Enjoy an evening of Christmas magic and fun at Cal Expo for the Imaginarium 2022 "Light Up The Night" event, presented by Global Winter Wonderland. Stroll through this winter wonderland of three million lights across 15 acres.
The lights are set up as displays, mazes, and there are even some rides covered in lights. Light designers for this event get very creative with the displays.
You’ll see many Christmas scenes, like nutcrackers, the North Pole, and gingerbread villages.
In past years there have also been light displays that look like ancient Central American pyramids, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Statue of Liberty.
There are also displays you can walk through, like the light covered tunnel. And others you can interact with, like the Wishing Tree– a light up willow tree where you can make a wish.
“Light Up The Night” opened on November 18th and continues through January 2, 2023. Hours vary, depending on the day, so check the calendar before you plan your visit.
The event is open as late as 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays (except for Saturday, Dec. 17 when it is closed).
The light displays are the main reason to attend this event, but there are also carnival rides, games, and food stands. And this year there are some new activities! Bring your ice skates to do a few laps around the new ice skating rink.
Afterwards, enjoy an adult beverage in the beer garden. Just a heads-up– additional fees are required to ice skate and go on the carnival rides.
Recent visitors say that this event will become a family holiday tradition. Some families take their Christmas card photos here in front of a Christmas light display.
This event started in 2011, when organizers wanted to create an illuminated Chinese Lantern Festival.
Fast forward to today, and this event has greatly expanded to include, "more lights, more food, more vendors, more entertainment, more characters to meet, a Fantasy zone with 16+ characters, an ice skating rink, and a large carnival."
This is one of the Sacramento area’s must-see events. Tickets for weekday and weekend admission are available for adults and children.
Discounts are available for seniors, service members, and first responders. General admission tickets give visitors access to the light exhibits, live performances, entertainment, daily activities, shopping, and "Meet & Greets". Additional add-on fees can be applied at checkout if you also want to enjoy the carnival, laser tag, and ice skating.
Weekday general admission starts at $25 for adults, and $19 for seniors and children ages 4-12. Weekend general admission starts at $27 for adults, and $21 for seniors and children ages 4-12.
Children under 3 are free any day of the week. As of writing this, there is a sale code on the website for $2 off each ticket price.
There are many Christmas events in Sacramento, but this just might be one of the most popular. This event provides an evening of fun for all ages.
Have you been to the Imaginarium "Light Up the Night" event? What was your favorite light display? Tell us in the comments.
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