By Nicholas Ibarra | OBSERVER Staff Writer

All listed events, and more, can be viewed online on The OBSERVER’s community events calendar at SacObserver.com. Be sure to submit your events two weeks in advance to have the chance to be featured on the list.

  1. “The Polar Express” (2004) – 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, at Crest Theatre. Come out for a classic movie night and experience the story of a young boy embarking on a white-knuckle adventure to the North Pole to discover the truth about Santa Claus. Tickets from $6.
  2. 39th Annual Christmas Eve Holiday Meal – 3-5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, at Veterans Memorial Center, 203 E. 14th St., Davis. Whether you’re a small family, couple or solo, they don’t want you to feel alone this Christmas. Join them for a warm meal, community and connection. This year, they hope to host anywhere between 400-500 people. Free, donations being accepted.
  3. SLC Candlelight Service – 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, at Spiritual Life Center, 2201 Park Towne Circle. Join Rev. James Trapp, Rev. Deborah Phillips, the SLC Choir and Music Ministry, and special guests for sacred readings, soul stirring music, a candle lighting ceremony in celebration of the Christ story, and the Christ Light in each of us. Community caroling with the choir begins at 4:45 p.m. Free, donations being accepted.
  4. Sac Loves R&B – 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday, Dec. 27, at Harlow’s. Groove to your favorite hits and enjoy the soulful melodies in person, celebrating the best of R&B music. Tickets from $10.
  5. Finesse – The Bruno Mars Tribute Show – 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday, Dec. 27, at Powerhouse, 614 Sutter St., Folsom. The band performs some of Mars’ biggest hits, such as “Uptown Funk,” “Versace on the Floor,” “Just the Way You Are,” Locked Out of Heaven,” “Treasure,” “The Lazy Song” and more. Tickets are $18.
  6. R&B + Mingle – 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at Oak Park Brewing Co. An unforgettable evening of smooth R&B vibes, engaging games and thought-provoking conversation. This event is the perfect blend of entertainment and connection, offering a space to unwind and socialize. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets are $23.
  7. Young Adults Winter Shut-In – 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, to noon Sunday, Dec. 29, at Center of Praise Ministries, Legacy Center. Hey, young adults, age 18-25, looking for a night packed with fun, connection and growing deeper in your faith? Get ready for real talk, worship, games, videos and food that will keep you energized all night long. Whether you come for late-night snacks, meaningful connections or just some epic fun, this is your time to recharge, refocus and reconnect. Bring a friend or three and make unforgettable memories while deepening your faith. Free, attendees must register.
  8. Steppers Holiday Party – 6 p.m.-midnight, Saturday, Dec. 28, at Palace, 2645 El Camino Ave., suite A. Immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening filled with music, joy and celebration as you dance the night away. Prepare to be swept off your feet in a vibrant atmosphere that promises to uplift your spirits and create lasting memories with friends and fellow Steppers. Tickets from $7.
  9. Book Signing & Art Sale: “Random Thoughts” By Ebony London – 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, at He Brews Coffee and Tea Company, 1540 Jefferson Blvd., West Sacramento. Sunni Harley interviews London about her poetic book of random thoughts in front of a small audience of 15. The book is $20.
  10. Paint ’n’ Sip at TAP Wine Lounge – 4:30-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, at TAP Wine Lounge, 1011 Del Paso Blvd. TAP lends its ambient location to a night of creativity and fun with a paint-and-sip led by J’Rocque Thomas. J’Rocque’s work celebrates cultural diversity and is brought to life by the skill he has developed in 20 years of disciplined practice, and creates visuals with a harmonious balance of tradition and innovation. Tickets are $65 and include a three-pour wine flight courtesy of TAP, painting materials and guided instructions.

Kwanzaa Events: 

Join California 175 and other organizations for a weeklong, festive Kwanzaa Holiday showcasing agricultural exhibits, food, fashion, trade and tourism. Learn about the modern agricultural traditions of Kwanzaa and the importance of the “First Fruits of the Harvest,” restoring ancient Pan-African harvest traditions. This annual event is a great opportunity for everyone to learn about Kwanzaa, support local farmers and support Black agriculture while enjoying the festive Kwanzaa holiday atmosphere. Everyone is welcome to this family friendly Matunda Ya Kwanzaa. Some events are free; others, tickets from $10-$40.

  1. California State Capitol Kwanzaa Kickoff Celebration – 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, at Capitol Park Rose Garden. Free and open to the community.
  2. Sacramento Umoja Celebration Food & Wine Dinner – 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, at Abyssinia Restaurant, 1346 Fulton Ave. Tickets are $40.
  3. California State Capitol Kwanzaa California Pan African Global Trade Farm to Fork Friday “A Taste of Pan African Cuisine” – 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, at the State Capitol, room 125.
  4. Kwanzaa Celebration by Friends of Del Paso Heights – 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, at Del Paso Library, 920 Grand Ave.
  5. Folsom Kwanzaa Food & Ag Tour – 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at Leidesdorff Plaza, Folsom. Tickets are $10.
  6. Whose Community Church Roberts Family Development Center Potluck Dinner – 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at 770 Darina Ave. 
  7. Ugly Grinchmas Brunch & Spa Party: Ujamaa Celebration and Grand Opening – 11 a.m.– 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, at Massage by Monique, 6060 Sunrise Vista Drive No. 2180, Citrus Heights. Indulge in a delicious brunch spread, pamper yourself with spa treatments and celebrate the spirit of Ujamaa (cooperative economics). Special deals and surprises. Tickets are $23.
  8. 2024 Folsom Kwanzaa – Black Miners Bar, California State Park – 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, at Black Miners Bar – Historic Negro Bar State Park. Free, event is ticketed.
  9. Center for Spiritual Awareness: 22nd Annual Kwanzaa Celebration – 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, at Center for Spiritual Awareness, 1275 Starboard Drive, West Sacramento. The church will provide turkey, rolls and salad. Sign up to bring a vegetarian dish, side dish or dessert. For more, contact Pam Kay at 916-834-4335. Free and open to the community.
  10. Children’s Kwanzaa Umoja Productions – 6-9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30, at Roberts Family Development Center.