The Sactown Weekend Update for Dec. 19-21
Sacramento Ballet’s The Nutcracker (Friday through Sunday)
Featuring choreography by Sacramento Ballet co-artistic director Ron Cunningham, this beloved production, in which approximately 500 local children dance alongside company members every year, will present its final shows of the season this weekend. The classic tale of young Clara and her vivid dreams features a spectacular score by Tchaikovsky, which will be performed live by the musicians of the Sacramento region performing arts alliance during this weekend’s evening programs. $19-$65 ($14 extra for shows with live music). Friday at 7 p.m. Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday at 1 and 5:30 p.m. Community Center Theater. 1301 L St. 552-5800. sacballet.org
Handmade Holidays Market (Saturday)
For the sixth year running, nearly three dozen local artisans will gather downtown at Beatnik Studios, where last-minute holiday shoppers can browse an array of handmade goods—from clothing to toys to body products. In addition to rounding up gifts for others, attendees can treat themselves to delectable and drinkable offerings from Mama Kim Cooks and Insight Coffee while local dance company Aerial Evolution performs throughout the day. $2. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 732 S St. 400-4281. beatnik-studios.com
Sacramento Santa Run (Saturday)
Thousands of racers dressed like Santa will sprint down Capitol Mall and out to Old Sacramento, the riverfront and back for this Christmas fun run (a shorter “Merry Mile” race is also available). Carolers and candy cane stations along the course, as well as cookies and milk at the finish line, will be sure to make spirits bright throughout the morning. $25-$45. Race starts at 9 a.m. at California State Capitol. 530-346-3881. sacramentosantarun.com
It’s a Wonderful Life (Sunday)
Frank Capra’s classic 1946 film follows despondent small-town banker George Bailey (James Stewart), whose angel-in-training, Clarence, is sent to earth to help George realize how many people he has positively impacted in his lifetime and how different his town would be had he never been born. Times and prices vary. Century theaters in Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, Rocklin and Elk Grove. cinemark.com
The Muppet Christmas Carol (Sunday)
The Muppets retell Charles Dickens’ tale of a bitter miser named Ebenezer Scrooge (played in this adaptation by Michael Caine) as he undergoes a miraculous character transformation at Christmastime. Prior to the screenings, youngsters can visit with Santa and spread Yuletide cheer to the less fortunate by donating to a food and toy drive at the Crest. $7.50-$9.50. 2 p.m. Crest Theatre. 1013 K St. 476-3356. crestsacramento.com
