Celebrate the Holidays in Rancho Cordova

The holidays have arrived, and many fun, family-friendly events are being held in the City of Rancho Cordova! There are also opportunities to lend or receive a helping hand during this magical season. Read on for a guide to the holidays in Rancho Cordova.

November 29 – 1 & December 6 – 8: Winter Art Fest

Give the gift of art! The annual Winter Art Fest is a great opportunity to support local artists and find unique gifts for friends and family. The event takes place on Friday, November 29 through Sunday, December 1, and Friday, December 6 through Sunday, December 8 from noon to 5 PM at the MACC, 10191 Mills Station Road. Learn more

December 1: Christmas Tree Lighting

The annual lighting of the Cordova Community Christmas Tree is a public event inspiring community unity. The evening is filled with snow, carolers, cocoa, Santa, train rides and hayrides, and so much more for the entire community to enjoy and participate in. The event takes place on Sunday, December 1 from 4 PM to 7:30 PM at Village Green Park, 3141 Bridgeway Drive. Once the tree is lit, a spectacular fireworks show will close out the night. Admission is FREE! Learn more

December 7: Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus

The Cordova Recreation & Park District hosts its annual breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus! Stop by the holiday craft fair for unique holiday shopping or bring the kids to visit Santa to share wishes and take a picture in the festive photo booth (included). There will be a craft area for children to work on a special holiday project. The event takes place on Saturday, December 7 from 9 AM to 10:45 AM at the Neil Orchard Senior Activities Center, 3480 Routier Road. Tickets are $5. Learn more

December 7 – 8 and 14 – 15: Santa Train

The Sacramento Valley Live Steamers Railroad Museum hosts the annual Santa Train! Bring the family for a train ride with Santa and his locomotive and enjoy a family photo. The event takes place on Saturday, December 7, Sunday, December 8, Saturday, December 14, and Sunday, December 15 from 11 AM to 3 PM at Hagan Community Park, 2197 Chase Drive, weather permitting. Tickets are $10. Learn more

December 8 and 14: Holiday Harmonies Concert Series

The Rancho Cordova River City Concert Band presents Holiday Harmonies. Enjoy live performances with guest artists Voices of California (VoCal) and C.O.D. The first concert takes place on Sunday, December 8 from 3 PM to 5 PM at the Cordova Performing Arts Center, 2239 Chase Drive. Another performance will take place on Saturday, December 14 from 3 PM to 5 PM at Koreana Plaza, 10971 Olson Drive. Admission is free. Learn more

December 14: PAL Holiday Run

Lace up your running shoes, put on your Santa hat, and join the annual Rancho Cordova Police Activities League (PAL) Holiday Run on Saturday, December 14 at 8:30 AM at Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive. The run features a 5K, 10K and a 1.2-mile family walk and run through Rancho Cordova. By registering for the holiday run, you support the more than 4,500 local youth that participate in PAL programs, at no cost to the kids. Learn more and register

December 14: Holiday Magic Concert

Join the Symphony for a free holiday concert, with delightful music featuring a magical toy shop, the most famous Christmas Concerto in the world, and a sing along featuring your favorite Christmas carols. Symphony d’Oro has it all in one free, heartwarming, nostalgic concert designed for your enjoyment. All ages are welcome! This is a free concert at the Cordova Performing Arts Center, 2239 Chase Drive, with open seating starting at 3:30 PM. Learn more

December 15 – 25: Free Photos with Santa

Need a picture with Santa? Enjoy free photos with Santa in the food court at KP International Market, 10971 Olson Drive. Pictures will be available daily from December 15 to December 25 from 10 AM to 8 PM.

Toy Drive Through December 14: Christmas in Cordova

Rancho Cordova's 14th annual Christmas in Cordova event returns this holiday season. You can support Rancho Cordova families by donating a new and unwrapped toy, gift wrapping paper and supplies, arts and craft materials or making a monetary donation. Learn more