Best Family-Friendly Holiday Events In Sacramento
Tower Theatre
2508 Land Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 442-4700
www.readingcinemasus.com/tower
Date: Dec. 5, 2016 at 7 p.m.
Since being released in 1983, this hilarious and nostalgic film has become a true holiday classic, destined to be watched and adored every year. Few can forget the Red Ryder BB gun desperately desired by 9-year-old Ralphie, his grumbly father's "major award" lamp, the dreaded bunny suit and neighborhood dogs enjoying a stolen feast. The whole family will love seeing the Parker brood learn about less-than-hospitable mall Santas and why sticking your tongue to a frozen flagpole is a bad idea.
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California State Railroad Museum/ Central Pacific Passenger Station
Front Street and J Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-8270
www.californiarailroad.museum/events/polar-express
Date: Nov. 30 - Dec. 18, 2016
Grab the kids and climb aboard the train for a festive Christmas ride they will never forget. First class and coach tickets are available, with each train car offering special décor, comfortable seating arrangements and spectacular views. Hot chocolate and other sweet treats will be served, and Santa will visit with a gift for each passenger upon arrival at the North Pole. Characters from "The Polar Express" will be along for the ride, including the Dancing Waiters, Hobo and the Train Conductor. The train runs on various dates through Dec. 18, and tickets are only available online.
Community Center Theater
1301 L St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 552-5810
www.sacballet.org
Date: Dec. 10 - Dec. 23, 2016
For more than 100 years, the magical journey of Clara, the Prince and Nutcracker to the Land of the Sweets has mesmerized audiences around the world. The Nutcracker is an essential part of the holiday experience for many, and lucky Sacramentans have several ways to experience it. Sacramento Ballet artistic director Ron Cunningham presents the classic tale at the Community Center Theater from Dec. 10 – 23, with the special addition of adoptable pets from Front Street Animal Shelter being part of the performance on some evenings. Sacramento Ballet will also perform The Nutty Nutcracker on Dec. 9, a somewhat more adult takeoff on the traditional version, with bikinis, bathrobes, Super Soakers and Tonka Toys. Natalia Johnson Conservatory of Dance presents The Nutcracker in Oak Park on Dec. 22 – 24; this fun, upbeat version includes a rapping Uncle Dross, candy canes that tumble and rats that hip hop.
Fairytale Town
3901 Land Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95822
(916) 808-7462
www.fairytaletown.org
Date: Dec. 8 - Dec. 18, 2016
Bring the kids to Fairytale Town for special holiday fun during December, including visiting Santa's workshop and telling the merry gentleman what they want to find under the tree. Dazzling lights and festive décor set the scene for holiday games and activities, seasonal shopping and the chance for Victorian carolers to perform favorite tunes to hear and sing. Snow flurries will fall each evening, a rare opportunity for residents of the Sacramento region. Winter Wonderland activities are weather dependent; if the sky looks gray, families are urged to check the website before heading out.
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