Every year, neighborhoods in the Sacramento area all the way from Folsom to East Sac dress to impress during the holidays. Here are the 5 best places to see Christmas lights and get into the holiday spirit in and around the Sacramento area.

IMAGINARIUM @ CAL EXPO

1600 Exposition Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95815 | www.imaginarium360.com

Through Jan. 16th, 2022

Imaginarium’s “Light Up the Night” is a family-friendly outdoor event taking place at Cal Expo in Sacramento. The event is brought to you by the producers of Global Winter Wonderland, which opened in 2011 in Santa Clara as the first-ever Chinese lantern festival to ever be held in the United States.

This year’s event is a new concept and is a more immersive experience featuring an incredible array of lighting displays, many of them interactive, responding to music and attendees. Guests will love walking through illuminated tunnels and the Field of Dreams aglow with over 30,000 roses arriving at Winter Wonderland. In total there are over three million LED lights, creating a unique and exhilarating event specifically designed for this year’s extended holiday season. There will be food vendors, awe-inspiring performers from around the world, your favorite carnival rides and games, and a 7,000 square foot laser tag arena that you won't find anywhere else. Prepare to be dazzled!!

2. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS DRIVE-THRU AT BAYSIDE CHURCH

6401 Stanford Ranch Rd, Roseville, CA 95678 | www.baysideonline.com/lights

Through Dec. 31st, 2021

Round up the crew, hop in the car, cue the holiday music, and immerse yourself in a colorful winter wonderland at Bayside Church Adventure’s 6th annual Christmas Lights Drive-Thru. This year’s drive-thru Christmas light show features a mile-long procession of brilliant lights designed to be enjoyed via car. Registration for free tickets is required to control traffic.

3. THEATRE OF LIGHTS OLD WATERFRONT SACRAMENTO

9346 Greenback Ln Suite 6, Orangevale, CA 95662 | www.godowntownsac.com

6pm & 7:30pm on select days through Dec. 24th

Theatre of Lights is a free holiday lighting extravaganza of nightly performances at the Old Sacramento Waterfront. It features a live-action retelling of Moore’s 1823 poem — “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” more popularly known as “’ Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

The highlight of the 20-minute production is 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.

4. CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK BAYSIDE CHURCH BLUE OAKS

10000 Alantown Dr. Suite 150. Roseville, CA | www.baysideonline.com/park

Dec. 10th & 11th, 17th & 18th

Brand new this year, join Bayside Blue Oaks as they pull out all the stops for an immersive Christmas experience in the Park--from Santa’s Workshop to snowball fights, inflatables, holiday crafts, and more! At the top of every hour, grab your loved ones as the Park comes to life with dazzling lights and joyous music. It’s the inspiring story of Christmas—a story of hope and joy. There’s Christmas cheer for all in this one-hour experience.

5. WILD NIGHTS & HOLIDAY LIGHTS FOLSOM ZOO

403 Stafford Street Folsom, CA 95630 | www.folsomzoofriends.org

Celebrate the magic of the season and help support the amazing animals at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary. Thousands of colorful lights decorate the grounds, buildings and animal exhibits at the zoo. An enchanted forest of beautifully decorated trees provides a colorful backdrop for photos, carolers fill the air with seasonal cheer, and zoo bear mascot Santa Paws greets guests. This event also provides a unique opportunity to see some of the zoo’s animals who are more active at night, and zoo docents are on hand to share fun facts and answer questions about the animals. Come Experience the Holiday Magic!

SACRAMENTO NEIGHBORHOODS WITH THE BEST CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

East Sacramento, CA | The Fab Forties

A Sac favorite, the Fab Forties during the holidays feature a brilliant spectacle of the most beautiful homes in Sacramento adorned by string lights and possibly the most lavish holiday decorations of any neighborhood. This is the ultimate combination of holiday cheer and charm.

Elk Grove, CA | Arcadian Village 8486 Mainstay Ct.

If you’re in or around Elk Grove, the famous Arcadian Villiage home boasts 80,000 lights. Tune to 107.9 FM and enjoy a synchronized show of reindeers and penguins dancing to 22 festive songs. Sunday through Thursday, the lights go on from 5:30 pm to 10 pm, while Friday and Saturday offer extended hours till 11 pm and also seasonal treats, such as candy canes.

FOLSOM NEIGHBORHOODS WITH THE BEST CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Orangevale, CA | Dovewood Ct.

For a truly interactive Christmas lights experience, delight your senses with a bold display of flashing lights, iconic moving Christmas figures, sounds of cheerful holiday music classics, and the joyful chatter and laughter of delighted patrons at Dovewood Court in Orangevale! This cozy court is decked out to the fullest, and is truly a sight to behold! Bring the kiddos, and give them memories that will last for years to come.

ROSEVILLE NEIGHBORHOODS WITH THE BEST CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Rocklin, CA | Pebble Creek Drive & Strand Road

Prepare to see all your favorite Disney and Christmas characters come alive in one neighborhood!  Watch your children's faces light up with wonderment and delight.  Grab a hot cup of cocoa for only $1, and give back by dropping off a canned food donation to help feed the hungry this holiday season!

Did we miss anything? What are your favorite places to see Christmas lights in the area? Send us a DM or comment on @sherripattersonteam. We'd love to check them out!