By Steph Rodriguez, Solving Sacramento
Sacramento is rocking around the clock this holiday season with a variety of festive shows even the Grinch in your family can get behind. Start with Kevin Seconds and his acoustic punk rock holiday jam at The Side Door featuring Allyson Seconds, Kepi Ghoulie, David Houston and Jonah Matranga.
If it’s a variety show you crave, swing over to Peter Petty’s Hepcat’s Holla'Daze! Swingin’ Yuletide Revue at The Sofia which promises burlesque, guest appearances and amazing drag numbers. For those who like their holidays heavy, raise those horns at a doom-metal gathering featuring Chrch, Dispirit and Chrome Ghost at Harlow’s. Legendary hip-hop group The Pharcyde is bringin’ their iconic sound to Sactown, but there are also a few beloved annual traditions to experience between the Theatre of Lights illuminating Old Sac and the Sacramento Ballet’s “Nutcracker” celebrating 70 years of the treasured tale. This December is packed with countless festive events, here are a few to consider as an early gift.
Music
Acoustic holiday jam
Friday, Dec. 20: Experience an intimate evening of acoustic music and punk rock spirit featuring Kevin Seconds of the iconic punk band 7 Seconds joined by a gang of talented musicians. Longtime indie artist David Houston, Groovie Ghoulies frontman Kepi Ghoulie celebrating 40 years of his band, songwriter Allyson Seconds, who’s also in The Globs, and Jonah Matranga of Far will hit the stage for a good cause. This annual showcase, a beloved tradition formerly held at Luna’s Cafe, finds a new home at The Side Door. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales and merch will benefit Doctors Without Borders, supporting vital global relief efforts in over 70 countries. Fun fact: Kevin Seconds was recently honored with a mural in Mexico City after performing there. The Side Door, 2900 Franklin Blvd.; 7 p.m.; $25; all ages.
The talented lineup of Kevin Seconds, David Houston, Kepi Ghoulie, Allyson Seconds and Jonah Matranga comes together for a special acoustic holiday showcase at The Side Door, with proceeds supporting Doctors Without Borders.Courtesy of Chris Shary
Jump, jive, jingle!
Saturday, Dec. 21: Swing your way into this holiday season with Peter Petty’s Hepcat’s Holla’Daze! Swingin’ Yuletide Revue at The Sofia. One of Sacramento’s most animated entertainers, who’s always dressed to the nines, Petty leads his 12-piece “Mercenaries of Merry!” jazz orchestra in a dynamic, big-band celebration packed with dazzling guest stars. It’s a one-of-a-kind, seasonal showcase that combines Harlem Renaissance vibes, neo-burlesque artistry, extravagant drag numbers and swing-era pizzazz for a festive evening unlike any other. Expect holiday classics reimagined with flair, from Louis Armstrong to James Brown — and even a little dash of The Pogues. This year’s ensemble features performances by Katie Knipp, Dana Moret, Omari Tau and more. The Sofia, Home of the B Street Theatre, 2700 Capitol Ave.; 7 p.m.; $59; 14 years and older.
Heavy holidays
Saturday, Dec. 21: Embrace the darkness and get ready for a holiday celebration heavy enough to summon Krampus. Harlow’s transforms into a doom-metal wonderland as Chrch, Dispirit and Chrome Ghost invite one and all to a night of crushing riffs and haunting melodies. Forget sleigh bells — this festive gathering delivers growls and guttural grooves. Chrch evokes their signature slow-burning intensity, Dispirit out of Oakland channels pure sonic darkness and Chrome Ghost weaves eerie, emotive soundscapes perfect for the season. Whether you're headbanging in a Santa hat or raising your horns to the holiday spirits, this show promises a holly-jolly metal massacre. Harlow’s, 2708 J St.; Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m.; $21.55; all ages.
Chrch brings their signature slow-burning intensity to Harlow’s for a doom-metal holiday celebration, joined by Dispirit and Chrome Ghost for a night of crushing riffs and haunting melodies.Photo courtesy of Chrch
Hip-hop holidays
Sunday, Dec. 22: Legendary hip-hop group The Pharcyde is bringing their iconic sound to Harlow’s. Formed in South Central Los Angeles, The Pharcyde emerged in the early ’90s as pioneers of West Coast alternative hip-hop. Their groundbreaking debut album, “Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde,” featuring the timeless hit “Passin’ Me By” remains a cornerstone of the genre. Their follow-up album, “Labcabincalifornia” only solidified their status with chart-topping tracks such as “Drop” and “Runnin’.” With innovative beats and clever, introspective lyrics, The Pharcyde’s influence continues to resonate across new generations of beatmakers and lyricists. Although it’s unclear which of the original four members will be performing during the group’s latest tour, their high-energy and undeniable legacy through decades of hip-hop makes this one show not to miss. Harlow’s, 2708 J St.; Doors open at 7:30 p.m., show starts at 8:30 p.m.; $43.65-$79.15; 21 and over.
Iconic hip-hop group The Pharcyde brings their classic West Coast sound to Harlow’s, showcasing timeless hits and a legacy that continues to shape the genre.Courtesy of The Pharcyde
Culture
A Christmas tale in lights
Friday, Dec. 6-Dec. 24: Old Sacramento’s historic balconies transform into a festive stage for the 16th annual Theatre of Lights, a spectacular, family friendly light show and retelling of “The Night Before Christmas.” Created by Troy Carlson of Stage Nine Exhibitions and voiced by Emmy-nominated actor Bill Farmer (Disney’s Goofy), the free performances weave lively storytelling with local pioneer history. Shows run on Fridays and Saturdays at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. from Thanksgiving Eve to Christmas Eve (no shows on Thanksgiving), with ASL interpretation available during Saturday evenings. This immersive experience powered by SMUD lights up the entire district with holiday cheer and a uniquely Sactown twist on a treasured tale everyone can enjoy. Old Sacramento, 1002 Second St., times vary; free; all ages.
Old Sacramento’s historic balconies shine with the 16th annual Theatre of Lights, blending festive light displays, lively storytelling, and a local twist on "The Night Before Christmas."Courtesy of Downtown Sacramento Partnership
Unique gifts, locally crafted
Saturday, Dec. 7: Join Sacramento’s creative community at this year’s Makers Mart to find thoughtful and unique gifts for everyone special in your crew. Shop a curated selection of more than 70 talented craftspeople, designers, glass artists and local shops showcasing their best handmade creations. Attendees can sip on artisan cocktails, craft beer and natural wines from Kokoro + Debbie Wu collaborating with Good Bottle — along with seasonal Arabic-Mexican dishes by Meza and vegan treats from Brown Rice Bakery.
Explore striking art installations by Melissa and Melinda Arendt, revel in the whimsical floral designs by Anita Ivayo and groove to the chill beats and vibes provided by DJ Shaun Slaughter. Entry is free with a suggested $5 or more donation that goes toward supporting this annual bizarre. Guests who step it up and donate $10 will be entered into a raffle where they’ll have the chance to win a relaxing staycation. Scottish Rite Center, 6151 H St.; 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; $5 sliding scale donations; all ages.
Holiday magic in motion
Friday, Dec. 13-Sunday, Dec. 22: Celebrate 70 years of magic with Sacramento Ballet’s “Nutcracker,” a timeless holiday classic brought to life with stunning new costumes and set designs. This year’s production features over 250 local children as enchanting characters like mice, mushrooms, peppermints and shooting stars. “Nutcracker” will also showcase original choreography by Colby Damon, Julia Feldman and Nicole Haskins with breathtaking performances by internationally acclaimed professional dancers. The Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera is set to once again enhance this festive experience with live orchestral accompaniments. Visitors can also treat themselves to plenty of photo opportunities in the lobby, posing beside a 12-foot nutcracker soldier and costumed ballerinas. SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center, 1301 L St.; times vary; $40-$120; 5 years and older.
Glide into the season
December-Jan. 20, 2025: Kick off your holiday season on ice with family and friends at the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink. Open for its 32nd season and produced by Downtown Sacramento Partnership, this beloved destination has been a local tradition since 1991 and attracts more than 40,000 skaters annually. Located in between the twinkling holiday tree at the Old Sacramento Waterfront and the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center, the ice rink is now open Tuesdays through Sundays until Jan. 20, 2025. Admission includes skate rental and sizes run as small as 8 youth, so every little member of your party is welcome to glide across the ice. Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink, 7th and K streets; 2 p.m.-9 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday through Sunday (weather permitting); $15 general admission, $8 for children ages 6 and under; all ages.
Kick off your holiday season at the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink, a beloved tradition since 1991, where skaters of all ages can glide into the festive spirit through Jan. 20, 2025.Courtesy of Downtown Sacramento Partnership
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 and protocols, the city had no editorial influence over this story and no city official reviewed this story before it was published. Our partners include California Groundbreakers, Capital Public Radio, Outword, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review, Sacramento Observer and Univision 19. Sign up for our “Sac Art Pulse” newsletter here.
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