Things to Do in Sacramento in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Sacramento
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Mild winter temperatures averaging 8-15°C (46-59°F) make December perfect for outdoor activities without the brutal summer heat - you can comfortably walk the Waterfront or bike the American River Parkway any time of day
- Holiday season brings exceptional events like the Capitol Christmas Tree lighting, Farm-to-Fork December restaurant specials featuring local winter produce, and the Sacramento Ballet's Nutcracker at the Community Center Theater
- Significantly lower hotel rates compared to spring and fall - expect to pay 30-40% less than October rates, with midweek stays in Midtown running $90-140 versus $150-220 in peak season
- Tule fog creates dramatic morning atmospheres along the Delta waterways and makes for stunning photography, usually burning off by 11am to reveal clear blue skies and crisp air perfect for exploring
Considerations
- Tule fog can seriously disrupt travel plans - Highway 99 and I-5 frequently close or reduce to 25 mph visibility in early mornings, and Sacramento International Airport sees delays 8-12 days per month in December
- Daylight ends around 4:50pm in early December, which cuts your outdoor exploration time short and means popular spots like Old Sacramento feel rushed if you sleep in past 9am
- Rain happens unpredictably on about 10 days throughout the month, and when it does rain here it tends to be steady all-day affairs rather than quick tropical showers, so outdoor plans need flexible backup options
Best Activities in December
American River Parkway Cycling and Walking
December weather is actually ideal for the 51 km (32 mile) paved trail system along the American River - cool mornings in the 6-8°C (43-46°F) range warm to comfortable 13-15°C (55-59°F) afternoons. The summer crowds disappear completely, and you'll have long stretches to yourself. The cottonwoods drop their leaves creating golden carpets, and steelhead salmon are running upstream which is remarkable to watch from overlook points. Start after 10am once any morning fog clears. The Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail section from Discovery Park to Folsom Lake offers the most varied terrain.
California State Capitol and Museum Tours
The Capitol is decorated elaborately for the holidays throughout December, with the official tree lighting happening first week of the month. December is perfect because the legislature is in recess, meaning fewer security lines and you can actually walk the halls without navigating around government workers. Free guided tours run every hour 9am-4pm. The adjacent Capitol Park is worth 45 minutes - the international tree grove and rose garden take on different character in winter, and it's genuinely peaceful. Indoor backup for rainy days, though the building itself stays comfortable year-round.
Midtown Arts District Gallery Walks and Second Saturday
Second Saturday Art Walk happens rain or shine on the second Saturday of December, and the holiday edition is the most festive of the year. Galleries between J Street and Capitol Avenue stay open until 10pm, many offering wine and local craft beer. December weather means you can comfortably walk the 1.6 km (1 mile) gallery circuit in the 10-13°C (50-55°F) evening temps with just a light jacket. The R Street Corridor has emerged as a secondary art hub with converted warehouses now housing studios - worth the 15-minute walk from central Midtown.
Delta Waterway Exploration and Old Sacramento Riverfront
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is hauntingly beautiful in December when tule fog rolls across the water in early morning. Old Sacramento Waterfront becomes a holiday destination with the waterfront decorated and the historic district hosting weekend holiday markets. Boat tour operations run limited December schedules - typically weekend-only cruises lasting 1-2 hours covering local history and Delta ecology. Water temps drop to 10-12°C (50-54°F) so these are observation cruises, not swimming excursions. The Delta King riverboat hotel offers brunch cruises some weekends.
Farm-to-Fork Winter Food Experiences
Sacramento takes its Farm-to-Fork designation seriously, and December brings winter citrus season - mandarins, Meyer lemons, and blood oranges from nearby orchards. Many restaurants run special December tasting menus featuring local ingredients. The Sunday Farmers Market under Highway 50 at 8th and W Streets runs year-round and is less crowded in December. Look for food tour companies offering 3-4 hour walking tours through Midtown and Downtown hitting 5-6 restaurants for tastings - these work perfectly in December's mild weather and teach you which restaurants to return to.
Crocker Art Museum Extended Hours
The Crocker is the longest continuously operating art museum in the West, and December is ideal for visiting because their holiday hours extend to 9pm on Thursdays. The collection is genuinely impressive - California art, European masters, and contemporary ceramics. Budget 2-3 hours minimum. The building itself is worth the admission - the original 1870s mansion connects to a dramatic modern wing. When December rain hits, this is your best indoor option. The museum cafe serves local wines and decent lunch options.
December Events & Festivals
California State Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony
The official state Christmas tree lighting happens on the west steps of the Capitol, typically the first Thursday evening of December around 6pm. Features performances from local choirs, the Sacramento Philharmonic sometimes participates, and the Governor traditionally attends. The 25 m (82 ft) tree stays lit through early January. Free event, arrive 30-45 minutes early for decent viewing positions. Dress warmly - evening temps drop to 5-7°C (41-45°F).
Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink at Cesar Chavez Plaza
Outdoor ice skating rink operates late November through mid-January in the plaza between 9th and 10th Streets. Open daily with extended evening hours on weekends. The rink is modest sized - about 20 m x 30 m (65 ft x 100 ft) - but the setting among downtown buildings with holiday lights creates nice atmosphere. Sessions run 90 minutes, admission includes skate rental. Gets busy 5-8pm on weekends.
Nutcracker Ballet at Community Center Theater
Sacramento Ballet performs Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker for about 12 performances spanning two weekends in mid-December. This is a full professional production with local children cast in party scene roles. The Community Center Theater is the city's premier performing arts venue with good acoustics and sightlines. Matinee and evening performances available. Tickets range $35-95 depending on seating section.