The most wonderful time of the year is finally here. How will you choose to celebrate it? Stuffed with family reunions, wonderful feasts, and beautiful songs, the holiday season seems to be the most beloved period in our calendar. This year, there are plenty of magical events that are available to you, locally.

In Sacramento, there are numerous performances that need to be seen. From November 29 to December 24, The Sacramento Theater Company, after a five year hiatus, will once again adapt the beloved Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. It tells the story of a grumpy elderly man, Ebenezer Scrooge, who is miraculously transformed into a kinder, gentler man after being visited by supernatural forces. Similarly, the Benvenuti Performing Arts Center will perform their own version of A Christmas Carol, with a major twist. Instead of Scrooge being an elderly man, he will be portrayed as a young, wealthy, video game designer that is visited by spirits of the past, present, and future. The Community Center Theater will hold a magnificent spectacle, titled “Sacramento Ballet’s The Nutcracker. In this event, follow the enchanting story of Clara as she encounters the Mouse King, the soaring Magic Balloon, the sparkling Snowflake Forest, and the radiant Sugar Plum Fairy. Performances are being held from December 9 to December 23.

For those of you who come from a more athletic background, you should probably check out the 4th Annual Folsom Christmas Classic and the 2017 Sacramento Santa Run. The 4th Annual Folsom Christmas Classic includes a 10K, 5K, and a Santa Fun Run for children under 10. The event will take place on December 16 at Vista Del Lago High School in Folsom. The 2017 Sacramento Santa Run, on December 16 as well, will allow you to run or walk alongside thousands of santas. Each registered participant will be given a free Santa costume, and also have the option of dressing up as their favorite Christmas character. After participants complete their run, they are invited to the downtown plaza for a festival that will provide music, cookies, milk, and snow.

The largest event is the Global Winter Wonderland, which is being held until January 7, at the Cal Expo. A spectacular, multicultural festival, you can expect illuminated landscapes celebrating holidays around the world, live entertainment, ice skating, a carnival consisting of thrill rides, and pictures with Santa. General admission costs are $18 for adults, and $16 for children and seniors.