Kick off the holiday season with the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 25, at 5:30 p.m. Photo courtesy of Downtown Sacramento Partnership

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - This year, Old Sacramento Waterfront invites visitors to make the most of the most wonderful time of the year. Guests can look forward to the return of the beloved Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and Theatre of Lights performances, as well as the chance to be rewarded for shopping small with Small Business Spree Bingo and explore a pedestrian-friendly district during Holidays on K. There are plenty of ways to celebrate the season, with holiday traditions, unique gift finds and festive sights and sounds around every corner.

Kick off the holiday season with the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 25, at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy performances from community groups before the district’s 60-foot Holiday Tree illuminates the waterfront with nearly 24,000 lights, followed by the first Theatre of Lights performance of the season.

Produced by the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, a longtime Sacramento tradition, Theatre of Lights returns for its 18th year, transforming the historic district’s balconies into a holiday stage. This free immersive performance is a family-friendly production that blends a retelling of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas with stories from Sacramento’s history, narrated by Disney voice legend Bill Farmer (Goofy) and created by Stage 9 Exhibitions’ Troy Carlson. Performances run Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 27 through December 20, with special performances Dec. 23 at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 24 at 6:30 p.m.

New this year, rotating coffee partners Blueprint Coffee, Pittador Brews and Steamers will serve beverages throughout the season, adding a little extra holiday cheer. To help make the experience accessible to more visitors, American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will also be present for the Tree Lighting Ceremony, Saturday showings, and the final show on Dec. 24.

Make a day of holiday shopping with Small Business Spree Bingo! With more than 150 small businesses throughout the district, visitors can explore unique shops, restaurants and attractions, check off their bingo squares, and play to win exciting prizes, all in one visit. Complete the bingo challenge and submit an entry to receive a guaranteed prize, with additional opportunities to win even bigger rewards. Prizes include a $100 parking voucher, a family four-pack of tickets to the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink, a museum membership, the chance to guest star as a Mama or Papa in Theatre of Lights, and more. For participation instructions and FAQs, visit https://www.oldsacramento.com/seasonal-activity/small-business-spree-bingo/.

Enjoy a little extra holiday magic along K Street as it transforms into a pedestrian-friendly gathering place with family-friendly fun, including live music, outdoor seating and games. Come down each weekend to experience something new with events curated by the local businesses in Old Sacramento Waterfront. Holidays on K takes place Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 28 through Dec. 20, from noon to 4:30 p.m. along K Street in Old Sacramento Waterfront.

For more information about Old Sacramento Waterfront and its holiday events, visit www.oldsacramento.com.