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Make Old Sacramento Waterfront Your Holiday Destination

With beloved holiday traditions, immersive experiences, and the chance to win prizes while shopping local, the historic district has something for everyone this season

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (November 5, 2026) – This year, Old Sacramento Waterfront invites visitors to make the most of the most wonderful time of the year. Guests can look forward to the return of the beloved Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and Theatre of Lights performances, as well as the chance to be rewarded for shopping small with Small Business Spree Bingo and explore a pedestrian-friendly district during Holidays on K. There are plenty of ways to celebrate the season, with holiday traditions, unique gift finds, and festive sights and sounds around every corner.

A longtime Sacramento tradition, Theatre of Lights returns for its 18th year, transforming the historic district’s balconies into a holiday stage. This free, family-friendly production blends a retelling of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas with stories from Sacramento’s history, narrated by Disney voice legend Bill Farmer (Goofy) and created by Stage 9 Exhibitions’ Troy Carlson.

Special Events and Activations Line-Up:

  • Holiday Tree Lighting

Kick off the holiday season with the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday, November 25, at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy performances from community groups before the district’s 60-foot Holiday Tree illuminates the waterfront with nearly 24,000 lights, followed by the first Theatre of Lights performance of the season.

  • Theatre of Lights

Produced by the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, Theatre of Lights brings a Sacramento-inspired retelling of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas to life across the historic balconies of Old Sacramento Waterfront. This free, immersive performance is a holiday favorite for visitors of all ages. Performances run Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 6:30 p.m., November 27 through December 20, with special performances December 23 at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. and December 24 at 6:30 p.m. New this year, rotating coffee partners Blueprint Coffee, Pittador Brews, and Steamers will serve beverages throughout the season, adding a little extra holiday cheer. To help make the experience accessible to more visitors, American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will also be present for the Tree Lighting Ceremony, Saturday showings, and the final show on December 24.

  • Small Business Spree Bingo

Make a day of holiday shopping with Small Business Spree Bingo! With more than 150 small businesses throughout the district, visitors can explore unique shops, restaurants, and attractions, check off their bingo squares, and play to win exciting prizes, all in one visit. Complete the bingo challenge and submit an entry to receive a guaranteed prize, with additional opportunities to win even bigger rewards. Prizes include a $100 parking voucher, a family four-pack of tickets to the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink, a museum membership, the chance to guest star as a Mama or Papa in Theatre of Lights, and more. For participation instructions and FAQs, visit https://www.oldsacramento.com/seasonal-activity/small-business-spree-bingo/.

  • Holidays on K

Enjoy a little extra holiday magic along K Street as it transforms into a pedestrian-friendly gathering place with family-friendly fun, including live music, outdoor seating, and games. Come down each weekend to experience something new with events curated by the local businesses in Old Sacramento Waterfront. Holidays on K takes place Saturdays and Sundays, November 28 through December 20, from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. along K Street in Old Sacramento Waterfront.

For more information about Old Sacramento Waterfront and its holiday events, visit  www.oldsacramento.com.

PRESS: Download photos here.

Produced by Downtown Sacramento Partnership and Stage Nine Productions, with support from 4Wall Entertainment, SRO Lighting, and Associated Sound, Theatre of Lights is supported by dedicated sponsors and businesses to keep this elaborate holiday event free. Generous support is provided by the Saramento Kings, Stantec, and many actively involved Old Sacramento Waterfront merchants and small business owners.

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