When will Imaginarium holiday light show open? See new date after delay
Days after organizers announced they were postponing Sacramento’s popular Imaginarium, the event advertised as “Northern California’s largest holiday light festival” has a new opening date.
Imaginarium was originally scheduled to open at Cal Expo in Sacramento, on Friday, Nov. 21.
On Saturday, Nov. 22, festival organizers announced they were delaying the opening date even longer.
“We deeply apologize for this inconvenience as our team continues working to ensure everything is fully prepared and safe for our guests,” Imaginarium representatives said in a Saturday Facebook post.
In a Sunday, Nov. 23, email to The Sacramento Bee, organizers said they hope to open Imaginarium to the public on Tuesday, Nov. 25.
A Cal Expo spokesperson attributed the delay to an electrical problem, KOVR-TV reported, telling the Sacramento television station that damaged electrical panels needed to be replaced before the holiday light festival could open.
Where is Imaginarium in Sacramento? When?
Imaginarium runs through Sunday, Jan. 4 at Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd. in Sacramento. Once it opens, Imaginarium’s hours of operation will be 5 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
What’s in store at 2025 holiday event?
This year’s Imaginarium theme is “Utopia: A Perfect World of Light, Joy, and Imagination,” according to a Nov. 18 news release.
The holiday event features more than 15 million lights and LED displays as well as infinity mirror rooms, interactive exhibits, circus performances, carnival games and an ice skating rink, The Sacramento Bee previously reported.
You can also meet Santa Claus and other holiday characters, and take keepsake photos.
“Stroll through glowing tunnels, capture moments in stunning mirror rooms, glide across the covered ice rink, and take a photo with Santa himself,” organizers said in the release.
The 2025 event at Cal Expo features an expanded footprint and a new entrance at the main gate on Exposition Boulevard and Heritage Lane.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase, including carnival staples and seasonal treats.
How much are ticket prices?
Tickets for Imaginarium cost $21, or $16 for seniors and children ages 3 to 12. Military service members pay $18 with valid identification. A $3 service fee applies per ticket.
Children age 2 and under get in free.
For more infomation, go to imaginarium360.com/sacramento-ca.
This story was originally published November 24, 2025 at 11:12 AM.