Cal Expo welcomes California’s biggest light show with Imaginarium Festival

California’s largest holiday light show returns to Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd., bringing a sprawling seasonal display lit by millions of lights shining through the night.

This year’s Imaginarium Festival theme is Winter Utopia, featuring ice kingdoms and fairytale landscapes alongside infinity mirror rooms, interactive exhibits, carnival games and an ice skating rink.

The light show, which includes more than 15 million lights and LED displays, runs Nov. 21 through Jan. 4, according to event organizers.

This family-friendly event includes a complimentary circus with admission, offering three performances each night. Also scheduled nightly are synchronized music and light shows.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase, including carnival staples and seasonal treats.

A Santa Claus meet-and-greet will be available, along with appearances from other holiday characters — a chance for families to take keepsake photos.

Tickets are now on sale. General admission for children ages 3 to 12 and seniors starts at $16. Admission for ages 13 and older is $21. Military admission with valid ID is $18. A $3 service fee applies per ticket.

Children age 2 and under are admitted free.

Hours of operation are 5 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and extended to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

More information and tickets are available at imaginarium360.com/sacramento-ca.

This story was originally published November 6, 2025 at 5:29 PM.