Explore the holiday season in North Highlands with our detailed guide. Whether you're rediscovering North Highlands or seeing it with fresh eyes, this guide enhances your holiday spirit.
Popular events this season include the Imaginarium Holiday Light Festival, where dazzling light displays create a magical atmosphere for all ages. Theatre of Lights offers a unique blend of live performances and festive lights, transforming the city into a vibrant holiday wonderland. And the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink is something you definitely don't want to miss, providing a delightful spot for skating and seasonal gatherings. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around North Highlands
- Imaginarium Holiday Light Festival (Sacramento)
- Theatre of Lights (Sacramento)
- Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink (Sacramento)
- Christmas at Gaylord Rockies (Aurora)
- Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens (Denver)
- Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens (Denver)
- Denver Zoo Zoo Lights (Denver)
- Trail of Lights - Denver Botanic Gardens (Littleton)
- Electric Safari - Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (Colorado Springs)
- 9NEWS Parade of Lights (Denver)
See these and even more events listed below!
North Highlands Holiday Light Displays
Imaginarium Holiday Light Festival
What to Expect:
Largest LED rose display in the world with 30,000 roses.
Description:
Imaginarium is a spectacular holiday light festival featuring millions of lights, a rose garden with tens of thousands of LEDs, mirror worlds, enchanted forests, and fantastical creatures. The event includes carnival rides, games, ice skating, and interactive experiences.
Where: Sacramento | More Info: Imaginarium Holiday Light Festival
Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens
What to Expect:
Immersive, luminous displays highlighting plant collections.
Description:
Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens is a spectacular holiday light display featuring a mile-long path through immersive, luminous displays that accentuate and highlight the gardens' plant collections. The event is a cherished holiday tradition for nearly four decades, consistently lauded as one of the top holiday light shows in the nation. All lights used are LED, and holiday treats and warm drinks are available for purchase.
Where: Denver | More Info: Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens
Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday light displays with interactive activities.
Description:
Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens features over 4 million dazzling lights, rides on featured Elitch Gardens attractions, visits with Santa Claus, and immersive light displays including a 65 ft. Christmas tree and 25 ft. snowman.
Where: Denver | More Info: Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens
Denver Zoo Zoo Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with extensive LED light displays and interactive attractions.
Description:
Denver Zoo Zoo Lights features over 3 million LED lights, transforming the zoo into a vibrant display of lighted figures and special attractions like ice sculpting and train rides.
Where: Denver | More Info: Denver Zoo Zoo Lights
Trail of Lights - Denver Botanic Gardens
What to Expect:
LED-lit walking trail with synchronized light displays and festive activities.
Description:
The Trail of Lights at Denver Botanic Gardens' Chatfield Farms features a winding path illuminated by LED lights, showcasing cottonwoods, boxelders, and pine trees. Enjoy lit props, synchronized music, dancing Christmas trees, and illuminated antique tractors. Hot beverages and snacks are available for purchase, along with a Holiday Market offering holiday gifts.
Where: Littleton | More Info: Trail of Lights - Denver Botanic Gardens
Electric Safari - Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with synchronized light displays and animal interactions.
Description:
Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo features over 85 unique light sculptures, larger-than-life illuminated inflatable animals, and a holiday-safari themed drone show. Guests can also enjoy interactive activities, animal exhibits, and meet Santa Claus.
Where: Colorado Springs | More Info: Electric Safari - Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
9NEWS Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Dazzling light displays and festive performances.
Description:
The 9NEWS Parade of Lights is a spectacular holiday event in downtown Denver, featuring over 40 units including floats, balloons, marching bands, and cultural displays, culminating in a special appearance by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa.
Where: Denver | More Info: 9NEWS Parade of Lights
Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular
What to Expect:
Immersive light display with eco-friendly skating and festive activities.
Description:
Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular at Del Mar Fairgrounds features a walk-through light display, eco-friendly skating, holiday market, and festive food and drinks.
Where: Del Mar | More Info: Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular
December Nights at One Paseo
What to Expect:
Snowfall and twinkling lights in an urban village setting.
Description:
One Paseo transforms into a winter wonderland with festive holiday lights and snow cascading from rooftops every Friday and Saturday evening from 5pm to 7pm.
Where: San Diego | More Info: December Nights at One Paseo
Camp Christmas
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday celebration with synchronized lights and water shows.
Description:
Camp Christmas is an immersive holiday experience featuring thousands of computerized lights, a dancing water show, and various attractions like hayrides, bounce houses, and laser tag. Visitors can enjoy festive light shows, holiday-themed entertainment, and a variety of food options.
Where: Pine Valley | More Info: Camp Christmas
North Highlands Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Craft and Gift Festival, San Jose
What to Expect:
Juried show with a wide variety of unique and curated crafts and gifts.
Description:
The Holiday Craft and Gift Festival in Ventura offers a diverse array of handmade crafts, unique gifts, and seasonal items. Attendees can explore various vendors selling ceramics, candles, jewelry, and specialty foods. The event also features demonstrations, make-and-take activities, and opportunities to meet Santa.
Where: San Jose | More Info: Holiday Craft and Gift Festival, San Jose
North Highlands Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Theatre of Lights
What to Expect:
Live dramatization on historic rooftops with Jack Frost and St. Nick.
Description:
Theatre of Lights is a free, family-friendly performance retelling "Twas the Night Before Christmas" in a uniquely Sacramento way on the rooftops of the Old Sacramento Waterfront. The show features an immersive retelling of Moore’s 1823 poem alongside stories of Sacramento pioneers and their experiences in the city's early days. The highlight includes a live dramatization on the balconies above K Street, complete with a special appearance by Jack Frost and the lighting of the 60-foot Christmas tree by St. Nick himself.
Where: Sacramento | More Info: Theatre of Lights
Winter Paradice: Skate, Create & Celebrate
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday celebration with STEAM activities and festive lights.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday spirit at Balboa Park with Family Zone STEAM activities, free photos with Santa, lights displays, musical performances, and delicious food.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Winter Paradice: Skate, Create & Celebrate
Night of Christmas
What to Expect:
Live fireworks and symphony orchestra performance.
Description:
Awaken Church presents Night of Christmas, a spectacular event featuring classic carols, live fireworks, a symphony orchestra, breathtaking aerialists, and captivating storytelling.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Night of Christmas
The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More
What to Expect:
Rock opera with a laser-lit second set.
Description:
Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents a spectacular holiday tour featuring "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve – The Best of TSO & More." This tour includes a new and larger presentation of the beloved holiday tradition, capturing the hearts of multiple generations. The show follows the journey of a runaway who breaks into an abandoned vaudeville theater, where the caretaker uses ghosts and spirits to turn her life around. The performance includes a rocking, blazing, and laser-lit second set with TSO's greatest hits and fan-favorites.
Where: Sacramento | More Info: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More
North Highlands Other Holiday Activities
Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
What to Expect:
Themed activations and discounts with local organizations.
Description:
The Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink is a holiday tradition located in Ali Youssefi Square, offering a fun and festive atmosphere for skating under the city lights. The rink partners with local organizations to provide discounts and themed activations like craft days and silent disco nights.
Where: Sacramento | More Info: Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
Christmas at Gaylord Rockies
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with extensive ice sculptures and festive activities.
Description:
Christmas at Gaylord Rockies features over 3 million dazzling Christmas lights, larger-than-life ice sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and various holiday activities like gingerbread decorating and Santa photos.
Where: Aurora | More Info: Christmas at Gaylord Rockies
Victorian Christmas Tours at Miramont Castle
What to Expect:
Lavish Victorian and modern decorations.
Description:
Explore the lavishly decorated Miramont Castle during Victorian Christmas Tours, featuring Victorian and modern adornments, fresh cookies, and warm cider in the Great Hall.
Where: Manitou Springs | More Info: Victorian Christmas Tours at Miramont Castle
Schweiger Ranch Austrian Christmas
What to Expect:
Horse-drawn carriage rides and authentic Austrian cuisine.
Description:
Schweiger Ranch presents its annual Austrian Christmas event, featuring Santa Claus, real reindeer, horse-drawn carriage rides, authentic Austrian food, and local handcrafted gifts. Enjoy face painting, kids' crafts, and live music by the Austrian Connections Band.
Where: Parker | More Info: Schweiger Ranch Austrian Christmas
December Delights at Four Mile Historic Park
What to Expect:
Immersive Victorian holiday traditions with interactive activities.
Description:
December Delights at Four Mile Historic Park offers an immersive Victorian holiday experience with activities like ice skating, scavenger hunts, and live music. Guests can create their own holiday crafts, enjoy hot chocolate, and participate in a yule ride around the park.
Where: Denver | More Info: December Delights at Four Mile Historic Park
The Super Dentists Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Themed dental experience with state-of-the-art technologies.
Description:
The Super Dentists Winter Wonderland offers a themed dental experience with state-of-the-art technologies, fun lobby activities, and specialized care for children and adults, creating a welcoming environment for all ages.
Where: San Diego | More Info: The Super Dentists Winter Wonderland
Family Christmas Tree Farm
What to Expect:
Choose-and-cut Christmas trees with a petting zoo and hot cocoa stand.
Description:
Family Christmas Tree Farm in El Cajon, CA, offers a variety of fresh Christmas trees, wreaths, and festive activities like a pumpkin patch, hay maze, and farm animals. Enjoy hot cocoa and tractor rides amidst the beautiful scenery.
Where: El Cajon | More Info: Family Christmas Tree Farm
North Pole Limited
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed train ride with Santa and Mrs. Claus visits.
Description:
The North Pole Limited offers a holiday train ride through the backcountry, featuring holiday sing-alongs, festive stories, and hot chocolate and cookies. Santa and Mrs. Claus visit each passenger, making it a memorable experience for families.
Where: Campo | More Info: North Pole Limited
Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour
What to Expect:
Holiday caroling with Elf conductors.
Description:
Join Old Town Trolley for a holiday tour through San Diego's beautifully decorated neighborhoods, including Old Town, Little Italy, Banker’s Hill, and Garrison Street. Enjoy sing-along caroling with Elf conductors and learn about local holiday traditions.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Foothill Farms (1 miles)
- Antelope (3 miles)
- Citrus Heights (5 miles)
- Carmichael (5 miles)
- Fair Oaks (6 miles)
- Roseville (6 miles)
- Rancho Cordova (8 miles)
- Orangevale (8 miles)
- Rosemont (9 miles)
- Sacramento (10 miles)
- Rocklin (10 miles)
- West Sacramento (11 miles)
- Granite Bay (12 miles)
- Florin (13 miles)
- Lincoln (15 miles)
- Vineyard (15 miles)
- El Dorado Hills (16 miles)
- Laguna (19 miles)
- Elk Grove (19 miles)
- Woodland (22 miles)
- Davis (22 miles)
- Galt (30 miles)
- Yuba City (34 miles)
- Lodi (39 miles)
- Vacaville (40 miles)