If you think your holiday to-do list is long, try squeezing all of Sacramento’s December fun into one month. Whether you’re feeling merry or even a little Grinchy, there’s plenty of events for everyone to experience this holiday season.
Old Sacramento’s glowing Theatre of Lights returns with its spectacular retelling of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” narrated by Bill Farmer, better known as the voice behind Disney’s lovable Goofy character. For more cozy winter vibes, grab a warm mulled wine and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts at the Turn Verein’s old-world Christkindlmarkt, where fresh-baked cookies and thoughtful, handmade treasures are waiting to welcome you.
For music lovers wanting a little time away from the family dinner table, join Save Ferris skankin’ through the skalidaze at Goldfield Trading Post in Roseville, or stop by Harlow’s on J Street to celebrate the life of local legend Ground Chuck alongside the Sacto Storytellers, Th’Losin’ Streaks, Kill the Precedent and more. If you’re looking to dive into full, holiday-camp, then practice your best impression of “The King” and see El Vez, the self-proclaimed Mexican Elvis, at Cafe Colonial.
For the divas in your family, take them to see Ms. Christmas herself, Mariah Carey Carrie, during a whirlwind performance that includes sparkling sequins, holiday sass and fabulous drag artistry at Faces Nightclub. Lastly, it wouldn’t be the holidays without the Sacramento Ballet’s “Nutcracker” featuring more than 200 youth dancers dressed as cute mice, mushrooms and peppermint candies. It’s time to grab that cocoa, don your nerdiest holiday sweater and make your December as merry and ridiculous as possible with this festive guide to Sacramento.
Music
Skankin’ through the skalidaze
Sunday, Dec. 7: Save Ferris is synonymous with Orange County ska, and their smash-hit cover of Dexys Midnight Runners’ “Come On Eileen” catapulted the band onto every alternative radio station in the ’90s and helped bring Save Ferris’ blend of bright horns and punk-driven guitars into the mainstream. Fronted by vocalist and songwriter Monique Powell, Save Ferris is once again sharing their upbeat music with fans for their upcoming Happy Skalidaze tour, making a special stop in Roseville.
Powell and crew also released a holiday single “X-Mas Blue” last October and debuted a new video for their latest single “Get Dancing,” both available on limited edition 7-inch vinyl. Also performing is Sacramento ska band Lesdystics and FFG, who are set to bring even more pop punk vibes to the lineup. Goldfield Trading Post, 238 Vernon St., in Roseville; 6 p.m.; $36.75; all ages.
¡Viva El Vez!
Tuesday, Dec. 16: El Vez, the satirical alter ego of Los Angeles punk pioneer Robert Lopez, is set to grace Café Colonial’s intimate stage during his annual holiday tour through the West Coast. This year, he’s backed by rockabilly trio The Centuries and joined by special guests, alt-punk duo Duderella.
Whether he’s covered head to toe in a sparkling rhinestone or tiger-print jumpsuit, El Vez is far more than an Elvis impersonator. His tongue-in-cheek lyrics, punk-rock edge and playful commentary on the Mexican American experience have earned him a devoted following through the decades. With songs like “Cesar Chavez ’96” to reimagined Elvis Presley favorites, he serves up quick history lessons with his energetic performances while also delivering a fiesta of culture — and a slick hairstyle. In honor of the holiday season, check out El Vez’s cheekily titled, “Merry Mex-Mas,” featuring tracks like “Poncho Claus” and “Santa Claus Is Sometimes Brown,” along with several pop-inspired recordings. Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd.; doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m.; $28.84; all ages.
Remembering Ground Chuck
Friday, Dec. 19: The Sacramento music community gathers at Harlow’s to honor Charles “Ground Chuck” Thomas, the beloved artist, musician and avid scene supporter who died Sept. 14 at age 56. A fixture at shows, galleries and dive bars, Thomas was instantly recognizable in his worn leather jacket and known for his warm smile, pure and unfiltered art style and his unwavering love for punk and metal. Friends say he defied labels — an enduring legend whose presence shaped Midtown’s creative spirit and even inspired the city’s annual Chalk It Up! festival.
Join the Th’ Losin’ Streaks, Sacto Storytellers, Echo Hill, Kill the Precedent and more, who will all perform in his memory, with the Storytellers releasing a special 10-inch EP featuring Ground Chuck, limited to just 100 copies. Harlow’s, 2708 J St.; doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m.; $26.40; 21 and over.
Holidaze with a wink
Saturday, Dec. 20: Sacramento’s sharp-dressed showman Peter Petty brings his 10th annual Hepcat’s Holla’Daze! to the historic Crest Theater, turning the landmark venue into a swing-era holiday floor show. A polished crooner with Frank Sinatra flair and a Brian Setzer swagger, Petty leads his 12-piece Mercenaries of Merry! jazz orchestra through a stylish blend of Harlem Renaissance influences, neo-burlesque artistry and jaw-dropping drag numbers.
This year’s lineup features soul singer Dana Moret, operatic baritone Omari Tau, Americana multi-instrumentalists Richie Lawrence and Robert Armstrong, honky-tonk performer Geoff Miller and burlesque stars Mone’t Ha-Sidi, Jean Heart and Rebel Rose. Expect inventive takes on holiday classics — and loosen up with a “PeterPettyTini” or two, the Crest’s signature cocktail of the night, guaranteed to put you in sync with the show’s saucy holiday spirit. The Crest Theater, 1013 K St.; doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m.; $50; 16-and-over preferred.
Culture
Twas’ the night in Sactown
Now-Wednesday, Dec. 24: Old Sacramento’s balconies are shining once again for the 17th-annual Theatre of Lights, a beloved holiday tradition for the whole family. Created by Troy Carlson of Stage Nine Exhibitions and narrated by Disney voice legend Bill Farmer (Goofy), the show blends a lively retelling of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” with whimsical tales from Sacramento’s pioneer history.
New this year, Sunday performances join Friday and Saturday evening shows, with ASL interpretation available for Saturday evenings and special events. SMUD-powered lights transform the district into a glowing holiday stage, offering a uniquely Sacramento spin on a cherished seasonal story everyone can enjoy. Old Sacramento, 1002 Second St.; times vary; free; all ages.
Old-world holiday magic
Saturday, Dec. 6-Sunday, Dec. 7: Step inside the Sacramento Turn Verein as it transforms into a cozy European-style Christmas village for its 25th annual Christkindlmarkt (Christ child market). Modeled after the outdoor holiday markets of Germany and Austria, this weekend tradition brings the scents of spiced Glühwein, fresh cookies and cakes and sizzling Nürnberg sausages to East Sacramento.
Browse 22 booths featuring handmade ornaments, arts and crafts and other festive finds while enjoying live Christmas music. Kids can meet Santa Claus and the German Christkind, who appears daily. Proceeds benefit local charities, adding even more goodwill to this endearing kickoff to the holiday season. Sacramento Turn Verein, 3349 J St.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; free to enter; all ages.
Sugarplums and pirouettes
Friday, Dec. 12-Sunday, Dec. 21: Sacramento Ballet’s “Nutcracker” returns, captivating audiences with sparkling choreography, lavish sets and more than 200 local youth performers joining the professional company as mice, mushrooms, peppermints and shooting stars.
Under the direction of Elise Elliott and Stefan Calka, this year’s production features original choreography by Colby Damon, Julia Feldman and Nicole Haskins accompanied by the live Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera. From graceful solos to mesmerizing ensemble numbers, this cherished holiday tradition showcases the heart of Sacramento’s dance community and enchants audiences of all ages. SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center, 1301 L St.; show times vary by day; $45-$149; all ages.
Fa-la-la-la-fabulous!
Saturday, Dec. 20: Get ready to sleigh the holidays with Mariah Carey Carrie at Faces Nightclub, an ultimate drag diva celebration! This sparkling Mariah Carey impersonator channels the Queen of Christmas herself, serving up sequins, sass and powerhouse vocals that will have you singing along to all your favorite holiday hits.
From diva-worthy ballads to treasured Christmas classics, Carrie brings her big personality and sparkling costumes to the Lavender District on K Street. Whether you came for the over-the-top choreography, show-stopping wigs or just to evoke some yuletide spirit, this drag spectacular promises laughs, audience interaction and enough holiday sparkle to rival the North Pole. Faces Nightclub, 2000 K St.; preshow meet-and-greet at 6 p.m., drag show at 7 p.m.; $15; 21 and over.
This story is part of the Solving Sacramento journalism collaborative. This story was funded by the City of Sacramento’s Arts and Creative Economy Journalism Grant to Solving Sacramento. Following our journalism code of ethics, the city had no editorial influence over this story. Our partners include California Groundbreakers, Capital Public Radio, Hmong Daily News, Outword, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review and Sacramento Observer. Sign up for our “Sac Art Pulse” newsletter here.
By Steph Rodriguez
