Sacramento weekend guide: 38th annual Santa Parade, Nutcracker live or Antique Faire

Hanh Truong
·4 min read

It’s a great weekend to cross off some holiday shopping on your to-do list, but don’t forget to take a breather and unwind.

Consider decorating some holiday cookies, catching the Santa Parade or watching a cult classic film on the big screen. This weekend is your oyster.

So put on your coat — it might be chilly in Sacramento this weekend with temperatures under 50 degrees Friday through Saturday — and enjoy the city. Here are some events for Dec. 10 through Dec. 12 in Sacramento.

Friday

Channel your holiday spirit on some sweet treats

Wild Sisters Book Company, 3960 60th St., Sacramento

Christmas isn’t complete without cookies, especially if they’re shaped like pine trees, gingerbread men and candycanes. You can learn how to make colorful and festive holiday cookies at a cookie decorating class on Friday at 6 p.m.

All materials are included in the class. Just register online at Eventbrite for $40.

Watch the cult classic “The Room” at the Tower Theatre

The Tower Theatre by Angelika, 2508 Land Park Dr., Sacramento

You can catch Tommy Wiseau’s film, “The Room,” on the big screen at the Tower Theatre by Angelika. The movie, which is infamous for being the “weirdest film,” has gained a huge following and inspired James Franco’s adaptation, “The Disaster Artist.”

Alcohol is available at the showing. You can buy tickets for $11.50 online.

Cure your holiday blues with some laughs at the Comedy Spot

Sacramento Comedy Spot, 1050 20th Street #130, Sacramento

The Sacramento Comedy Spot is hosting its annual Holiday Show on Friday.

You can get tickets online, starting at $15. Audience members must be fully vaccinated and masked. Don’t forget to bring your vaccination card and photo ID.

Saturday

Experience Christmas in Japantown

2223 10th St, Sacramento

My Sister’s House Treasures and nearby businesses and restaurants are hosting Christmas in Japantown. You and your family can enjoy performances by carolers, live entertainment and crafts vendors. Santa Claus will also be there.

Watch Santa at his annual parade in downtown

California State Capitol, West Steps, 10th Street and Capitol Avenue, Sacramento

From 14th and N Street to 12th Street, you can catch Santa Claus at the 38th Annual MIX 96 Santa Parade. There will be bands, twirlers, horses, clowns and, of course, the grand marshal.

Make sure you arrive to the capitol building by 10 a.m.

Marvel or shop some pop culture and political memorabilia

Sierra 2 Center for the Arts and Community, 2791 24th St., Sacramento

If you’re a history geek or have one on your holiday gift list, visit the Political and Pop Culture Memorabilia Show & Sale. You’ll find antique campaign buttons, posters and other vintage items.

If you want to sell or trade a treasure of yours, the show is offering free appraisals.

Tickets for adults are $3 on EventBrite; kids and students can get in for free. Face masks are required.

Spend the afternoon at the Holiday Marketplace

Esther’s Park, 3408 3rd Ave., Sacramento

The Night Market Series is hosting the Holiday Marketplace at Esther’s Park. But don’t be hoodwinked by the name, the market is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be food vendors, live DJs, more than 20 local vendors and a toy drive. You and your youngsters can also take pictures with Santa, do arts and crafts activities and watch a holiday movie.

Admission is free and you can find free parking near the Guild Theater or on the street.

Black in Sac: Holiday Marketplace, Irie Nights, Black Creatives celebrated at Sac State

Sunday

See the Nutcracker by the Sacramento Ballet

SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center, 1301 L St., Sacramento

The Sacramento Ballet presents a new holiday tradition with a live performance of the Nutcracker. The ballet dancers will be retelling the classic holiday story against the backdrop of a live orchestra.

Tickets start at $35 on Ticketmaster.

Snag some vintage goodies at the Sacramento Antique Faire

1 Sports Parkway, Sacramento

Every second Sunday of the month, you can find antiques, vintage jewelry, glassware, furniture, knick knacks and more at the Sacramento Antique Faire. This is great if you need to spruce up your living space before having guests over for the holidays, if you have an antique-lover on your gift list or if you just love all things vintage.

Admission is $3 cash and you can pay onsite.

What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our California Utility Team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email utilityteam@sacbee.com.

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