪ Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards.
How to get rid of your tree
Improper disposal of holiday trees on Sacramento streets is considered illegal dumping, according to the city.
So when the holidays are over, consider recycling your tree at one of several drop-off events in Sacramento.
Or if you’re a city residential yard waste customer, you can place up to five trees in the street for pickup as part of the city’s leaf season service until Jan. 23.
Be sure to keep trees out of bike lanes and away from drains.
Trees should be clean of all lights, tinsel, tree stands, nails and decorations. Trees decorated with fake snow will be accepted.
Protect your furry friend
According to PetMD, a pet health information website that collaborates with veterinarians, some holiday foods are dangerous for pets.
Some common plants and decorations that are often used around the winter season are also unsafe for dogs and cats, according to Robert Poppenga, a veterinary clinical toxicologist with the California Animal Health and Food Safety Lab in the University of California, Davis’ School of Veterinary Medicine.
Here are some top items you want to keep away from your furry friends.
▪ Mistletoe
▪ Holly
▪ Baking chocolate
▪ Grapes, raisins and currants
▪ Desserts with Xylitol
▪ Stringy decorations
If your pet got to it first
If you suspect your dog or cat ate something it shouldn’t have or is experiencing symptoms, call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.
Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve
Here are a couple of the churches with midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.
Cathedral of the Blessed Sacramento — 1019 11th St., Sacramento; 916-444-3071
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral — 2620 Capitol Ave., Sacramento; 916-446-2513
Plan ahead for New Year’s Eve
Here are some places that you, your friends and family can enjoy on New Year’s Eve. Be sure to get your reservations in early so you don’t miss out.
Restaurants
▪ Fabian’s Italian Bistro — Italian
▪ Revolution Winery & Kitchen — Modern American
▪ Sauced BBQ & Spirits — Barbecue
▪ Localis — Modern American
▪ Flame & Fire Brazilian Steakhouse — Brazilian Churrascaria
▪ Prelude Kitchen & Bar — Modern American
Events
Sacramento New Year’s Eve Fireworks River Cruise; 1206 Front St., Sacramento
You and your family can cruise on the Sacramento River for an hour and a half as you ring in the New Year. There will be a DJ, small plates and champagne for your New Year’s toast. Depending on the weather, there may be a fireworks display, too.
Kids under 3 are free. Admission for adults is $69.90 and children ages 4 to 12 is $49.90.
Crawl ‘Til the Ball Falls: Sacramento NYE Bar Crawl 2022; location TBA
Enjoy New Year’s Eve with special drinks from top bars in Sacramento. You can purchase your bar crawl wristband on Eventbrite. Tickets range from $20 to $60 and you must be 21 or older.
NYE 2022 at Barwest; 2724 J St., Sacramento
Barwest is hosting a New Year’s Eve party with DJ Gnarly Marsh. There will be a complimentary champagne toast and a photographer when the clock strikes midnight. Tickets range from $15 to $25.
Laughin’ in the New Year; 1207 Front St., Sacramento
See comedian and actor Steph Sanders before the year ends at the Old Sacramento Waterfront. Tickets are $30 per person.
This story was originally published December 24, 2021 at 5:00 AM.