By Nicholas Ibarra | OBSERVER Staff Writer

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. Women’s Empowerment Holiday Drive – Dec. 9-11 at Women’s Empowerment, 1590 N A St. Spread holiday cheer to Sacramento women and children who have experienced homelessness by contributing to Women’s Empowerment’s annual holiday drive. The nonprofit seeks fully assembled gift bags that include $25 Target or Walmart gift cards, a winter hat, socks and holiday candy. Assembled gift bags are needed for all ages from infant to adult. For those who prefer to make a financial donation, the average cost of a gift bag is $40, but any amount is helpful. Items also can be purchased individually through the group’s Amazon wishlist at womens-empowerment.org.
  2. Sacramento Poor People’s Campaign Monthly Meeting – 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9, via Zoom. Learn about the various activities and actions planned for 2025. Please RSVP to SacPPC2019@gmail.com. 
  3. Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink – 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Ali Youssefi Square. A Sacramento holiday tradition, the Downtown Ice Rink presented by Dignity Health is the perfect place to gather with friends and family to enjoy the holidays. Tickets are $15 and available at the rink.
  4. Is Your Christmas Tree Up by Chris Pree Comedy – 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 10-11, at The Falls at Arden, 2345 Northrup Ave. Get ready for a night filled with music, laughter and good vibes. This 21-and-older event is the perfect way to kick off your weekend. Tickets are $15.
  5. LET IT GO, SIS! – 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at ONTRACK Program Resources, 520 Ninth St. No. 102. This is a special community for Black women in greater Sacramento to connect, support and uplift each other. Meeting twice a month, they provide a safe and honest forum where women can share experiences, discuss challenges and explore topics that matter most, from health and wellness to relationships, parenting, employment and everything in between. Free and open to women in the Sac area.
  6. Imaginarium at Cal Expo – 5-10 p.m. Thursday-Sunday (dates and times may vary), Dec. 12-Jan. 5, at Cal Expo. Experience an all-new Imaginarium, back by popular demand. Holiday Magic is the largest holiday light show in Northern California. Venture into an electrifying adventure for all ages. Tickets from $21.
  7. “Shop Talk Lately” Featuring Keith Powers – 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at the Guild Theater. This is a live show and community discussion series hosted by entrepreneur and cultural innovator Sebastian Jackson. The series taps into barbershop culture to engage cultural icons and innovators in thought-provoking discussions. This show features Keith Powers, an American actor and model. Each show blends entertainment and education with audience participation and inspiring stories that showcase how these icons overcome challenges to create cultural impact. Focused on empowering and uniting communities, particularly the Black community, “Shop Talk” highlights the barriers that cultural leaders break through, fostering inspiration and action in the audience. Tickets are $23.
  8. 39th Annual 2024 Installation & Business Awards Dinner – 5:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at Hilton Sacramento Arden West. Hosted by the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce, come and celebrate leadership, excellence and the achievements of our community. This special evening honors distinguished business and community leaders who have made significant contributions to Sacramento and also welcome the newly appointed board members. Enjoy a night filled with an inspiring program, networking opportunities and the chance to connect with prominent entrepreneurs, civic leaders and innovators. Indulge in a delectable dinner, enjoy live entertainment and be part of a celebration that highlights the best of Sacramento’s Black business community. Tickets are $350.
  9. East Sac Chamber of Commerce 2024 Holiday Awards Gala – 5:30-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, at Sacramento Turn Verein. Join an evening of holiday cheer with the East Sacramento business community. Don’t miss an evening of networking, food, drinks and dancing. Tickets from $70.
  10. Theatre of Lights – 6-6:30 p.m. and 7:30-8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 13-24 at Old Sacramento Waterfront. Theatre of Lights is a free, family-friendly performance retelling “Twas the Night Before Christmas” in a uniquely Sacramento way on the rooftops of the Old Sacramento Waterfront. Produced by Downtown Sacramento Partnership, the shows are Fridays and Saturdays with two irregular show dates Monday, Dec. 23, and Tuesday, Dec. 24. Free and open to the public.
  11. Frankie Marcos – 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 13-14, at Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club. The San Francisco Bay Area native comedian has worked with Taylor Tomlinson, Michael Che, Nicole Byer, and more. In 2019, he placed sixth out of 32 comedians in the San Francisco International comedy competition. Tickets are $29.
  12. Santa’s Arrival – 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 14, at Citrus Town Center, 7925 Greenback Lane, Citrus Heights. Citrus Town Center invites families and friends to join a magical morning of holiday fun and festivities with Santa and his beloved holiday friends! From enchanting activities to cherished photo opportunities, this special event promises to create lasting memories for guests of all ages. Free and open to the public.
  13. Christmas at 40 Acres – 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Underground Books. Bring the whole family and enjoy a day filled with holiday cheer and activities for everyone. Children will delight in free photos with Santa, capturing special memories to cherish for years to come. While they wait, kids can get their faces painted, decorate cookies and sip on delicious hot cocoa. Additionally, engaging activities will be available to keep the little ones entertained and in the holiday spirit. Free, attendees must register.
  14. Kamaiyah – 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at The Rink Studios. Kamaiyah is an American rapper and singer from Oakland known for her unique blend of hip-hop and West Coast influence. Tickets from $31.
  15. “Stalled Out” Theatrical Dinner – 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at 7245 E. Southgate Drive. “Stalled Out” is a stage play that typically explores the struggles, personal growth and relationship dynamics of characters in difficult or uncertain situations. It often delves into themes such as internal conflict, self-discovery and the complexities of human interaction, particularly in moments of emotional or psychological stasis. Come join us and enjoy a unique dining experience like no other. Tickets are $50.