Old Sacramento will be decked out for the Holidays with Christmas tree lined streets and select buildings will be outlined in white lights. Father Christmas will make guest appearances along the wooden boardwalks visiting with children of all ages. Photo opportunities will be available throughout the historic district.
Family fun and old-fashioned holiday cheer come to life throughout this National Historic Landmark.
Specialty trains (courtesy of the California State Railroad Museum) will run on select days throughout the season. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride comes to life for its very first West Coast appearance at the California State Railroad Museum located at Old Sacramento State Historic Park.
All Aboard for a magical visit to the North Pole. Experience the magic of a train ride based on The Polar Express™, the classic children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while your very special train rolls along, and listen as the magical story is narrated once again. Watch the joy and excitement on everyone’s face as the train arrives at the North Pole, where Santa Claus is waiting to greet the train. As the train begins its return trip from the North Pole, Santa Claus will be handing each child a very special gift.
 Gingerbread houses will again be on display with the talents of locals and world-class decorators at the Old Schoolhouse. The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation, in partnership with Richard Bay Theatre, will present the Christmas Tree Ship puppet shows (free) in the Eagle Theatre. In addition, various merchants within the historic district will host holiday-related special events and guests can enjoy holiday storytelling, visits with Father Christmas, gingerbread creations, special exhibits at six museums and more!
Architectural Tours: From Canvas to Brick, is a new tour presented by the Old Sacramento Living History Program and the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation. The development and expansion of Sacramento from a water-logged tent city to an established city, home of the state capital, is reflected in the varying architecture of Old Sacramento’s buildings. From Canvas to Brick, traces the history of Sacramento from the floods, fires, gold rush, coming of the capital, and the 1960s redevelopment. Grab your cameras, join a tour group, and learn as Sacramento transforms from a tent city to a series of sturdy brick buildings.
On Wednesday, November 21, invited guests and dignitaries will help kick-off Old Sacramento’s Heritage Holidays during a Christmas tree lighting ceremony from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in front of the Delta King at Front & K Streets. This 2nd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting will feature special guest appearances by Father Christmas, and re-enactors from the Old Sacramento Living History Program. A Christmas tree and wreath give-away will be sponsored by Inland Business Systems. Carolers will serenade guests during the season on the streets strolling on the boardwalks.
The following is a list of identified holiday events in Old Sacramento:
Nov 21st - Nov 25th
Wednesday, November 21
Heritage Holidays Kick-off; Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
FREE
 Old Sacramento will kick-off its annual Heritage Holidays during a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in front of the Delta King at Front & K Streets. This annual event will feature the lighting of a 50-ft Christmas Tree decorated with hundreds of white lights and special guest appearances by Father Christmas, and re-enactors from the Old Sacramento Living History Program. A Christmas tree give-away will be sponsored by Inland Business Systems.
Friday, November 23-25 (Thanksgiving Weekend)
 Train Time for Santa
California State Railroad Museum
A variety of operating model train and toy train layouts on display Friday through Sunday inside the California State Railroad Museum and you can take a train ride with Santa. Visit the www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org website for more details.
Saturday, November 24
Christmas Tree Ship Puppet Show
 2:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.
Eagle Theatre
FREE
The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation, in partnership with Richard Bay Theatre, will present the Christmas Tree Ship puppet shows in the Eagle Theatre. The show will be presented in both Spanish and English on select weekends. Show times are 2pm & 4pm. The show is free and open to the public.
Sunday, November 25
Living History Days
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Waterfront Park
FREE
 Join the Living History Re-enactors for their Living History Days performance from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. This event is being held in Waterfront Park and is free to the public.
For more information, contact the Old Sacramento Living History Program at (916) 445-3101 or visit www.oldsacramentolivinghistory.com
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Nov 30th - Dec 1st
Friday, November 30 – Sunday, December 16
Polar Express Train Ride™
Fridays – Sundays
1:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. (on Fridays there is NOT a 1:30 departure).
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride comes to life for its very first West Coast appearance at the California State Railroad Museum located at Old Sacramento State Historic Park. All Aboard for a magical visit to the North Pole! Experience the magic of a train ride based on The Polar Express™, the classic children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while your very special train rolls along, and listen as the magical story is narrated once again. Watch the joy and excitement on everyone’s face as the train arrives at the North Pole, where Santa Claus is waiting to greet the train. As the train begins its return trip from the North Pole, get ready because Santa Claus will be coming through, handing each child a very special gift! Since seating is limited. Visit the www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org website and click on the Polar Express for more details.
Saturday, December 1
Stage Nine presents its 8th Annual Disney Event
Noon – 4:00 p.m.
FREE
Celebrate the 55th Anniversary of Peter Pan at Stage Nine Entertainment Store, located at 102 K Street. Special guests include Kathryn Beaumont, the voice of Wendy and Alice, along with Margaret Kerry, the original model of Tinkerbell.
Saturday, December 1
Christmas Tree Ship Puppet Show
2:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.
FREE
The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation, in partnership with Richard Bay Theatre, will present the Christmas Tree Ship puppet shows in the Eagle Theatre. The show will be presented in both Spanish and English on select weekends. Show times are 2pm & 4pm. The show is free and open to the public.
Saturday, December 1 (*-weather permitting)
15th Annual Lighted Boat Parade
 6:30 p.m.
FREE
This annual event is presented by the Capitol City Yacht Club. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. at Miller Park and will pass by Old Sacramento on the Sacramento River at approximately 7:00 p.m. Witness this visual spectacle as boats meander between the Tower and I Street Bridges. Boats are judged on creativity and originality. Best viewing areas are onboard the Delta King or along the waterfront. For more information visit the Capitol City Yacht Club Web site at www.ccyc.net
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Dec 7th - Dec 9th
Friday, December 7 – Sunday, December 9
Polar Express Train Ride™
Fridays – Sundays
1:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. (on Fridays there is NOT a 1:30 departure).
All Aboard for a magical visit to the North Pole! Experience the magic of a train ride based on The Polar Express TM, the classic children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. Visit the www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org website and click on the Polar Express for more details.
Saturday, December 8 – Saturday, December 23
20th Annual Gingerbread Holiday House
 FREE
The Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum will present its 20th Annual Gingerbread Holiday House contest. The winners will be announced on Saturday, December 8 at 2:00 p.m. Awards will be presented for Best of Show and in each category based on workmanship and originality. Entries will be on display though Sunday, December 23.
Saturday, December 8
Pony Express Christmas Card Ride
9:30 a.m.
FREE
Join us in front of the Gold Rush History Center on Saturday, December 8 to see members of the National Pony Express Association on horseback take off towards Folsom with a mochilla (saddlebag) full of holiday greeting cards. The riders will leave for Folsom at 10:00 a.m. All postcards will be stamped with an authentic “Pony Express” stamp and delivered to addressees. For more information, visit the Discovery Museum at www.thediscovery.org
Saturday, December 8
Christmas Tree Ship Puppet Show
2:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.
FREE
The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation, in partnership with Richard Bay Theatre, will present the Christmas Tree Ship puppet shows in the Eagle Theatre. The show will be presented in both Spanish and English on select weekends. Show times are 2pm & 4pm.
The show is free and open to the public.
Sunday, December 9
Earl Grey Manor’s White Christmas Tea
11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
A special holiday event featuring afternoon holiday tea and special performances by The Deco T’s Choral Group from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and singer Shelley Burns and Aaron Garner from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. For more information visit www.earlgreymanor.com or call (916) 447-4TEA (4832).
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Dec 13th - Dec 16th
Thursday, December 13
Discover California presents its 3rd Annual California Christmas Party
 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
$15 per person
Celebrate the season – California style – tasting the best wines in the Golden State and “hanging ten” with a sunglass wear-in, beach towel tote-in, surf-short wear-in Santa.
The event will be held at Discover California! Wine Bar & Tasting Room from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The cost is $15 per person. For more information, visit www.discovercal.com
Friday, December 14 – Sunday, December 16
Polar Express Train Ride™
Fridays – Sundays
1:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. (on Fridays there is NOT a 1:30 departure).
All Aboard for a magical visit to the North Pole! Experience the magic of a train ride based on The Polar Express TM, the classic children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while your very special train rolls along, and listen as the magical story is narrated once again. Visit the www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org website and click on the Polar Express for more details.
Saturday, December 15
Christmas Tree Ship Puppet Show
2:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.
FREE
The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation,, in partnership with Richard Bay Theatre, will present the Christmas Tree Ship puppet shows in the Eagle Theatre. The show will be presented in both Spanish and English on select weekends. Show times are 2pm & 4pm. The show is free and open to the public.
Saturday, December 15
Architectural Tours: From Canvas to Brick
1:00 p.m.
$3 - $7 per person
 A new tour presented by the Old Sacramento Living History Program and the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation. The development and expansion of Sacramento from a water-logged tent city to an established city, home of the state capital, is reflected in the varying architecture of Old Sacramento’s buildings. From Canvas to Brick, traces the history of Sacramento from the floods, fires, gold rush, coming of the capital, and the 1960s redevelopment. The cost is $7 for adults, $3 for students, $5 for seniors or children under 12. The tour, which begins at 1:00 p.m., last approximately 1 hour. To sign up for an architectural tour or for more information regarding this tour please call 445-3101 or visit www.oldsacramentolivinghistory.com
Saturday, December 15 & Sunday, December 16
Discovery Museum’s Winter Wonderland
No two snowflakes are alike, just like people. Help create a winter wonderland in the Gold Rush History Center by making a snowflake to hang at the museum and one to take home!
For more information, visit the Discovery Museum at www.thediscovery.org
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Dec 23rd
Sunday, December 23
Living History Days
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
FREE
Join the Living History Re-enactors for their Living History Days performance from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. This event is being held in Waterfront Park and is free to the public. For more information, contact the Old Sacramento Living History Program at (916) 445-3101 or visit www.oldsacramentolivinghistory.com
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Dec 31st
 Monday, December 31
New Year’s Eve Sky Spectacular
9:00 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
FREE
Annual fireworks show presented by the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau. For more information visit www.discovergold.org or call (916) 808-7777.
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