Cheer Up, Buttercup! Dec. 6-Dec. 12

Thanksgiving is behind us and the rushed bargain shopping has passed (for now). Take a break this week with some new experiences and fun. Sure there's a lot of seasonal activities, but there's more to give back to yourself before diving into the rest of the holiday season with this week's "Cheer Up, Buttercup!"

FAMILY AND PETS

Dec. 9: Holiday Gift Making for Kids
If your kids (or budget) are at a loss this holiday season, visit the Franklin Library for a workshop on making ordinary paper into beautiful gifts.
This workshop is for children ages 9-12.
FREE ADMISSION!
3:30-4:30 p.m. 10055 Franklin High Rd., Elk Grove. 916-264-2700

Dec. 9-11: Wild Nights and Holiday Lights at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary
Celebrate the holidays and support the animals of the Folsom zoo. Thousands of color environmentally-friendly LED lights will twinkle through the night, there will be a beautiful enchanted forest of lit trees, carolers, seasonal food and drink, animal presentations by zoo docents and visits from Santa Claus.
Adult tickets are $5. Children ages 2-12 and seniors get in for $4. Children younger than 2 get in free.
6-9 p.m. 403 Stafford St., Folsom. 916-351-3527

Dec. 11: Holiday Magic at the Sacramento Zoo
Celebrate the holidays with the staff and animals of the zoo. The Zoofari Market will be open early from 9-10 a.m. for zoo member shopping. Members get a 25% discount with their card.
There will also be a food and toy drive. Bring a new, unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item to donate and receive $1 off zoo admission. Toy donations will go to Toys for Tots and food donations will go to the Sacramento Food Bank.
Enjoy the animal enrichment schedule when staff will provide animals with edible holiday treats over the course of the day. Visit their website for the schedule.
Admission ranges from $6.50-$11. 
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 3930 West Land Park Dr. 916-808-5888

Dec. 11: Christmas Memories at the Governor's Mansion
Experience the holidays the way 13 past governors and their families enjoyed it at the Governor's Mansion. There will be docents in period costume and lavish re-created period decor. Bring the kids to take pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Adults get in for $5, children ages 6-17 get in for $3. Children 5 and younger get in free.
1526 H St. 916-323-3047

Dec. 11-12: Reindeer Days at Discovery Museum Science and Space Center
Bring your kids to learn more about the popular animal (of the non-flying variety) during Reindeer Days. There will be a scavenger hunt, and children 12 and younger can make a reindeer craft project to take home.
Members get in free. Adults get in for $6. Seniors and teens (ages 13-17) get in for $5. Children ages 4-12 get in for $4. Children 3 and younger get in for free.
12:30-4 p.m. 3615 Auburn Blvd. 916-808-3942

Dec. 12: A Southwest Christmas Native Designs and Ornaments Workshop
Trailmix.net store is hosting "A Southwest Christmas" where guests may make their own ornaments in a Southwest Indian style. April Farnham will lead the class where visitors can learn about pottery, sculpture, basketry and textiles.
$5.
1-2 p.m. 116B I St. 916-498-9090

MUSIC AND ARTS

Dec. 7: Kate Gaffney Performs
Musician Kate Gaffney will be in Sacramento to perform at Torch Club.
5:30 p.m. 904 15th St. 916-443-2797

Dec. 8: Kim Wilson's Blues All-Stars
Wilson will perform with special opening guest Tess and Hip Trash at Harlow's. 
Must be 21 or older.
$20 for advance tickets, $25 at the door.
Door opens at 7 p.m. The show starts at 8 p.m. 2708 J St. 916-457-7553

Dec. 10: Velvet Underground Tribute Show
Fans of Velvet Underground and Lou Reed can catch the tribute show at Old Ironsides.
$7. Must be 21 or older.
8 p.m. 1901 10th St. 916-443-9751

Dec. 10: Twelve Days of Midtown: Philharmonic Winter Wine and Jazz
Experience the Sacramento Philharmonic during "Winter Wine and Jazz." Enjoy locally produced wine, the philharmonic and a jazz trio at Antiquity Maison Privee.
There is limited seating so advanced reservations are encouraged. Admission includes a complimentary glass of wine and hors d'eovres catered by Jackson Catering.
Advance tickets are $15, $20 at the door. For tickets, visit their website.
6-9 p.m. 2114 P St. 916-732-9045

Dec. 11: Pioneering Collectors: The Crockers and Master Drawings
Enjoy this symposium about the Crocker's early collection of master drawings. It will be led by curator William Breazeale, catalogue co-author Cara Dufour Denison and drawings specialist Christiane Andersson. The panel will discuss discoveries made during recent research as well as Dutch, French, Italian, Flemish and German drawings in the context of American collections.
$30 for members, $40 for nonmembers, and $38 for students and seniors.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St. 916-808-7000

Dec. 11: The Nutcracker Performance
The Capitol Ballet Company will perform Tchaikovsky's classic holiday piece at Sheldon High School Performing Arts Center.
General admission is $18. Children, seniors, students and military (with I.D.) get in for $12. For tickets, visit their website.
Showings at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 8333 Kingsbridge Dr. 916-484-1188

Dec. 12: Lara Downes Family Concert, "Neverland to Wonderland"
The performance will feature a multimedia theaterwork created and directed by Mindy Cooper. Pianist Downes has drawn on Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland to create "a stunning celebration of childhood mystery and enchantment, including music by Leonard Bernstein, Sergei Prokofiev, and David Del Tredici."
Students get in for $15, subscriber add-on price is $26. General admission is $30.  
1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Mondavi Center, Vanderhoef Studio Theatre. One Shields Ave. 866-754-2787

SPORTS AND OUTDOORS

Dec. 8: Kings vs. Washington Wizards
Root the Sacramento Kings on as they play the Washington Wizards.
Tickets start at $15. Parking is $10.
7 p.m. Arco Arena, 1 Sports Parkway. 916-928-6900

Dec. 9: Downtown Ice Rink Theme Night: Ugly Sweaters
Get more use out of your ugly holiday sweaters than just the annual themed party. Keep warm and badly dressed while enjoying the Downtown Ice Rink.
$8 for admission, free skate rental with participation in theme. $2 otherwise. 
4-8 p.m. St. Rose of Lima Park, 7th and K Streets. 916-442-8575

Dec. 11: Kings vs. Miami Heat
Catch the teams compete Saturday night.
Tickets start at $15. Parking is $10.
7 p.m. Arco Arena, 1 Sports Parkway. 916-928-6900

 

FOOD AND DINING

Dec. 6: "Making Guilt-Free Choices at Holiday Parties" Nutrition Class
Visit the Arden Hills Resort Club and Spa for this class that can help keep the scale from tipping. The class will offer common sense tips and tricks to help enjoy the seasonal delicacies while staying away from fattier options.
$20.
Noon. 1220 Arden Hills Lane. 916-482-6111

Dec. 9: Thursday Night Jazz and Wine
Relax with live jazz music and relax even further with wine at the Arden Hills Resort Club and Spa. This week's Thursday Night Jazz and Wine will feature appetizers, the music of the Joey V Band and champagne tastings.
$20.
6-9 p.m. 1220 Arden Hills Lane. 916-482-6111

Dec. 9: "British Invasion" Cheese Tasting
Join C'est Le Cheese for this week's cheese tasting class, "British Invasion." The tasting will focus on the classic cheeses of the British Isles including farmhouse cheddars to traditional blues. Instructor Judy Creighton will lead the class and offer sherry, port and madeira.
$50. To register, visit their website.
6:30-8:30 p.m. L Street Lofts, 1818 L St. 916-761-7674

Dec. 10: Macrobiotics Wellness Class
This class is held monthly at the Arden Hills Resort Club and Spa, and will teach how to create healthy, delicious soups. The class focuses on how diet can "increase longevity and lead to a more healthful life." There is an emphasis on adding whole grains, legumes, seeds, nuts, vegetables and soy products to one's diet.
$20.
11 a.m. 1220 Arden Hills Lane. 916-482-6111

ALL ELSE

Dec. 8: Created in California Shopping Tweetup
An array of vendors will be on hand at Hot Italian, selling their goods and fashion made in California. Enjoy complimentary pizza as you shop and support independent vendors.
The scheduled vendors include Marty May, Van Der Neer, Clozline, Miss Velvet Cream, Morris + Terry, LirpaLife, Lindsay23, Boone Skis, Riley Designs and Amithyst.
Twitterers may find the event under hashtag #createdincalifornia.
FREE ADMISSION!
6-9 p.m. 1627 16th St. 916-444-3000

Dec. 11: Joel McHale Performs
You may remember him from such shows as "The Soup" and "Community." Actor, comedian and television host Joel McHale will perform at the Memorial Auditorium, satirizing pop culture and current events.
Tickets range from $29.50-$59.50.
8-11 p.m. 1515 J St. 916-808-5181

Dec. 11: Midtown Bazaar

Join Sacramento Midtownians for the Midtown Bazaar. It's a shopping experience, farmers market, music fest and food fest all in one. 

Don't worry if you miss it this week, it's held every Saturday.
FREE ADMISSION!

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. I Street between 16th and 17th Streets. 916-317-6017

Dec. 11: Call of Duty Black Ops Tournament
If you want to know how your game stacks up or feel confident enough, visit the Sacramento Public Library Central Branch for this tournament. It is the library's largest tournament thus far and will be a single elimination, 2v2 hardcore team deathmatch. If that makes sense to you, this may be the tournament for you.
The grand prize is a black ops prestige package. Second place gets a $25 Fry's gift certificate.
Must be 17 or older with I.D. Registration is required.
2-5 p.m. 828 I St. 916-264-2700

Dec. 12: SACCON
Head to the Scottish Rite Center for SACCON: Sacramento's comic, toy and anime show. Confirmed special guests include: Sonny Strait; Tone Rodriguez; The Homicide Chicks; Tom Haubrick; Ken Garduno; Little Carbon Robot; Hai-Na Nu Saulque; Ahmad; Mr. Lobo; Matt Maxwell and Mike Gray. Returning favorites include: Daniel Brereton; Tim Vigil; Brandon Bracamonte; Jason Dube; Mike Hampton; Anthony Leano and Paul Allen; ECV Press and Nate Watson.
General admission is $6. Children 6 and younger get in free.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 6151 H St.