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. Learnmore Jonasi 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at Punch Line Comedy Club. Learnmore Jonasi is a highly decorated stand-up comedian from Zimbabwe known for his unique observational humor and charismatic stage presence. Tickets are $32.
  2. Imaginarium: UTOPIA 5-10 p.m. Monday-Sunday, Dec. 17-Jan. 4, at Cal Expo. Imaginarium returns this holiday season to light up the sky with more than 10 acres of dazzling immersive and interactive illuminated displays. Fifteen million lights went into creating this stunning extravaganza that has become an annual Sacramento tradition. Tickets from $25.
  3. Dino Archie 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Punch Line Comedy Club. Originally from Fresno, Dino Archie has built a reputation for his conversational style and ability to connect with audiences. Tickets are $29.
  4. Say It Loud – Live Comedy 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club. Performances from Javon Whitlock and special guests, hosted by MCJ. All December birthdays get in free with valid ID. Tickets are $20.
  5. Cookie Williams & Friends 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at Punch Line Comedy Club, Callback Bar. Cookie is a veteran comedian known for her raw, fearless, and high-energy stage presence, with roots in the Black comedy circuit. Tickets from $20.
  6. Candlelight: Tribute to Whitney Houston 6:30-7:45 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at the Croatian-American Cultural Center, 3730 Auburn Blvd. Hear Whitney Houston songs like “How Will I Know,” “Greatest Love of All,” “One Moment in Time,” “I Have Nothing,” “You Light Up My Life,” and more, under the gentle glow of candlelight performed by a range ensemble. Tickets from $36.
  7. DREAM: A Vox Christmas and the Quiet Miracle of Hope 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19-21, at various locations. This special 20th-season concert reflects on two decades of musical storytelling, weaving together Vox favorites written for women’s voices alongside a radiant new commission by longtime collaborator and resident composer Derek Sup. Featuring internationally recognized soprano Amanda Achen, whose soaring voice has graced stages from Los Angeles to the silver screen, Dream drifts through lullabies, visions, and prayers that awaken the sacred quiet of the night. Tickets are $30.
  8. Vivian Lee Holiday Jazz Show 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at the Sofia Tsakopoulos Center for the Arts. Jazz vocalist Vivian Lee, a Sacramento Music Hall of Fame inductee and SAMMIE Award–winning performer, brings her signature warmth and elegance to holiday favorites and jazz standards alike. With her smooth phrasing, soulful delivery, and irresistible charm, Vivian transforms every lyric into a heartfelt story, perfectly blending the joy of the holidays with the spirit of jazz. Tickets are $32.
  9. DC Ervin – Live Comedy 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club. DC Ervin is a well-respected comedian known for his mesmeric stage personality and unique style, which blends personal stories with insightful social commentary. Tickets are $25.
  10. Candlelight: Tribute to Beyoncé 8:45 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at the Croatian-American Cultural Center, 3730 Auburn Blvd. Hear Beyoncé songs such as “Texas Hold ’Em,” “Love on Top,” “Hold Up,” “Best Thing I Never Had,” “Say My Name,” and more, performed by a range ensemble. Tickets from $33.
  11. URBAN CR3ATIONZ JAM SESSION 6-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at Lock & Key, 2718 J St. Live performances by Aaron Jones, CJ aka “The Experience,” Statton Jones, Timmy G, Garrison Jones, and special guest singer Akila Wilson. Tickets from $12.
  12. Brown Sugar: a sensual art and poetry experience 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at 2614 Marigold Lane. Immerse yourself in the beauty of art and poetry in a cozy and intimate setting. Let your senses be awakened by the powerful words and captivating visuals shared throughout the evening. Featuring performances from Natascha Lee-Anna, Ed the Poet, Russell Cummings, Nici Martin, Camille Janae, and so many more. Tickets are $12.