It’s that special time of year on Capitol Mall and Old Sacramento, Christmas lights are up inviting people to walk a few blocks and the Capitol Christmas Trees decked out in all its splendor. Over the last several years, it appears as if more lights have gone up to enrich the overall experience as an inviting destination to visit and enjoy. The Wells Fargo Center has done a fantastic job with a beautiful tree in the lobby and twinkling lights inside and out. Merry Christmas!  

2nd Annual 12 Days of Midtown Midtown Sacramento is all dressed up for the holiday season with events and specials that are sure to fill visitors and residents with holiday cheer. Festivities will occur December 1st - December 12th with a variety of activities for all ages. The 2nd Annual event will feature various local businesses throughout the Midtown district. The 12 Days of Midtown kicks off with the Winter Wine & Jazz Mixer featuring the Sacramento Philharmonic on Thursday, December 1st. The full calendar of merry activities includes a Hot Toddy contests at  Santa’s Tavern (The Golden Bear), a gingerbread cookie workshop at artBEAST, Santa’s Workshop at the MARRS Building, multiple

The list of original American folk arts includes bake offs, Amish quilting and decorating your house with flash and dazzle in the Yuletide. In the past 10 years or so, a fever’s swept East Sacramento. Simple light displays have bubbled into massive community efforts that require entire blocks of neighbors to cooperate. Be sure to hit these spots in the 2010 season. 53rd Between G and H Streets This is a lone wolf spectacular that must be seen. This single house will pop right off the street when you go by. It’s well worth the trip. The Corner of Elvas and C Street The fun and flair of flying swine and color cannot be missed. Continue down C street to see a gentle cluster of whimsy and

These photos were taken with an iPhone in the Elmhurst area (53rd street, S street, T street). Most of the homes had arches on the sidewalks made of PVC pipe and strung with lights.  My favorite house of the block was the one with the snorkeling Santa.                    This is the house with the snorkeling Santa! Santa lives in a Yellow Submarine.   A jellyfish, maybe?               A Christmas tree Snowman.

Photos taken on 53rd from T to S Streets       Jay Canter Photography

Photos taken between 40th and 43rd Streets and between J Street and Folsom Blvd.       Jay Canter Photography

                          SacPress Photos | Kati Garner      

A colorful line-up of boats decorated with multi-colored lights toured the Sacramento River, starting from Sacramento Marina,  past Old Sacramento, all the way to the Virgin Sturgeon and back.   SacPress Photos | Kati Garner      

The First Annual Sacramento Parade of Lights began at 17th and Capitol on Saturday evening.  An eclectic group of participants and onlookers crowded the mile-long route. For larger-sized images please visit: anthonybento.com