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Countdown on the Cobblestones
New Years Eve Celebration
Welcome the new year at Countdown on the Cobblestones, a lively event bringing music and festivities to the Old Sacramento Waterfront on New Year’s Eve. The event will feature live music, interactive activities, and a light show, providing a family-friendly alternative to midnight festivities.
“Countdown on the Cobblestones is free and open to the public, making it an accessible way for families and friends to come together and celebrate the arrival of 2026,” said City spokesperson Jennifer Singer.
Theatre of Lights
Old Sacramento Waterfront
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 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays starting Thanksgiving Eve (no show on Thanksgiving).
Third Thursdays
Old Sacramento Waterfront
Every Third Thursday in Old Sacramento Waterfront, small business owners will open their doors to give you a peek behind the curtain, hosting 15-20 minute-long live demonstrations and artist activations at the top of every hour from 4–8 p.m.
Learn from Locals.
Local artists, photographers, coffee connoisseurs, and more in Old Sacramento Waterfront’s live demonstrations.
December 18th Locations:
Events
Noon Year’s Eve!
Sacramento History Museum
Bring your family and join us as we ring in 2026 at the Sacramento History Museum on Tuesday, December 31. Our Noon Year’s Eve celebration is FREE with admission, which we are rolling back to just $5 per person. Kids age 5 and younger are free!
We will have fun interactive craft stations from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. including:
- A Wishing Wall
- Gold panning
- Face painting
- Story Time at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.
Countdown on the Cobblestones
New Years Eve Celebration
Welcome the new year at Countdown on the Cobblestones, a lively event bringing music and festivities to the Old Sacramento Waterfront on New Year’s Eve. The event will feature live music, interactive activities, and a light show, providing a family-friendly alternative to midnight festivities.
“Countdown on the Cobblestones is free and open to the public, making it an accessible way for families and friends to come together and celebrate the arrival of 2026,” said City spokesperson Jennifer Singer.
A Christmas Carole
Sacramento History Museum
Step into the past—and into the spirit of the season—at the
Sacramento History Museum! Come along with us in this immersive
retelling of Dickens’ beloved ghost story that we call, “A
California Christmas Carole”. With a unique Gold Rush twist on
the holiday classic, you will be guided through the museum’s
historic halls as scenes come to life around you.
Join us for a festive family adventure you won’t forget!
Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your tour time. Names will
be on a list; there is no need to print tickets. We begin
precisely on time.
Blog
DECEMBER
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Old Sacramento Waterfront!
There’s a special kind of magic that fills the cobblestone streets of Old Sacramento once the holiday season arrives, and this year, we’ve wrapped it up with even more sparkle, music, joy, and warm memories waiting to be made! Whether you’re planning a family outing, a cozy date night, or a day filled with holiday cheer, here’s your guide to all the festive fun waiting for you in our historic waterfront district.