Looking for last-minute holiday cheer? Check out these 5 events in Sacramento
Want to squeeze in a little more holiday cheer before Christmas? From the nutcracker to strolling through Old Sacramento, there is plenty to enjoy in the city of trees.
Here are some last minute events to buy tickets or visit in December.
Have a magical evening with the Nutcracker
Have a classical evening with the Sacramento Ballet. The Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera accompanies the performance of the 1892 two-act ballet by Pyotr Tchaikovsky.
Tickets are still available for the weekend before Christmas.
- Where: SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center at 1301 L St., in downtown Sacramento.
- When: Tickets are available for Friday, Dec. 19 to Sunday, Dec. 21
- Cost: Prices range from $55 to $168 per person
Walk around old Sacramento and experience the Theatre of Lights
Beautiful holiday lights and free, family-friendly performances are in store at Theatre of Lights at the Old Sacramento Waterfront.
The 20-minute performance features an immersive retelling of classic holiday poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” as well as stories of Sacramento pioneers.
- Where: 1002 Second St., in Old Sacramento
- When: Performances begin at 6:30 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, through Dec. 21 with a 6:30 p.m. performance on Wednesday, Dec. 24
- Cost: Free
Enjoy the dazzling Imaginarium
The Imaginarium features more than 15 million lights and LED displays as well as a circus, an ice skating rink, carnival rides and chances to meet Santa Claus.
This year’s theme is “Utopia: A Perfect World of Light, Joy and Imagination.”
- Where: Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd., in Sacramento
- When: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday — through Thursday, Jan. 4
- Cost: Individual tickets range from $15 to $19. Four-person family packs cost $76. Tickets for the ice rink cost $15 and unlimited carnival rides cost $30.
Dress to the nines at the Christmas Ball
Sacramento’s Christmas Ball is back with dinner, dancing and a chance to have an unforgettable evening.
Patrons can expect a “stunning red-carpet” experience, live band and holiday cocktails.
- Where: 8363 Folsom Blvd., in College/Glen
- When: 6 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20
- Cost: General admission tickets are priced at $65 and the VIP Experience tickets cost $150
Stroll through Sacramento’s Fab Forties
Sacramento’s Fab Forties neighborhood is a local highlight due to its historical significance and architectural designs, according to the Visit Sacramento website.
Homes in the neighborhood are decked out in holiday cheer with Santa, sparkling lights and showstopper displays.
- Where: 40th to 49th streets, between J Street and Folsom Boulevard in East Sacramento
- When: Sunset until approximately 10 p.m.
- Cost: Free
This story was originally published December 17, 2025 at 2:26 PM.
