Enjoy the Theatre of Lights Show in Old Sacramento
Good For
- City Sophistication
- Family Time
- Photo Ops
- Sightseeing
- Socializing
Why Go
A cheery staycation you can enjoy during the holidays is the Theatre of Lights show in Old Sacramento. This extravaganza is different from your typical holiday celebration. Instead, it’s a nightly theatrical performance every Thursday through Sunday during the holiday season until Christmas Eve.
At this free show, you can enjoy the live-action retelling of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” During this 20-minute performance, Jack Frost appears on the K Street Balconies. Santa Claus himself also lights the 60-foot Christmas tree. You’ll feel immersed in all the sights, sounds, and colors displayed against the show’s 150-year-old backdrop. Not only does it explore Christmas themes, but it also tells the story of the early pioneers who inhabited the city. The play recounts their trials, tribulations, and triumphs. It’s a popular and fun combination of holiday cheer and history.
The show is brief, so you have time to pair it with other festive activities. Families with young kids can visit the Fairytale Town mini amusement park or the California State Railroad Museum before the show. People of all ages can also enjoy ice skating nearby. After the show, you can drive to the Fab Forties neighborhood for an epic display of holiday lights put on by the local residents. They’re often out celebrating with the visitors too!
Whether you’re a traveler visiting for the first time or a resident touring for the tenth time, Christmas in Sacramento is an experience that will warm your heart and help you create memories to last a lifetime.
Suggested Itinerary
The Theatre of Lights show is very popular, so arrive early to give yourself time to find parking. Afterward, make the short drive to the Fab Forties neighborhood. Tip: you’ll be outside in the chilly night air, so bring a thermos of hot chocolate!
Things to Do
- Attend the Theatre of Lights Show in Old Sacramento.
- Enjoy the fabulous light displays in the Fab Forties neighborhood.
- Visit the Fairytale Town mini amusement park for kids or the California State Railroad Museum before the show.
- Go ice skating before or after the show.
When to Go
The Theatre of Lights Show runs from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve.
Cost
Attending the Theatre of Lights show is free but you may have to pay for the most convenient parking. Touring the Fab Forties neighborhood is free too.