This is Wayfair’s biggest (and best) Black Friday sale to date. | Photos provided by Wayfair
We asked, and you answered: The key to impressing guests is “setting the perfect vibe.” Before welcoming family and friends into your home this holiday season, consider these five tips to enhance the vibe in your spaces — at up to 80% off.
Now until Sunday, Dec. 1, you can snag the lowest prices of the year during Wayfair’s extended Black Friday sale. Psst... Check back on Dec. 2 for Cyber Monday deals, too.
Here’s what we recommend checking off your list:
Pro tip: Warm lighting makes for an extra-cozy atmosphere. These dimmable Edison light bulbs will do the trick.
3. Minimize clutter
Storage doesn’t have to be an eyesore. You can tuck away miscellaneous items (think: books and games) in this extendable coffee table and store shoes in this natural rattan shoe storage cabinet that always seems to be trending online.
Crocker Holiday Artisan Market | Saturday, Nov. 30 + Sunday, Dec. 1 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Scottish Rite Center | $10 | The Crocker Arts Museum + the Creative Arts League of Sacramento present this artisan market featuring everything from textiles and jewelry to photography and ceramics.
Photos With Krampus 2024 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Lucid Winery & Event Venue | $45 | It’s like photos with Santa — only a tad scarier.
Indigenous Voices in Film | 2-4 p.m. | Crocker Art Museum | Free | Public participation is welcome at this forum to discuss the evolution + future of a project highlighting the creative works of Indigenous peoples.
Sunday, Dec. 1
Photos with Santa | Through Tuesday, Dec. 24 | Times vary | Arden Fair | $40+ | Visit Santa’s Workshop on the lower level near the Coach store and drop by to snap a pic with St. Nick himself.
California Bridal and Wedding Expo | 1-5 p.m. | SAFE Credit Union Convention Center | $10 | If you’re planning a wedding, start here: Browse vendors offering everything from venues and gowns to invitations, music, and food; admission is free if you register online.
Free Family Movie Matinee | 2 p.m. | Guild Theater | Free | Enjoy a screening of Eddie Murphy’s holiday flick, “Candy Cane Lane.”
Tuesday, Dec. 3
Sacramento Kings vs. Houston Rockets | 7 p.m. | Golden 1 Center | $31+ | The Emirates NBA Cup returns to Golden 1 as the Kings push to make the finals in Las Vegas.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
Irish Christmas in America | 7 p.m. | Sofia Tsakopoulos Center for the Arts | $40 | This holiday show highlights music, song, dance, and stories of seasonal Irish traditions.
Friday, Dec. 6
Holiday Hits with a Splash of Sass! | Friday, Dec. 6 + Saturday, Dec. 7 | 7 p.m. + 3 p.m. | Memorial Auditorium | $54+ | The Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus will celebrate the spirit of the season with this fun holiday production.
Saturday, Dec. 7
MaraFUNRun | 8-11 a.m. | William Land Park | $10 | Join 3,000+ students from the Runnin’ for Rhett’s Youth Fitness Program in this fun community run; there will be a quarter-mile dash for younger kids, too.
Have you been eyeing our guide to 30+ volunteer opportunities in Sacramento? You’re not alone. According to a new study by AmeriCorps, formal volunteering and informal helping (think: helping your neighbor rake the leaves) are on the rise again after dipping in 2021 due to COVID-19.
Civic
There will be at least 56 women serving in the California Legislature next year — up by six people compared to 2024. They will be part of the 2,450 women in state legislatures nationwide (or ~33%), setting a new record. (AP News)
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Sunday, Dec. 1 is Secondhand Sunday. Created by secondhand marketplace Poshmark, the day encourages shoppers to purchase pre-owned items for gifting like records, clothing, jewelry, and home decor. In case you need vintage store inspo, we have some local suggestions.
Number
$9.30. According to an airport beer price study, that’s the average cost of a domestic beer at Sacramento International Airport — the No. 16 most expensive beer across the 50 busiest US airports. Check out our guide to SMF before you board.
Finance
This leading card is one of the best-kept secrets for managing debt. The key: Transfer your existing balance and pay it down as much as possible during the intro period (this one offers 0% interest until 2026).*
Holiday Pick
For a limited time, you can give the gift of a lifetime of languages for less. Think: Forever access to all of Rosetta Stone’s immersive + engaging lessons at more than 60% off. Snag the deal.*
Try This
You know how awesome your business is, but do our readers? Visit our self-service ad portal to learn how SACtoday can help connect your business with our local audience — no long-term contract required.
Health
Remember all the scammy weight loss ads from the 90s that promised “magical results” (but never delivered)? Well, thanks to Hers and GLP-1s — the ingredient behind Ozempic® and Wegovy® — we’re not that far off. Start your weight loss journey. Read website disclaimers for important consumer information.*
City Guide
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🛍️ Shopping small is a big deal
Meet Christopher + Angel (left to right), owners and operators of Flora & Fauna Provisions. | Photo by SACtoday staff
Small Business Saturday, an initiative dedicated to celebrating and supporting small and locally owned businesses + the impact they have in our communities, is today — Nov. 30.
The day falls between two of the biggest shopping days of the year — Black Friday and Cyber Monday — and has become an annual shopping tradition for many since its establishment by American Express in 2010.
If you’re looking to join in on the festivities this year (or really, shop local year-round), try these small businesses recommended by SACtoday followers:
Power Pack Fitness | According to @kaylalia, this is the “best gym ever.”
Want to share some more small business love? Make sure to tag your favorite local businesses in the comments of our post.
Reminder: Shopping + supporting small isn’t limited to just this day — we love letting our local businesses shine all year long in our collection of City Guides.
The Buy
The Buy
Yourfavorite thing on Oprah’s Favorite Things list for 2024. We’re seeing goodies like fluffy mittens and paint-by-numbers portraits. Psst — Oprah’s also picked finds from small businesses, like a hot chocolate collection made by Asheville, NC’s French Broad Chocolate.
Ready to kick off the holiday season? I thought so. Today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Elk Grove’s Historic District will be filled with holiday cheer during the 36th annual Dickens Street Faire. Expect free, family-friendly activities, carolers, and cameos by Santa. While you’re there, shop + dine small at nearby businesses and restaurants.