At-a-Glance:
Where: 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95815 (Cal Expo)
Dates: Nov 14, 2026 – Jan 4, 2027
Hours: Open Daily · Sun–Thu 5–10pm · Fri–Sat 5–11pm
Time inside: About 90–120 minutes (plan longer if you add rides or skating)
Tickets: Adults (13+) from $21 · Child/Senior/Military from $16 · Under age 3 are free
Parking: Onsite, purchased at arrival
What to Expect
When you arrive at Holiday Magic, you’ll be welcomed with over 15 million lights in true holiday wonderland fashion. The walk-through experience features themed light displays across dozens of fantasy worlds, infinity mirror rooms, more themed photo boxes than you can count, and larger-than-life storybook fantasy figures.
You’ll also find LED rose gardens with tens of thousands of roses, a Candy Village, Santa’s workshop scenes, illuminated tunnels, interactive play areas, including a DIY craft area with ornament and mask-making.
Beyond the lights, the evening includes Cirque Legacy’s K-pop Holiday Magic & Tribute Show and John’s Adrenaline Circus “Holiday Spectacular” multiple times each night (included with admission), dozens of carnival rides, optional ice skating, and plenty of spots for photos. The atmosphere is designed for families, couples, and groups of friends; colorful, musical, and full of holiday energy without being overwhelming. Most guests spend 90–120 minutes exploring, though families who add rides or skating often stay longer.
Dress in your holiday bests (or just something warm and photo-friendly) and plan a stop at Santa’s workshop early if you want family photos for holiday cards.
Top 10 Tips
- Buy tickets in advance.
Weekends and peak nights (especially the weeks around Christmas and New Year’s) can sell out or get very busy. Grabbing tickets early locks in your preferred date and often costs less than day-of pricing. Family packs and weekday options can also save money. Follow Imaginarium on social media for occasional discounts and special offers. Note that all youth under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 21. - Arrive earlier for the best experience. Gates open at 5 p.m. Arriving closer to opening gives you more time to explore the light displays before crowds build, and it improves your chances of catching the free circus shows at a convenient time. The first hour is usually the most relaxed.
- Dress for the weather (and for photos). Sacramento winter nights can get chilly, especially if there’s any breeze. Layers work best so you can adjust as you move between open areas and more sheltered spots. Comfortable walking shoes are essential; there is so much to walk through and see! A light jacket or blanket for kids can also make the evening more enjoyable.
- Plan around the free circus. The circus is included with admission and typically runs multiple times each night. Check the schedule when you arrive (or look for posted times near the entrance) so you don’t miss a performance. These shows are one of the highlights and don’t require an extra ticket.
- Decide on rides and ice skating ahead of time. Carnival rides and the ice rink are available for an additional cost, with wristband or bundle options available. Decide as a group beforehand whether you want the full experience or prefer to focus on the lights, photo spots, and free shows. This helps avoid last-minute debate, budget surprises, lines for wristbands, and disappointment (ice skating sessions will sell out).
- Bring a fully charged phone (or portable charger). The light displays, infinity rooms, and character areas are extremely photo-friendly. You’ll want plenty of battery for pictures and videos throughout the night. A portable charger is especially useful if you’re traveling with kids who want to capture everything.
- Know the bag and entry rules. Cal Expo enforces a clear bag policy. Clear bags or small personal bags move through security faster. Review the full guidelines on the Imaginarium or Cal Expo site before you go so there are no surprises at the entrance. Outside food and drinks are not allowed (with limited medical or dietary exceptions).
- Bring your appetite and your sweet tooth. A variety of food trucks will provide a wide assortment of cuisines to choose from, and there is no shortage of holiday treats to satisfy everyone in the family. For the shortest wait times, plan to visit on weekdays, or dine outside of peak meal times.
- Watch for Santa and character photo ops. Santa and holiday characters appear on select nights. If meeting them is a priority for your group, check the schedule in advance and head to those areas earlier in the evening. Popular photo spots (including photo boxes, infinity rooms and large holiday displays) are also best visited earlier.
- Leave time to wander. Holiday Magic is best experienced at a relaxed pace. Build in time to explore the light displays, infinity rooms, photo boxes, and interactive areas without rushing. Trying to see everything in a straight line can feel less magical. Let kids lead the way to the spots that catch their eye.
Hours, Duration and Best Times to Visit
Daily Entertainment Schedule
K-pop Circus Performances
Daily at 7:00 pm, 8:00 pm, and 9:00 pm
(Included with admission)
Motorcycle Globe & Infinity Wheel Show
Daily at 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm, and 9:30 pm
(Included with admission)
Santa Schedule
November 27 – December 24
- Sun–Thu: 5:30 pm – 9:45 pm
- Fri & Sat: 5:30 pm – 10:45 pm
Ice Rink Sessions
Session | Time |
Session 1 | 5:45 – 6:15 pm |
Session 2 | 6:25 – 6:55 pm |
Session 3 | 7:05 – 7:35 pm |
Session 4 | 7:45 – 8:15 pm |
Session 5 | 8:25 – 8:55 pm |
Session 6 | 9:10 – 9:40 pm |
Session 7 (Fri & Sat only) | 9:50 – 10:20 pm |
Close | 10:45 pm |
Accessibility and Special Accommodations
What Happens if it Rains?
Get Tickets
So now you “know before you go,” it’s time to grab your friends or family, make it a family night, a date night, a girls’ night, or a guys’ night out and get ready for some special holiday magic.
