The holidays have come and gone but Sacramento still has lots in store for residents and visitors alike. That’s why I have put together a list of local events, activities, weekend getaways and more to help you kick off the New Year!

Click on the below links for a round-up of local events and activities happening in and around the city!

Events and Happenings:

1. 2019 Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink (Now through January 20)
2. Sacramento Kings Game Schedule
3. Dine Downtown 2020 (January 10-20)
4. Second Saturdays for KIDS @ DOCO (January 11)
5. Sacramento Antique Faire (January 12)
6. Crafting Kindness @ Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink (January 12)
7. Harlem Globetrotters @ Golden 1 (January 12)
8. Monster Jam @ Golden 1 (January 17-19)
9. National Geographic Live @ Harris Center (January 17)
10. Cirque Du Soleil’s AMALUNA @ Raley Field (January 22)
11. Sacramento Chocolate Salon 2020 (January 26)
12. Twilight Dinner Cruise Above the River City Queen (Select weekends in January)

Can’t seem to shake the post-holiday blues? One of the things that makes Sacramento so special is its central location – it’s just a short drive to the coast and Tahoe! So if you’re not ready to face reality quite yet, consider taking a quick trip to one of the below destinations!

Epic Weekend Trips and Deals: 

1. Lake Tahoe: Skiers and snowboarders rejoice! It’s officially Winter—which means it’s time to start hitting the slopes. Lake Tahoe is the perfect winter wonderland this time of year and is also home to fantastic restaurants, shopping, and cozy lodges and hotels. Are you a fan of South Tahoe? Take a look at some of the local events taking place this month by clicking here. North Tahoe also has a helpful guide for hitting the slopes, stores and more. Check out their guide here.
2. Napa Valley: Looking to spend winter in the wineries? This season is a great opportunity to enjoy Napa Valley and all of its offerings without the large crowds. Calistoga is ushering in Cabernet season with its “Winter in the Wineries” passport, which offers fantastic savings! Take a scenic bike ride tour and soak in breathtaking landscapes, soar above the clouds in a hot air balloon, enjoy a culinary experience at one of their many award-winning restaurants or visit one of their 400+ wineries. Click here for a list of weekend events and here for lodging accommodations.
3. Half Moon Bay: Venture over to Half Moon Bay and enjoy over 300 miles of breathtaking coastal views and sandy beaches. Take a scenic hike or bike ride and enjoy dramatic views of ocean bluffs. Plan a beach day picnic at one of their many beautiful beach destinations. Savor delicious food and equally wonderful sights at one of their fine and casual dining spots. Thinking of planning a weekend trip? From romantic inns and luxurious coastal resorts to budget-friendly hotels and bed and breakfast inns, Half Moon Bay’s wide variety of lodging offers a perfect fit for everyone. Click here to plan your stay.

According to CNBC, “The severe shortage of homes for sale is upending the sales calendar for the whole housing market. Spring has historically been the busiest buying season, but as competition for homes heats up across the country, January is the new April. Spring starts now.” Click here to see why now is an ideal time to dive into the real estate market!

New Year’s Eve is tomorrow! If you plan to ring in the New Year locally, the greater Sacramento area has tons in store—from family-friendly events to luxurious celebrations, we’ve got you covered! Read on for the full rundown of events.

Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Events: Will you be spending New Year’s Eve with your family this year? Check out links to family-friendly events, activities and more below!

Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink  

Noon Year’s Eve at the Crocker

LA Clippers vs. Sacramento Kings @ Golden 1

2019 New Year’s Eve Sky Spectacular

Swing in the New Year @ TopGolf in Rocklin

Midday Family New Year’s Eve 2020 – Dave & Buster’s Roseville

New Year’s Day @ Fairytale Town (January 1^st)

 

Ring in the New Year Out on the Town: Hoping to spend New Year’s Eve out on the town? From comedy shows to New Year’s Eve bashes on land (and even water), we’ve got you covered! Click on the below links to find the right event for you and your friends.

Crawl Til The Ball Falls: Sacramento NYE 2020 Bar Crawl

New Year’s and Chill @ The Bank

New Year’s Eve 2^nd Street Bar Crawl

New Year’s Eve @ Old Ironsides

New Year’s Eve @ Hyatt Regency Sacramento

Revival New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball

New Year’s Eve @ Harlow’s

MiX New Year’s Eve 2020

New Year’s Eve Comedy

Sacramento’s last Laughs – New Year’s Eve Countdown Show

NYE Bash @ Drake’s: The Barn

Roaring 20’s New Year’s Eve Aboard the Delta King

 

Dine in Style this New Year’s Eve: Foodies rejoice! Sacramento has an impressive line-up of restaurants with New Year’s Eve offerings and specials. Reservations are filling up quickly though so be sure to make one ahead of time online!

New Years Eve Dinner @ Rev

Special New Year’s Eve Dinner @ 58  Degrees & Holding

Veuve By the Glass @ Seasons 52

New Year’s Eve Special Menu & Offers @ Allora

4-Course Pre-Fix Dinner @ Fabian’s Italian Bistro

Ring in the New Year @ Paragay’s

Special 4-Course Menu @ The Firehouse Restaurant

Click here for the full list of restaurants with special offerings.

Do you have any New Year’s Eve plans tomorrow in the Sacramento area? Let us know about your plans in the comments section below!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year where sparkling lights, homemade sugar cookies, quality family time, and holiday cheer reign all month long! That’s why this month’s newsletter covers everything from the best Christmas light displays, to festive decorating tips, to local events and holiday happenings!

Will you be home for the holidays? Explore local events and happenings taking place in and around the Sacramento area this month by clicking on the below links!

1. 2019 Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink (Now through January 20) 
2. Sacramento Kings Game Schedule 
3. 2019 Theatre of Lights (Now through December 24 – select days)
4. 12 Days of DOCO Jingle Jams (Now through December 24 – select days)
5. Sacramento River Train: Magical Christmas Train (Now through December 23 – select days)
6. Nutcracker Magic @ Historic Sacramento Theater (Now through December 22 – select days)
7. Capital Stage: The Whickhams: Christmas at Pemberley (Now through December 29)
8. B Street Theater: An Open Fire (Now through December 29)
9. Santa River Cruises Aboard the Hornblower (Select weekends in December)
10. Winter Wonderland @ Fairytale Town (Select weekends in December)
11. Cookies with Santa in Old Fair Oaks (December 13)
12. Breakfast with Santa in Old Fair Oaks (December 14)
13. Holiday Magic @ The Sacramento Zoo (December 14)
14. Crafts & Drafts @ Drakes: The Barn (December 14)
15. Grinch Day @ Sacramento Ice Rink (December 14)
16. Sacramento SPCA Jingle Bell Pup Crawl (December 14)
17. Carriage Rides @ El Dorado Hills Town Center (Select weekends in December)
18. Sacramento Santa Run (December 21)
19. Santa Hustle 5K, Half Marathon & Kids Dash in Roseville (December 22)
20. Pajama Party Christmas Eve @ Sacramento Zoo (December 24)
21. New Year’s Eve Sky Spectacular in Old Sacramento (December 31)

Wondering where you can catch a dazzling light display this year? Click on the below links for my top four picks before planning your outing!

1. Bayside Christmas Lights Drive-Thru in Roseville (Now through December 31): Join Bayside for its 4th Annual Christmas Lights Drive-Thru that is sure to delight the entire community. Round up your crew, jump in the car, listen to your favorite Christmas music, and enjoy a mile of spectacular lights! Free tickets are required to manage traffic flow. Click here to learn more.
2. East Sacramento’s Fab 40s Christmas Lights (Neighborhood Event): Grab your hot chocolate and bundle up while you admire this classic, established East Sacramento neighborhood for its beautiful homes and brilliant light displays. This neighborhood is transformed into a winter wonderland during the holiday season with lights and garland draped around the tree-lined streets.
3. Dovewood Court Christmas Lights in Orangevale (Neighborhood Event): The residents of Dovewood Court bring this cozy cul-de-sac to life during the holiday season with iconic Christmas figures, holiday music, interactive light displays and much more! This light display tends to draw in large crowds so I suggest parking your car nearby and strolling the cul-de-sac for the best experience.
4. Pebble Creek Christmas Lights in Rocklin (Neighborhood Event): This neighborhood has been attracting spectators for years with its popular Disney theme and elaborate light displays! Stroll through the neighborhood by foot or bundle up in the car and roll down the windows for an impressive display of lights!

It’s time to deck the halls (and nearly every room in your house) with these fun and festive holiday decorating tips!

Incorporate Mini Trees into Your Home: Is your home in need of some Christmas cheer? Place mini trees on your empty side tables to spruce them up and to add a pop of color to your home. Trader Joe’s is selling mini “Cyprus Grump Trees” inspired the Grinch himself to cheer up any grouch this holiday season!

Decorate with Garland: Make every inch of your home merry and bright by adding a string of Garland to your mantle, staircase, window or even your oversized headboard! If you don’t already have garland packed away in storage with your other holiday decorations, Home Depot has lots of options to browse.

Bring on the Plaid: Do you have guests coming over for the holidays? Transform your guest bedroom/s into a cozy winter retreat by adding some plaid bedding and you guessed it…some more garland to hang above the headboard!

Add a Touch of Blue: A winter color palette of icy blues and snowy whites proves to be the perfect pairing when it comes to Christmas decor this year. You can incorporate these tones into your Christmas tree, mantel and more!

Wishing you and your loved ones joy, good health, and holiday cheer this Christmas season!