The holiday season has arrived – whether you’re ready or not. Brave the cold weather this weekend and get into the holiday spirit. As an added bonus the City of Sacramento is offering free parking at meters Downtown (I through L streets and Front to 29th streets) after 4:30 pm on weekdays and all day on Saturdays and Sundays.

This weekend’s events kick off on Thursday with the State Capitol’s annual tree lighting at 5:30 pm. If it’s lights you love, check out the 700 block of K Street across from the Carnival at St. Rose painted with thousands of LED lights. As a grand finale, experience the Theatre of Lights show in Old Sacramento. The free show illuminates the district Thursday through Sunday nights with a show at 6:30 pm and 8 pm.

State Capitol Tree Lighting
Where: State Capitol - West Steps
When: Thursday, December 10 at 5:30 pm

Carnival at St. Rose
Where: 7th & K streets
When: Open daily Noon – 8 pm thru January 3 (closed Christmas Day)
This whimsical holiday event is the perfect starting point for your visit downtown. The Carnival at St. Rose features a 30-foot ferris wheel, giant slide, classic carnival games and prizes and old school arcade games like Frogger, Ms. Pacman, skeeball and more. Don’t miss weekly events at the carnival including Karaoke at the Carnival every Thursday Night and Trivia every Friday Night.

Admission is $5 for a two-hour session that includes unlimited access to carnival games, rides and arcade. Park at the Westfield Downtown Plaza and the Carnival will validate your parking. www.downtownsac.org/carnival.

Theatre of Lights
Where: Front & K streets
When: Free shows every Thursday through Sunday nights at 6:30 & 8:00 pm
The Theatre of Lights brings history to life through a narrated show of lights, sounds and visual effects. The free light show will take visitors back to a time when the beloved poem The Night Before Christmas was first introduced in Sacramento in 1857. Two 10-minute light shows will run every Thursday through Sunday at 6:30 pm and 8:00 pm through January 3. For more information, visit www.oldsactheatreoflights.com

KHITS Christmas Concert: Tribute to Elvis and the Everly Brothers
Where: Crest Theatre, 1013 K Street
When: Saturday, December 12 at 7:30 pm
Oldies hits and Christmas classics come alive in this family-style double bill featuring oldies tribute artists Mark W. Curran & The Cruisin Oldies Showband. This evening features many of the traditional Christmas songs recorded by both Elvis and the Everly Brothers throughout their along with all their greatest hits. Tickets are on sale now at tickets.com, Crest box office, or call 1-800-225-2277.
www.thecrest.com

The Nutcracker
Where: Crest Theatre, 1013 K Street
When: This weekend shows include:
Friday, December 11, 7:00pm (Opening Night)
Saturday, December 12, 2:00pm & 7:00pm
Sunday, December 13, 1:00pm

Join the Sacramento Ballet in celebrating the 500th performance of The Nutcracker! The magic and wonder of Sacramento's most cherished holiday tradition returns to create memories to last families a lifetime. Over 200 costumed characters enthrall the audience to the majestic Tchaikovsky score played by the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra. Adults: $15.00 - $68.00, Children: $15.00 - $31.00. www.sacballet.org