RIO LINDA — For years, the second Saturday in December has marked the official start of the holidays in Rio Linda, anchored by the beloved Hometown Christmas Light Parade. But this year, the community’s holiday spirit has simply grown too big for just one weekend.
Beginning a new tradition, Rio Linda is leaping into the season a week early. Starting this Friday and continuing through Sunday, a wave of new and returning events will transform the town, ensuring that by the time the parade floats roll down M Street next weekend, the Christmas season will already be in full swing.
Here is your detailed guide to the expanded holiday festivities taking place this weekend and next.
THIS WEEKEND: December 5 – 7
Friday: Sweet Treats for a Cause
The festivities begin Friday morning with the Annual Bake Sale & Christmas Decor Sale fundraiser.
- When: Friday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (or until sold out)
- Where: Corner of Rio Linda Blvd & Elkhorn Blvd (Nolan Realty)
- Details: Stop by for home-baked goods and holiday decor. All proceeds benefit the American Legion Auxiliary.
Saturday: The “Christmas In Our Town” Extravaganza
Saturday is the centerpiece of this new “First Weekend” celebration, anchored by a major new event at the old Rio Linda Elementary School site.
- 1st Annual “Christmas In Our Town” & Tree Lighting
Hosted by Boddie Family Boxing, this event marks the grand opening of the new Rio Linda Elverta Teen Council & Youth Center.- When: Saturday, Dec. 6.
- Holiday Bazaar: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Tree Lighting Ceremony: 6 p.m.
- Where: 631 L Street, Rio Linda, at the Rio Linda Elementary School and Sacramento Public Library site.
- Highlights: A “Winter Wonderland” featuring a Gingerbread Lane, hot cocoa and s’mores bar, and pictures with Santa. The tree lighting will feature special guest Sacramento County Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez.
- Christmas Tree Lot: Open daily (Weekdays 4-9 p.m., Weekends 10 a.m.-9 p.m.) with Douglas Firs ranging from $60 to $90.
- When: Saturday, Dec. 6.
- GraceHouse Ministries Annual Toy Drive
- When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Where: Tommy Hall’s Konnected Apparel, 998 Oak Lane, Rio Linda.
- Details: Enjoy a BBQ plate and raffle ticket for a $10 donation or a new, unwrapped toy.
Sunday: A Historical Holiday
- Rio Linda/Elverta Historical Society Christmas Social
- When: Sunday, Dec. 7, 1:00 p.m.
- Where: Lutheran Church Parish Hall.
NEXT WEEKEND: December 13
The celebrations culminate next Saturday with a jam-packed schedule starting at 8:00 a.m. and running well into the night.
Morning: Breakfast with Santa
Kick off the big day with a hearty meal courtesy of the Rio Linda Elverta Recreation and Park District and local partners including the Lions Club and Gregory Realty Group.
- When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- Where: RLE Community Center, 810 Oak Lane, Rio Linda.
- Details: Bring the whole family for a free breakfast featuring pancakes, ham & eggs, coffee, and hot chocolate. Don’t forget to grab a picture with Santa while you are there!
Mid-Day: 5th Annual Christmas Bazaar
After breakfast, head over to the High School for the community’s massive shopping event.
- When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Where: Rio Linda High School Gym/Cafeteria.
- Details: Browse over 80 vendors for unique holiday gifts while enjoying food and raffles. There will also be free crafts available for the kids.
Special Feature: Free Family Photos
While at the Bazaar, take advantage of a generous holiday gift sponsored by The Grotto.
- When: 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Details: Photographer Venus Pressnell will be providing 2 free digital and printed photos per family.
- Note: Prints will be available for pickup the following Thursday and Friday at Renewal Soaps Shop.
Evening: The 10th Annual Hometown Christmas Light Parade
- When: Saturday, Dec. 13. Parade starts at 6:00 p.m.
- Where: Downtown Rio Linda (M Street).
- Details: Celebrate a decade of lights as floats, tractors, and horses parade down M Street. The winners of the Rio Linda Elverta Chamber of Commerce Christmas Light Contest will be announced immediately following the parade.
With two full weekends of events, 2025 promises to be one of the most festive holiday seasons in Rio Linda history. Welcome to Christmastown USA!
