SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The Old Sacramento Waterfront will once again shine bright this holiday season as downtown’s most spirited destination for shopping, entertainment and festive fun. With its twinkling décor, a 60-foot holiday tree, beloved Theatre of Lights performances, pedestrian-friendly streets and a growing lineup of interactive experiences, the waterfront is where Sacramento comes together to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

Located just steps from Golden 1 Center and the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink, Old Sacramento Waterfront offers a walkable, vibrant neighborhood full of small businesses, holiday activities and one-of-a-kind photo moments that make the season merry and bright.

Now in its 17th year, Theatre of Lights returns brighter than ever, with new Sunday performances added for 2025. 

This free, family-friendly light show transforms the balconies of Old Sacramento Waterfront into a live holiday stage, blending a retelling of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” with stories from Sacramento’s history. Narrated by Disney voice legend Bill Farmer (Goofy) and created by Stage Nine Exhibitions’ Troy Carlson, the show continues to be one of Sacramento’s most beloved traditions.

On Wednesday, Nov. 26, opening performances by talented community groups begin at 5:30 p.m. The 60-foot Holiday Tree will be lit at 6 p.m. and the first Theatre of Lights performance of the season will follow shortly thereafter. 

Theatre of Lights, produced by the Downtown Sacramento Partnership and sponsored by the Sacramento Kings, a free, immersive performance retelling of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” in a uniquely Sacramento way on the balconies of Old Sacramento Waterfront. 

Always free, guests can enjoy two performances each on Friday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and now a special Sunday show at 6:30 p.m. every weekend from Nov. 28 through Dec. 21. 

There will be two special show dates on Dec. 23, with shows at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 24, with one show at 6:30 p.m. And to increase accessibility, an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter will be on-site for Saturday evening Theatre of Lights performances throughout the season, as well as our Tree Lighting Ceremony and our final show on Dec. 24.

The district is home to over 150 small businesses, each ready to help shoppers find the perfect holiday gift. This year, visitors can support local merchants in a new way with the Old Sacramento Waterfront Holiday Bingo Card.  Guests can explore the district’s shops, restaurants and attractions while collecting stickers for the bingo card. Completed cards can be entered for a chance to win a family four-pack of tickets to The Polar Express Train Ride in 2026, along with other festive prizes.

Ten festive artifacts have mysteriously appeared across the Old Sacramento Waterfront, but which Christmas characters do they belong to? Embark on a North Pole Safari to find out! Guests can follow one of two themed routes, The Workshop Route or The Winterwood Route, to uncover holiday magic. 

Scan QR codes at each trail marker to reveal 3D artifacts and their owners in augmented reality. Collect all five artifacts on either route to claim a prize, or complete both to become an official North Pole Explorer and unlock bonus digital gifts.

New this year, Holidays on K expands to both Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 29 through Dec. 21. Between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., K Street will become a pedestrian-only zone, inviting visitors to stroll, shop and play amid the festive backdrop of Old Sacramento Waterfront. 

From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., enjoy live music while relaxing in al fresco seating. The street will also feature a “Letters to Santa” station, interactive building blocks, mobile library carts and family-friendly games, creating a lively outdoor experience for all ages to enjoy.

In addition to the Holiday Tree that has nearly 24,000 lights, every building in the historic district will be adorned with garland and LED lights, every street pole will sport red bows, and storefronts will have their own decorations. To show off Sacramento pride, the Holiday Tree will be lit Kings’ purple on game nights.

For more information about Old Sacramento Waterfront, visit oldsacramento.com.