It’s so easy to accumulate a ton of fantastic family traditions when you live in a place like Northern California. Christmas in NorCal is a magical time, and we have so many unique activities and things to do during the holiday season. Some of the best Christmas lights in California are right here in Northern California, and many of these spots become instant family favorites. If you’re looking to add even more annual traditions to your holiday season, we’ve got a great event for you today. The Theatre of Lights in Sacramento is a magnificent holiday attraction that’s one of the best ways to celebrate NorCal at Christmas. It’s a crowdpleaser for a reason, and it’s bound to blow you away, not only this season but in years to come, too. Check it out:

This is one holiday tradition you'll definitely want to add to your life. The Theatre of Lights in Sacramento is a beloved event that's the talk of the town every year, and it's certainly with good reason.
Theatre of Lights/Facebook
This event has been going on for more than a dozen years now. Macy's Theatre of Lights illuminates the Old Sacramento Waterfront on K Street between Front and 2nd Streets. Businesses and storefronts transform magically, and you'll see all kinds of holiday decorations and dazzling, multi-colored lights.
Theatre of Lights/Facebook
The Theatre of Lights is a one-of-a-kind holiday attraction that's one of the best to enjoy during Christmas in NorCal. This is an event that the whole family will love, and best of all, it's free to attend.
Theatre of Lights/Facebook
The shows take place each Thursday through Sunday evening from Thanksgiving Eve to December 30, 2023. Note that there is no performance on Thanksgiving Day.

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The attraction is a fully immersive experience that will transport you to a different era. With myriad of lights, sounds, and visual effects, it's a true trip back in time. The core of the event's nightly performance is a live reading of the famous poem "Twas The Night Before Christmas."
Theatre of Lights/Facebook
The 20-minute event also includes interesting historical information about the calamities that afflicted Sacramento in the city's early days.
This reading of the classic poem is much more than your average retelling. The event combines theatrical elements with stunning choreography. Guests will witness a world-class performance right before their very eyes.
Theatre of Lights/Facebook
Actors will dazzle you from up above as they perform on balconies and rooftops, and beautiful visuals will leave you mesmerized.
The Theatre of Lights in Sacramento brings together some of the finest light, sound, and voice talents in the state. Even Bill Farmer, the Emmy-nominated voice of Disney's Goofy, is here.
Theatre of Lights/Facebook
The performance takes place twice each night on Thursdays through Sundays right up until December 30.
There's no denying that the heart-stopping visuals, including a massive 60-foot-tall Christmas tree, will leave you in complete awe of the performance. However, it's the heart of the event itself - seeing a Christmas poem come to life - that will officially make this one of your favorite holiday traditions.
Theatre of Lights/Facebook

Check out this great video from CBS Sacramento that details the history of this fun tradition:

For more information about the 2023 Theatre of Lights in Sacramento, check out the Old Sacramento Waterfront website or the Old Sacramento Waterfront Facebook page.

Have you ever seen this great Christmas in NorCal tradition in person? Share your thoughts in the comments!

If you’re planning on traveling this winter, make sure you check out our Ultimate Winter Packing List so that you have everything you need for a safe and happy trip.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

NorCal At Christmas

Lisa Sammons | November 27, 2023

Where are the best Christmas lights in California?

We're a big state, and we certainly know how to do Christmas big! From professional light shows to residential neighborhood displays, there are some really fantastic Christmas lights in California. Here are a few that we think belong on every Californian's annual list:

  • Redding Garden of Lights in Redding
  • Trucker's Parade in Eureka
  • Imaginarium in Sacramento

 

What are some more must-do things in NorCal at Christmas?

We are lucky enough to have some wonderful Christmas festivals and events in Northern California! Here are just a few that we are particularly fond of:

 

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Featured Addresses
Theater Of Lights, 1002 2nd St, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA