Snowflake the Elf will help kids write letters to Santa at Santa's Christmas Cottage in Historic Folsom on select days in November and December 2025. Kids can enjoy storytime, create holiday cards, and enjoy a festive atmosphere at this free event.
La Familia will be having its annual Posada Navideña on Thursday, December 18, 2025. The free event will have activities for kids, hot chocolate, pan dulce, a visit from Santa, community resources, and more.
Wild Nights and Holiday Lights returns to the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary in December 2025. The zoo is transformed into a holiday wonderland with tons of twinkling lights. The Folsom Valley Railway miniature train also provides nighttime rides through holiday lights.
Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet presents The Nutcracker on December 19-21, 2025 at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. A dress rehearsal will occur on Thursday, December 18, 2025 with reduced tickets for $30 that the public may attend.
Elk Grove's Historical Society Old Fashioned Christmas returns in 2025 starting on Friday, December 5, 2025. It will take place the first three weekends of December. The grounds will be decorated in holiday lights and decor, Santa will be there, and activities for families such as cookie decorating and ornament making.
Kids will get to create their own stuffed gingerbread stuffie at the Arthur F Turner Community Library in West Sacramento at this free library event.
Winter at The Square at Folsom History will take place over two weekends in 2025 on December 12-13 & 19-20. There will be elf-led gold planning, a holiday postcard scavenger hunt, hot chocolate, make your own holiday gifts, and a winter wonderland with lights and decorations. Kids and adults ages 13+ can forge candy canes for $15. Tickets available at the door.
Dance away at a Christmas Silent Disco on Friday, December 19, 2025 at the Mack Road Valley Hi Community Center. There will be dancing, food, and festive fun.
Enjoy a festive evening at the free Meadowview in the Lights on Friday, December 19, 2025. There will be holiday lights, hot cocoa, popcorn, treats, and more.
For one of the best free photos with Santa in Sacramento, head to Santa's Christmas Cottage in Historic Folsom next to the ice rink. Take photos with your own camera and enjoy this festive atmosphere with Santa, Mrs Claus, Rudolph, and other holiday characters. Santa's Christmas Cottage is open in 2025 on Friday and Saturday evenings in December from 6-9pm.
Get in the festive spirit with a Cozy Climb at Quarry Park Adventures for a holiday night climb on December 12 & 19, 2025. The three-hour experience will include a welcoming hot chocolate, a 30-minute gear-up and orientation, and access to Quarry Park's most popular attractions from rock climbing to the zip line.
The Sacramento Ballet performs the timeless holiday classic, Nutcracker on select nights in December 2025. The show performances begin on Friday, December 12. The performances will be accompanied by the Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera and take place at the Safe Credit Union Performing Arts Center. The showtime runs for approximately two hours.
Enjoy Christmas tea with Santa at the Sotherton Tea Room on Saturday, December 20, 2025. Santa will visit during a tea party. Reservations must be made by phone at (530)305-4152.
The new Popcorn Store in Midtown Sacramento will have a Popcorn with Santa event on Saturday, December 20, 2025. In addition to free photos with Santa, there will be free bags of gourmet white popcorn and a kids art activity table.
Families can get free pictures with Santa at Harley-Davidson of Sacramento on Saturday, December 6 & 20, 2025. Bring your own camera!
Climb aboard the Placerville & Sacramento Valley Railroad (PSVRR) for Santa's Whistlestop Adventure from Oak Station to Willow Springs the first three weekends in December 2025. A rail motorcar trip will take passengers to meet Santa. There will also be additional activities for kids and refreshments.
As part of the B Street Theatre Family Series, 'Tis The Season: Hometown Holidays, Traditions of Sacramento & Northern California will run on select nights in December 2025 beginning November 30. The performance will bring the regions holiday traditions to life in a comedic and charming style. The show is recommended for ages 5+. Run time is 1 hour and 30 minutes with an intermission.
A free snickerdoodle cookie workshop will take place on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at the Arthur F Turner Community Library in Davis. Kids will get to mix up dough and then take it home to bake cookies.
Space To Play in Elk Grove will have a gingerbread house decorating party on Saturday, December 20, 2025. Kids will get to enjoy festive crafts without the mess.
Winterfest will take place on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at the Swanston Community Center. This free event will include train rides, carnival games, snow machines, a dance party, hot cocoa, and more festive fun.
The River Park Holiday Lights Competition will take place on December 20 & 21, 2025. Pick up a route map and voting ballot from the cocoa and cider station at 5809 Callister. Walk the route to vote for your favorite houses in holiday lights in 3 different categories. Santa will also be at the event on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
Country Christmas takes place in Auburn on December 13 & 20, 2025. This free holiday event will have a festive atmosphere with activities, vendors, holiday treats, live music, holiday decor, and more. Kids can enjoy visits with Santa and family-friendly activities.
Kids will get to meet Santa for free on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at Wild Sisters Book Co. Special guests Buddy the Elf and Mrs Claus will be joining in on the festive fun.
Families can go tubing for free for several days and nights in December 2025 on the Winter Tube Hill at Bayside Church in El Dorado Hills. This is a free event on a tube hill (no snow) for all to enjoy.
Ever After Wine in Elk Grove will have a kid-friendly Gingerbread Buddy Workshop on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Each child attending will be paired with a gingerbread 'buddy' that they'll get to decorate with icing, sprinkles, and their imagination. Pre-baked gingerbread cookies, decoration supplies, and a take-home box will be provided.