Thanksgiving Events in Sacramento for 2009

If holiday shopping doesn't feature prominently into your Thanksgiving week plans this year due to the current economic conditions, you have plenty of other options for making your November holiday merry and bright. The following guide will provide you with a full slate of activities in the Sacramento area for the week of Thanksgiving. And best of all, many of them are FREE.

Start your holiday festivities on the day before Thanksgiving, Weds. Nov. 25th, with the Tree Lighting ceremony in Old Sacramento at Front and K Streets at 6 pm. Mayor Kevin Johnson is scheduled to be on hand for this event. The entertainment includes a 10-minute free outdoor show at 6:30 and 8:00 pm, and will feature lights, storytelling, and visual effects.

On Thanksgiving morning, burn off some calories ahead of the big feast with the Run to Feed the Hungry. Run to Feed the Hungry is Sacramento's annual run/walk and is the largest Thanksgiving race in the United States. Last year, over 28,000 participants attended, and over 30,000 are expected for this year. The race course winds through the beautiful neighborhoods of East Sacramento. And the best part is that the proceeds from the run benefit the Sacramento Food Bank.

The day after Thanksgiving, head to the Festival of Lights in downtown Placerville. Placerville is a picturesque gold-rush era town east of Sacramento in the Sierra foothills. The Festival of Lights will take place on November 27th from 5:30pm - 8:00 pm. The festivities include an appearance by Santa, stagecoach rides, a tree lighting at 6 pm at the courthouse, music, and entertainment.

Also on the day after Thanksgiving, the Carnival of Lights opens at noon at 7th and K Streets in Sacramento. The event will feature classic carnival games, a ferris wheel and other rides, food vendors, live entertainment, a craft fair, and charity events. The carnival will be open daily through January 3, 2010.

On Saturday, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) will be in town for two concerts. TSO is a rock orchestra famous for their renditions of traditional Christmas songs. They are also known for elaborate concerts that include a laser light show. TSO will perform two shows at Arco Arena on Saturday, November 28, at 3 pm and 8 pm. For tickets, visit their website at www.trans-siberian.com. What a fantastic show this will be, and Sacramento has scored a primo slot on their schedule this year!

On Sunday, start a new tradition by heading to one of the many Christmas tree farms in Placer County or El Dorado County. The weather is a little cooler here than in Sacramento, so bring a jacket and plan to sip some hot chocolate or apple cider. Besides trees, many farms also sell wreaths, boughs, garlands, and mistletoe. Some of the farms even offer horse-drawn hayrides. You'll feel like you stepped into New England!

Whatever you choose to do this Thanksgiving holiday, have a happy and safe weekend, and take the time to cherish your family.

(Please note that the Downtown Sacramento outdoor ice skating rink will not be open this year, due to a conflict in construction schedules. The Downtown Sacramento Partnership has instead organized the Carnival of Lights.)

Citations

"About the Race", RuntoFeedtheHungry.com.

"Events and Activities", OldSacramento.com.

"Placerville Downtown", www.placerville-downtown.org.

"The Carnival at St. Rose", www.downtownsac.org.

"On Tour", www.trans-siberian.com.