How to Have the Best Winter in the Sacramento Region

While the official start of winter is December 21st, most people consider winter here once we’re all finished with our Thanksgiving meals! Whether you’ve been setting up your holiday decorations since Halloween or if you’re just getting started, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the season ahead.

It’s no surprise that the Sacramento Region is chock-full of fun holiday events and sights to see. But there’s more to the season than just enjoying Christmas! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite winter activities & events in the form of another seasonal BINGO card. From ways to stay warm to new things to try, be sure to make the most of winter with Lyon Real Estate! Tag us on social media so we can see your progress – @Lyon_Real_Estate

Free Space: Decorate! Whether Christmas trees, menorahs, kinaras, or something else entirely, decorate your space to ring in the season!

See Christmas Lights. All over the region, there are so many places to grab a cup of cocoa and stroll the streets to see the bright lights! From Old Sacramento’s Theater of Lights throughout the season, the El Dorado Hills Tree Lighting, the stunning Fab 40s, or even the Lighted Boat Parade on December 3rd, to name a few!

Do a DIY or crafting project. Paint ornaments, try your hand at air-dry clay, knit a cozy scarf or mittens, or come up with something unique! Bonus points to give out your creations to your friends & family to show them your creativity!

Ride the River Fox Train. Tickets to their Magical Christmas Train include an hour ride, hot cocoa, a souvenir mug, and a cookie. Or, if you’re looking for something more grown-up, their Tiki Train gets a holiday makeover on December 1st.

Send holiday cards. Everyone loves receiving snail mail, so stamp up those cards and wish your loved ones a Season’s Greetings!

See Santa. Santa loves coming to visit the Sacramento Region! Take the kids to the Roseville Galleria to get a family photo or enjoy Woodland’s Santa Sleigh Tour!

Enjoy a movie night at home. Toss in some cookies, a cozy blanket, and maybe a fire – and you’re all set! 

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Play in the snow. Head up the hill in Placer or El Dorado Counties to spend some fun time in the snow! Whether you’re looking to go sledding with the kiddos or get an adrenaline rush by hitting the slopes, there’s no better time to enjoy the snow than winter!

Bake cookies. ‘Tis the season for delicious baked treats! Make your favorite recipe and share the love with your friends and neighbors.

Support local small businesses. When it comes time for holiday shopping, don’t just hit the big stores – support local entrepreneurs by shopping at a home-grown business!

Host a gift exchange. White Elephant, Secret Santa, Favorite Things parties, or something else altogether – get the friends & family together to swap gifts!

Visit the Imaginarium. Held at Cal Expo annually, this holiday light festival draws crowds to see the mesmerizing light displays. See the electric rose garden, enchanted forest, mirror rooms, Santa experience, and more!

Cut down your own Christmas tree. Head up the hill to El Dorado County to visit one of Apple Hill’s Christmas tree farms. It’s a fun family outing, the trees smell great, and it’s better for the environment!

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Volunteer at a local nonprofit. The holiday season is a perfect time to give back to your local community. Find a local organization to volunteer at and help spread the holiday cheer!

Go ice skating. Head to the Downtown Ice Rink or the Folsom Historic Ice Rink to hit the ice! It’s great for date nights and family outings alike!

Read a new book. When it’s too cold to leave the house, curl up with a good book and transport yourself somewhere new! Better yet, read one by a Sacramento author for bonus points!

See the Nutcracker – live. The Sacramento Ballet is back with this classic, enchanting live show for most weekends in December.

Try out a new recipe. Whether you’re attending a potluck or just want to try something new, find a delicious-looking recipe and give it a shot!

Enjoy a warm drink. The Sacramento region has tons of warm, seasonal drinks – we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites here, but explore your local neighborhood and you’re sure to find even more.

Set your New Year’s resolutions. Start thinking about your goals, hobbies, and habits for the new year ahead.

Experience a classic Christmas. Head to Nevada City’s Victorian Christmas to enjoy roasted chestnuts, shop from vendors, sip on hot cocoa, see the period-accurate costumes, and so much more!

Host a game night. Invite your friends & family to a board game night. From Monopoly to Exploding Kittens to Scrabble – the possibilities are endless. And of course, it’s a great way to squeeze in some quality time.

Give more than just gifts this season. Get your company to start a toy drive, “adopt” a family, participate in a canned food drive, or hit a Santa Run. Take this opportunity to give back!

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Cheer at midnight to ring in the New Year. Three, two, one – Happy New Year! There’s no more classic New Year’s tradition than cheering at midnight!

See a holiday movie on the big screen. Throughout December, local theaters are showing classic holiday movies! Head to the Angelika Film Center, the Crest Theater, or check your local movie theater for showtimes!

Stay tuned in to the Lyon Local blog all winter, as we’ll have even more suggestions and lists to help you make the most of your chilly season!