Get ready for the most magical time of year in East Sacramento. When December rolls around, the Fabulous Forties transforms into a winter wonderland that draws thousands of visitors from across Northern California. This isn’t just another neighborhood light display. It’s a Sacramento tradition that’s been lighting up the holidays since the 1980s.
The Iconic Fab 40s Experience
Between 40th and 49th Streets, stretching from J Street to Folsom Boulevard, homeowners go all out with their decorations. We’re talking light strands connecting across entire streets, oak trees wrapped in thousands of colored bulbs, life-sized characters from your favorite holiday movies, and displays so bright you can practically feel the warmth. The tradition has grown so much that some homes spend all year planning their December showcase.
What makes this special? It’s completely free. Pack the family in the car, bundle up, and drive through streets that look like Santa’s best elves designed them. The peak viewing time hits between 9 PM and 11 PM, so expect crowds. But that’s part of the fun. You’ll see pedestrians, cyclists, and cars moving at a festive crawl, everyone taking in the same holiday magic.
Pro tip: arrive in a smaller car. Some streets get narrow when everyone wants a front-row view.
Beyond the Car Window
Sure, you can drive through, but why not make it an adventure? Sac Brew Bike offers 90-minute pedal tours through the Fab 40s. Picture this: you and up to 14 friends on a decorated bike, singing carols loud enough for the whole neighborhood to hear, cruising past homes that look straight out of a holiday card. Tours include a quick stop at a restaurant to warm up with hot chocolate or coffee. Kids six and up are welcome, making it a perfect family outing.
Prefer something more romantic? Top Hand Ranch Carriage Company and River City Tours run horse-drawn carriage and hayride tours. There’s something timeless about clip-clopping through decorated streets, wrapped in blankets, listening to the jingle of carriage bells. Tours run from 5 PM to 9 PM and book up fast, so reserve early.
Making It Bigger Than Ever
The Imaginarium at Cal Expo takes holiday lights to a whole new level. This is Sacramento’s largest holiday light festival, featuring over 15 million lights spread across massive displays. Open from November 21st through January 4th, it’s like walking through a glowing fairy tale.
You’ll find everything from enchanted forest scenes to infinity mirror rooms that make for killer Instagram shots. There’s an outdoor ice-skating rink, carnival rides, live acrobatics, and, yes, Santa for photos. General admission starts around $25 for adults, with kids under three getting in free. It’s worth every penny if you want lights that make your jaw drop.
Capture the Magic
Got a camera or smartphone? Here’s how to make your holiday light photos actually worth posting. Shoot at dusk, not full darkness. That 15-minute window after sunset gives you the best balance between the lights and the sky. Your photos will show actual detail instead of just floating lights on a black screen.
Turn off your flash. Seriously. Flash washes out the colors and ruins the whole vibe. Instead, find something sturdy to brace against or use a tripod if you have one. Tuck your elbows in close to your body to reduce shake.
Want that dreamy, blurred-light look everyone loves? Get close to your subject and use a wide aperture setting if your camera allows it. For smartphone users, tap the screen to lock focus on the foreground, letting the background blur beautifully. Take multiple shots because night photography is all about getting that one perfect frame.
And here’s a fun trick: if you have manual settings, try zooming in or out while taking a long exposure. You’ll get wild light trails that look like something from a professional photography magazine.
Plan Your Visit
The Fab 40s lights typically run from late November through early January, with most homes going all out by Thanksgiving weekend. There’s no official start or end time since it’s a residential neighborhood, but the magic really kicks in once the sun sets.
Parking can be tricky during peak hours, but you’ll find spots if you’re willing to walk a few blocks. Honestly, walking is the best way to take it all in anyway. You can stop, stare, take photos, and really appreciate the work these homeowners put into their displays.
For Imaginarium, check their website for specific hours and ticket prices. Weekend evenings and the days between Christmas and New Year’s get packed, so plan accordingly or book tickets online to skip the lines.
Ready to Glow?
East Sacramento’s holiday lights aren’t just for show. They’re something to experience. Whether you’re driving through the Fab 40s for the tenth year in a row, taking your first hayride through twinkling streets, or exploring massive light installations at Cal Expo, this season brings the kind of joy that sticks with you.
Grab your camera, round up the people you love, and make some holiday memories. The lights are waiting, and trust us, they’re worth the drive. Book your tours now before they sell out, and get ready for a December you won’t forget.
Sources: yelp.com, sacbrewbike.com, tophandranch.com, rivercitytours.co, imaginarium360.com
Header Image Source: Anastasia Zolotukhina on Unsplash
