Theatre of Lights is a free, family-friendly performance retelling “Twas the Night Before Christmas” in a uniquely Sacramento way on the rooftops of the Old Sacramento Waterfront. Produced by Downtown Sacramento Partnership, the shows are Thursday through Sunday from Thanksgiving Eve to December 30th (no show on Thanksgiving).

Conceived and created by Stage Nine Exhibitions’ Troy Carlson, Theatre of Lights brings together some of California’s finest talents in the field of light and sound: 4Wall Productions, Musson Theatrical, Associated Sound, and Emmy-nominated voice actor Bill Farmer, the voice of Disney’s Goofy.

The performance features an immersive retelling of Moore’s 1823 poem — “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” more popularly known as “Twas the Night Before Christmas” alongside stories of how Sacramento pioneers experienced the calamities — and revelry — that befell the new city in the 1850s. The sounds of the fires, floods, and parties will surround the audience as the 150-year-old building facades light up with color. The highlight of the 20-minute production is a live dramatization on the balconies above K Street, complete with a special appearance by Jack Frost, and the lighting of the 60-foot Christmas tree by St. Nick himself. 

November 22nd, 2023 — Tree Lighting Ceremony Schedule:
4:30 p.m. Pre-show performances
6 p.m. Tree Lighting Ceremony
6:15 p.m. 1st Theatre of Lights Show

Tree Lighting Ceremony Pre-show Performances:
Sac Dance Lab
CKM Dance Team
Poi Dancers
Gay Men’s Chorus
Scott Fresh & Slamson

There will also be ASL interpretation.

Season Schedule:

November 22nd through December 30th
Thursday through Sunday, shows at 6 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Irregular Dates:

• Wed. Nov. 22nd
  • 4:30 p.m. Pre-show performances
  • 6 p.m. Tree Lighting Ceremony
  • 6:15 p.m. first Theatre of Lights Show
• Thurs. Nov. 23rd
  • No shows on Thanksgiving
• Sun. Dec. 24th
  • One show at 6 p.m.

Parking
The streets will be full of holiday cheer! Park in the garages at the entrances to Old Sacramento to avoid driving through the district.

• Tower Garage – 1289 Front Street, at Capitol Mall
• Old Sacramento Garage – 274 I Street, between 2nd & 3rd streets

Pre-pay rates are available in these garages from Friday at 3 p.m. until they close Sunday. Reserve parking with SacPark here.

Bus/Light Rail

Let SacRT make planning your trip easy! The Old Sacramento Waterfront is steps away from several stations. Plan your trip here.

Thank you to our generous 2023 sponsors for supporting this free event.