By Nicholas Ibarra | OBSERVER Staff Writer

Colorful burning candles and tasty dishes on table in living room of family celebrating Kwanzaa
Courtesy of istockphoto

All listed events, and more, can be viewed online on The OBSERVER’s community events calendar at SacObserver.com. Be sure to submit your events two weeks in advance to have the chance to be featured on the list.

  1. Free Photos with Santa at KP International Market – 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 25, at KP International Market. Stop by the food court for free photos with Santa. Free and open to the public.
  2. 25th Anniversary, State Capitol Kwanzaa and Umoja Gala Celebration – 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26, at the Capitol west steps. Everyone is invited to learn about “Matunda Ya Kwanza” as they share the blessed global reach of the “California grown” Pan African holiday. Free and open to the public.
  3. Sacramento Kwanzaa Umoja Celebration – 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26, at Sierra Service Project. Together, the community ingathering in unity focuses upon expanding opportunities in the “Farm-to-Fork Capital of America” to include greater opportunities for Black agriculture producers throughout Sacramento County and beyond. Free and open to the public.
  4. Unextinct – 5:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26, at Sacramento Zoo. Unextinct is the first of its kind, bringing more than 40 extinct and threatened species back to life using state-of-the-art technology to illuminate the senses for an immersive digital nighttime experience like none other. Tickets from $28.
  5. Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” – 7:30-9 p.m. Wed.-Sat. and 1:30-3 p.m. Thurs.-Sun., Dec. 27-31, at SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. This record-setting Broadway holiday sensation features the hit songs “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” from the original animated special. Tickets from $31.
  6. Blessing the Path We Walked in ’23: A SoulCollage Gathering for Black Women – 6-9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29, at The Rosetta Center for Counseling and Wellness. Immerse yourself in this soulful retreat created especially for Black women. This will be a sacred space to connect to your inner wisdom through SoulCollage, while also blending meditation, music and journaling as pathways to the heart. Tickets are $75.
  7. Black Eyed Peas – 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29, at Thunder Valley Casino. Don’t miss the opportunity to listen to international favorites like “Boom Boom Pow,” “I Gotta Feeling” and “Just Can’t Get Enough.” Tickets from $85.
  8. In the Middle of IT! – 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, location TBA. A safe space filled with encouragement, reflection, support, celebration and fun. You’ll have the opportunity to hear a dynamic speaker and author discuss her life-changing testimony filled with inspiration and encouragement. Tickets are $20.
  9. New Year’s Eve Knockout: Live Wrestling – 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, at Track 7 Brewing Co. Join Track 7 and Virgil Flynn III Productions for a night of live wrestling and music. Tickets from $20.
  10. Earth, Wind and Fire – 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, at Thunder Valley Casino. This band is legendary. The crew is 11 members strong and includes original members Philip Bailey, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson. Their stage show features sophisticated group choreography, stunning instrumental interplay and eye-popping visuals. Tickets from $190.
  11. Saint Paul Church of Sacramento: New Year’s Eve Celebration – 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, at Saint Paul Church of Sacramento. Come out for an evening of soulful gospel by Kathy Taylor and laughter with comedian Marcus Wiley. As we count down to 2024, experience hymns that touch the heart and humor that uplifts the spirit. Don’t miss this blend of faith, music and joy. Tickets are $15.
  12. New Year’s Eve Showcase and Countdown – 7 p.m.-3 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, at Self Designs Art Gallery. Come chill at the two-level art gallery under cosmic glowing lights and enjoy live performances by local musicians and artists from Sacramento. Tickets from $25.
  13. The Star Lounge Supper Club: New Year Celebration – 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, at Star Lounge. Ring in the new year with a fancy dinner, cocktails and entertainment. Tickets from $65.
  14. The Park New Year’s Eve 2024 – 8 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, at the Park Ultra Lounge. This NYE experience includes sounds by Park Resident DJ Peeti-V; elegant decorations, party favors, noisemakers, tiaras, top hats and more; a Times Square ball drop on an LED wall and HD TVs; and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Tickets from $35.
  15. New Year’s Eve Party at Liaison Lounge – 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, at Liaison Lounge. Come out for a spectacular New Year’s Eve dinner and party with chef Jacob Smedley, founder of Your Midnight Chef. Get ready to eat, laugh, dance, make unforgettable memories and ring in the new year together. Tickets are $25.
  16. Black and Gold New Year’s Eve Party 2024 – 8 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, at Dante Club. Ring in the new year with performances from local DJs spinning old-school R&B and jazz. Catering by Harry Love. Tickets from $40.
  17. NYE Motown Getdown – 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, at Drake’s: The Barn. Forget about 2023 and party like it’s 1965 with a throwback celebration to one of the golden eras of music. Featuring local legends DJ Epik, Billy Lane and Benji the Hunter bringing the sound of soul into 2024, while sippin’ on delicious libations from one of the many bars. Tickets from $10.
  18. “Fade to Black” New Year’s Masquerade Party – 9 p.m.-midnight Sunday, Dec. 31, at 10491 E. Stockton Blvd. Suite C. Talented DJs will spin the hottest tracks, ensuring the dance floor stays lit all night long with catered food and drinks. Get ready to boogie, laugh and make lifetime memories. Tickets are $100.
  19. Old School Ent and KDEE 97.5’s Black & White New Year’s Eve Party – 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, at Hilton Sacramento Arden West. Join a night filled with music, dancing and good vibes. Dress to impress in your finest black and white attire. With amazing DJs spinning the best old-school hits, this party is guaranteed to keep you on the dance floor all night long. Tickets from $50.
  20. Gatsby’s House NYE 2024 – 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, at Sheraton Grand Sacramento. This exclusive event features prepaid drinks included in all tickets, complimentary appetizers, live DJ and more. Tickets from $75.