A last-minute guide to Christmas in Sacramento: Weather, travel, store hours and more
It seems like Christmas arrives faster every year. By now, your tree is probably decorated with presents underneath — unless you tend to wrap them at the last minute. You likely have a plan for your holiday meal, though you may still need to shop. You’ve probably checked the forecast, especially if you’re traveling outside Sacramento.
Just in case you’re handling anything last-minute, The Sacramento Bee has you covered with key information to help you through the holiday:
Weather
On Christmas Day, forecasters expect showers and possible thunderstorms in Sacramento, with a high near 54 degrees and a 100% chance of precipitation. Overnight lows will drop to around 48 degrees.
Here’s what to know about how much rain and snow Northern California could see.
Will Sacramento have a white Christmas? Here is the forecast for the holidays
A flood watch remains in effect for Northern California through Dec. 26 as the second of two atmospheric river storms roll through the area.
Northern California under flood watch for Christmas week of atmospheric river storms
Travel
An estimated 122.4 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Saturday, Dec. 20, and New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, according to AAA — a record high.
Here’s how to start your holidays off right and avoid traffic and crowds as best as you can.
Traveling for the holidays in California? Here are best times to drive and fly
Taking some of grandma’s homemade pie back on the plane? Here’s what the TSA will allow.
Can I fly with Christmas leftovers? TSA rules you should know before boarding
What to watch: NFL and NBA games, plus a fan favorite Netflix show
Sports is a key tradition on holidays. Here’s the schedule for NFL and NBA games, plus a little something for the non-sports fans.
NBA schedule on Christmas Day:
All games can be watched on ABC (Channel 10) or ESPN.
9 a.m.: Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks.
11:30 a.m.: San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder.
2 p.m.: Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors.
5 p.m.: Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers.
7:30 p.m.: Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets.
NFL schedule on Christmas Day:
10 a.m.: Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders. Watch on Netflix.
1:30 p.m.: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings. Watch on Netflix.
5:15 p.m. Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs. Watch on Prime Video.
Not a sports fan? Three episodes of the fifth and final season of Netflix’s “Stranger Things” will release at 5 p.m. Pacific time on Christmas Day.
Shopping and grocery store hours
Need a last-minute ingredient, decoration, or batteries? Here’s what stores are open in the Sacramento area on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Hours vary by location — call ahead before heading out.
Is Costco open on Christmas Eve? Walmart? See holiday hours
Last-minute meals
There’s always that one dish that doesn’t go as planned. If you decide not to cook, here are restaurants that will be open on Christmas. Availability may vary.
Which Sacramento eateries offer Christmas meals? These 9 spots will be open
Looking for last-minute tamales? Most places required placing an order last week, but one market is open on Christmas Eve.
Want tamales for Christmas in Sacramento? Find deadlines, where to order
Trash pickup
Once that wrapping paper is off the presents and the boxes are unwrapped, your trash can will be filled up. Here’s an update on the holiday schedule for trash pickup.
Will trash pickup in Sacramento be delayed on Christmas? See holiday schedule
Holiday lights
A fun (and free) holiday tradition is looking at Christmas lights. Here’s our guide to the best spots in the area.
Where are best holiday lights in Sacramento area? Check out these festive spots
Looking ahead to New Year’s Eve?
Old Sacramento’s fireworks show will return this year, city officials said.
The pyrotechnics are back! New Year’s Eve fireworks returning to Old Sacramento
This story was originally published December 23, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
