Enjoy free photos with Santa at Hop Gardens on Monday, December 15, 2025. Any kids are welcome to take photos with Santa (not just diners). Reservations will not be taken at the restaurant and tables will be first-come, first-serve.
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland takes place on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. This holiday show will have acrobatics and aerial performances in a winter wonderland the whole family will love. Two performances at 3:30pm and 7:30pm will occur at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Families can get free pictures with Santa at Harley-Davidson of Sacramento on Saturday, December 6 & 20, 2025. Bring your own camera!
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.
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.
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.
Common Coffee in Elk Grove will have a family-friendly Snowfall & Sips on December 18-20. A gentle snow effect will take place on their back patio every 15 minutes from 10am to 11am and 3pm to 4pm.
Take photos with Santa in the Plaza in downtown Lincoln on Saturday, December 20, 2025. Enjoy free photos with Santa at Beermann Plaza. The Grinch may also be hanging out in the area.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.