< California Tree Lights >

While the Sacramento State Capitol Grounds features a Governor's Tree Lighting Ceremony, Old Sacramento also celebrates the annual arrival of the holiday season with a 50-foot Christmas tree of its own. Part of a month-long Heritage Holidays celebration, the tree arrives and is erected at the corner of Front and K streets in Old Sacramento. In 2008, the tree traveled 212 miles from Carlton Christmas Trees in Burney, CA. Decorated with 2,000 colorful lights, and adorned with gold, silver and red ornaments, the tree is the centerpiece for the seasonal celebration, and signals the start of the merry-making with a tree lighting ceremony in late November. Holiday wreaths on light poles through the historic district bring extra cheer to Old Sacramento, an historic lodging, shopping and dining region that celebrates Christmas in a big way.

Culminating in a huge fireworks show on December 31, annual events in this historic Sacramento district entertain and delight all ages. Events at California State Railroad Museum include visits from Santa & Mrs. Claus, plus many seasonal activities and displays surrounding California's historic trains. A Lighted Boat Parade is featured on the waterfront, live musical performances by choral groups, bands and carolers, ethnically-diverse entertainment from children's choirs, and festive decor in the museums, stores and restaurants make this old-fashioned holiday an event worth planning a vacation around. Each year this holiday celebration is held from late November through the month of December.

For more information on planning your holiday celebration, and to obtain a free travel guide, contact: Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau, 1608 I St. Sacramento, CA 95814. Tel: 1-800-292-2334. sacramentocvb.org