East Sacramento and its surrounding areas are preparing for a joyful winter season with a variety of holiday markets, craft fairs, and festive events beginning in late 2025. This year offers a wonderful start to the holiday spirit, with options for everyone, from dedicated shoppers seeking distinctive gifts to families wanting to create lasting memories. We have compiled the key events to assist you in organizing your festive outings and appreciating the character of our local community as we welcome the winter months with warmth and good cheer.
The holiday season officially starts with a significant opening, providing early chances to experience the festive mood. In Old Sacramento Waterfront, note the date for the highly anticipated Theatre of Lights, which begins on Thanksgiving Eve, November 26, 2025, with a grand Tree Lighting Ceremony. Following this opening, the performances of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” will be presented on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays after Thanksgiving, adding a classic holiday feel. For those eager to be active, the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink opens on November 6, 2025, offering a chance for ice skating fun before the busiest part of the holiday period.
As the weather cools, the opportunities to find truly special gifts increase with various craft fairs and artisan markets. The Scottish Rite Center will host its well-known Holiday Market from November 28th to November 30th, 2025. This event is a great place for anyone looking for handmade items and unique creations from local artists. The market will have extended hours to accommodate shoppers, and admission is a good value at $10 for access throughout all three days, with children aged 12 and under admitted free. Additionally, for ease of access, free parking is available at the Scottish Rite Center, making your shopping experience smooth and pleasant.
This respected market features a wide selection of handcrafted items, including detailed jewelry, comfortable textiles, distinctive home decor, and specialty foods. It is an ideal place to find original presents that show thoughtfulness and support local creators. The Scottish Rite Center’s Holiday Market is an experience in itself, with a festive atmosphere that makes buying gifts a happy occasion. Visitors can explore displays full of creativity, interact with the artists, and discover items that are distinctly different from typical retail selections, ensuring your holiday gifts are as special as the people receiving them.
The festive mood continues with numerous Winter Wonderland Activities, centered around the popular Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink. Located in Ali Youssefi Square, this favored spot will be open from November 6, 2025, to January 19, 2026, providing ample time to enjoy the ice. The rink is open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 2 PM to 9 PM, and Fridays through Sundays from 10 AM to 10 PM, with special holiday hours during the season. General admission is $15, which includes skate rental, and children aged 6 and under can skate for $8.
The Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink offers more than just skating; it serves as a center for community interaction and themed entertainment. Throughout the season, anticipate special events such as “Crafting Kindness” workshops, where you can make your own festive items, and “Xfinity Free Skate” days for free entry. Note the dates for unique events like “Drag Queens on Ice” and “Calling All Dreamers” vendor days, providing an opportunity to support local businesses while enjoying the winter atmosphere. These events offer engaging diversions and make a visit to the rink an even more memorable part of your winter plans.
Organizing your visit is simple, with convenient transportation choices available. For those traveling to Old Sacramento Waterfront, parking is available at the Tower Garage and the Old Sacramento Garage, with reduced rates for early bookings. To simplify your travel further, consider using SacRT (Sacramento Regional Transit) services, which offer excellent access to the Old Sacramento Waterfront area, reducing travel concerns and allowing you to concentrate on enjoying the events. Always check the specific event pages for the most up-to-date details, particularly for any revised holiday hours at the Ice Rink.
