ELK GROVE, CA
Thriftathon: Urban Reclaim Market
**November 7th | 10 AM – 2 PMLocation:** Old Town Plaza, 9615 Railroad Street, Elk GroveCalling all vintage lovers and thrifting enthusiasts! Thriftathon brings together more than 40 vendors featuring curated secondhand clothing, vintage finds, original artwork and unique treasures. There's also a community clothing swap and live DJs. It's a fun way to shop sustainably, discover local vendors and find something unique while supporting small businesses. A great excuse to explore Old Town, too!Elk Grove Veterans Day Parade
**November 11th | Ceremony at 10 AM; Parade at 11:11 AMLocation:** Begins at the Cosumnes CSD Administration Building and ends at Elk Grove Regional ParkA meaningful community tradition honoring the men and women who have served our country. The morning begins with a ceremony recognizing local veterans, followed by the annual parade and a community picnic at Elk Grove Regional Park. Bring the family, wave your flags and take a moment to show appreciation for those who have served. It's one of those community traditions that reminds us what makes Elk Grove such a special place to call home.39th Annual Dickens Street Faire
**November 28th | 10 AM – 5 PMLocation:** Historic Old Town Elk Grove, Main StreetOne of Elk Grove's most beloved holiday traditions is back! The Dickens Street Faire transforms Old Town into a festive holiday village featuring more than 145 arts and crafts vendors, local businesses, food trucks, live entertainment, Christmas carolers and plenty of holiday cheer. Kids can enjoy free crafts and photos with Santa, while adults can shop for unique gifts and support local makers. It's the perfect way to kick off the holiday season right here in Elk Grove!Elk Grove Holiday Parade of Lights
**November 28th | 6 PM – 8 PMLocation:** Historic Main Street, Old Town Elk GroveKeep the holiday festivities going after the Dickens Street Faire! The annual Parade of Lights brings the community together for an evening of illuminated floats, local organizations and festive holiday displays. Grab some hot cocoa, bring the kiddos and find a spot along Main Street to enjoy this hometown holiday tradition. Make a full day of it by exploring the Dickens Street Faire before the evening festivities begin!SACRAMENTO, CA
Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink – Opening Week
**Opening November 4th | Runs through January 18, 2027Location:** Ali Youssefi Square, Downtown SacramentoLace up your skates because the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink is officially returning for the holiday season! This outdoor skating experience is one of Sacramento's favorite winter traditions, offering a festive atmosphere for families, couples and friends. Make a day of it by grabbing a bite downtown, exploring DOCO and enjoying the holiday atmosphere. It's a fun way to get into the holiday spirit without having to travel far.Run to Feed the Hungry
**November 26th | Thanksgiving DayLocation:** Sacramento State University and surrounding East Sacramento neighborhoodsA Sacramento Thanksgiving tradition since 1994! Run to Feed the Hungry is one of the region's largest Thanksgiving morning community races, bringing thousands of runners and walkers together to support Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. Whether you're running the 5K, tackling the 10K or cheering from the sidelines, it's a meaningful way to start Thanksgiving morning while giving back to the community. A little movement before the big Thanksgiving meal never hurts!Theatre of Lights & Old Sacramento Holiday Tree Lighting
**November 25th | Festivities begin at 5:30 PM; first show at 6:15 PMLocation:** K Street, Old Sacramento WaterfrontOld Sacramento gets a magical holiday transformation with Theatre of Lights! This free outdoor performance brings the classic story of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to life with theatrical lighting, special effects and characters appearing on the balconies of historic buildings. The season's opening night includes a holiday tree lighting ceremony, making it a perfect family-friendly evening. It's one of those Sacramento traditions that makes the holidays feel extra special.Crocker Holiday Artisan Market
**November 27th – 29th | Friday 12 PM – 5 PM; Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM; Sunday 10 AM – 4 PMLocation:** Scottish Rite Center, 6151 H Street, SacramentoIf you love handmade goods and unique holiday gifts, this is one to put on your calendar! The Crocker Holiday Artisan Market features talented artists and makers showcasing original artwork, jewelry, ceramics, home décor and other handcrafted treasures. It's a wonderful opportunity to shop small, meet local artists and find thoughtful gifts you won't see in your typical retail stores. Consider this your reminder to get a head start on holiday shopping!ROSEVILLE, CA
Holiday Craft Fair
**November 7th | 9 AM – 3 PMLocation:** Maidu Community Center, RosevilleStart your holiday shopping early at Roseville's Holiday Craft Fair! Browse handmade gifts, festive decorations, seasonal treats and unique creations from local vendors. It's a great way to discover small businesses, support local artisans and find one-of-a-kind gifts before the holiday shopping rush. Bonus: admission is free!Food Truck Mania
**November 12th | 5 PM – 11 PMLocation:** Vernon Street Town Square, Downtown RosevilleDinner plans? Let the food trucks do the cooking! Food Truck Mania brings together a rotating lineup of gourmet food trucks, live music and a kids' zone for an evening of community fun in Downtown Roseville. It's a great casual outing for families and friends looking to enjoy local food options and spend some time downtown. This is the final Food Truck Mania event of the 2026 season!33rd Annual Mountain Mandarin Festival
**November 20th – 22ndLocation:** @the Grounds, 700 Event Center Drive, RosevilleA Northern California fall favorite! The Mountain Mandarin Festival celebrates Placer County's agricultural roots with fresh mandarins, delicious food, artisan vendors, live entertainment and family-friendly activities. With more than 30 years of history and tens of thousands of visitors expected, this three-day festival is a must for anyone who loves seasonal food, shopping and community events. Don't leave without grabbing some fresh mandarins to take home!Roseville Turkey Trot
**November 26th | Thanksgiving DayLocation:** Vernon Street Town Square, Downtown RosevilleMake room for Thanksgiving dinner by starting the morning with a little movement! Roseville's annual Turkey Trot brings thousands of participants together for a Thanksgiving Day 5K and 10K. Whether you're a seasoned runner, a casual walker or participating with the family, it's a fun way to get active, connect with the community and give back. It's a great way to start a day centered around family, gratitude and good food.Bombshell Market
**November 28thLocation:** South Grant Street, Downtown RosevilleSmall Business Saturday weekend calls for a little local shopping! Bombshell Market brings an opportunity to discover unique finds, explore local vendors and support small businesses in Downtown Roseville. If you're already planning to be out and about for Thanksgiving weekend, make this another stop on your local shopping itinerary.BONUS: IT'S CHRISTMAS TREE FARM SEASON!
And if you're anything like us, the countdown to Christmas starts well before December! November is when several of our local choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms begin opening for the season, making it the perfect time to plan a family outing, grab some hot cocoa and find your Christmas tree.One of the best places to make a day of it is **Apple Hill**, just outside Placerville. Known for its apple orchards, farms, wineries, fresh cider, baked goods and seasonal treats, Apple Hill also becomes a holiday destination when Christmas tree farms open their gates.Whether you're looking for the perfect Noble Fir, a family photo opportunity or simply a reason to get out of the city for the day, here are three Christmas tree farms worth checking out.1. Indian Rock Tree Farm
**Opening November 27th | 8 AM – 5 PMLocation:** 3800 North Canyon Road, Camino, CAA family-owned Christmas tree farm that has been creating holiday memories since 1961! Indian Rock offers a choose-and-cut experience where families can wander through the plantation, pick their perfect tree and cut it themselves. Saws and staff assistance are provided. It's a beautiful setting for family photos and a classic Apple Hill holiday outing. Reservations are required for Thanksgiving weekend, November 27th–29th, so plan ahead!2. Crystal Creek Tree Farm
**Opening November 21st | 9 AM – DuskLocation:** 2019 Cable Road, Camino, CAIf you're looking for a beautiful outdoor Christmas tree experience, Crystal Creek is worth the trip. This family-owned farm features 12 acres of trees with eight varieties to choose from in a wooded setting. Families can select and cut their own tree, enjoy the picnic area and browse seasonal gifts and wreaths. It's a great place to slow down, enjoy the outdoors and start a new family tradition. Closed Thanksgiving Day.3. McGee Christmas Tree Farm
**Opening November 27th | 8 AM – DuskLocation:** 3131 Carson Road, Placerville, CAA longtime Apple Hill favorite, McGee Christmas Tree Farm has been growing Christmas trees since 1952. Their 20-acre plantation offers a variety of trees, and families can choose their favorite and get help cutting it down. The farm provides saws and cutting assistance, making it a fun and memorable experience for families. Pair your tree hunt with a stop at nearby Apple Hill farms for fresh cider, pies and other seasonal goodies!**A little tip:** Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest times to visit Apple Hill. Check each farm's hours, tree availability and reservation requirements before heading up, and try to arrive early!MAKING THE MOST OF NOVEMBER IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
November is such a fun reminder of why we love living here. From the small-town charm of Old Town Elk Grove to Sacramento's holiday traditions, Roseville's seasonal festivals and the beautiful foothills of Apple Hill, there's always something new to explore just a short drive away.As we head into Thanksgiving, I hope this inspires you to get out, support local businesses, make memories with your family and experience a little more of what our communities have to offer.And if you're new to the area, thinking about relocating to Northern California, or wondering which community might be the best fit for your next chapter, I'd love to help you get to know the area beyond just the homes on the market.As your go-to Northern California real estate resource, I'm here to help you navigate Elk Grove, Sacramento, Roseville and the surrounding communities — from finding the right neighborhood and school district to discovering your new favorite coffee shop, restaurant and weekend destination.Because finding a home is about more than four walls. It's about finding a community and a lifestyle you love.**Thinking about making a move to Northern California? Let's get you home!**Christina P Reyes Changco
Real Estate Agent
Area served: Elk Grove, Roseville, Sacramento, Concord, CA, San Jose, CA
Expertise: House Hacking, Employer Relationships, Downsizing, New Construction, Investor Clients