Holiday haste

Fall and winter holidays: We keep celebrating them earlier every year. Christmas lights already hang from people’s homes, and it’s not even Thanksgiving. Salespeople already nag us to buy the latest Christmas gifts. On one hand, it will be annoying to hear that same old holiday music, see the annual consumerist frenzy and have to spend time with the cousin you don’t get along with. On the other hand, Sacramento knows how to celebrate the holidays in style. There are already plenty of holiday events to choose from, so take a look at the some of the following highlights, and start celebrating early.

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Mercado Navideño

What: La Raza Galería Posada turns into a holiday marketplace.

When: Friday, November 25, through Friday, December 23; Wednesday through Saturday from 1 to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Where: La Raza Galería Posada, 1022 22nd Street.

Why: Support local artists, artisans and designers by buying handmade crafts as holiday gifts. Proceeds will help support La Raza Galería Posada.

More: Gifts range from $3 to $300. For more information, call (916) 446-5133, or visit www.larazagaleriaposada.org.

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Twelve Toys of Christmas

What: G. Willikers Toy Emporium unveils its 12 Toys of Christmas and kicks off the Salvation Army Angel Tree program.

When: Saturday, November 19, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: G. Willikers Toy Emporium, 1113 Front Street

Why: The 12 Toys of Christmas are compiled by the toy shop as the most educational and unique toys this holiday season. You can test them out at the shop, and at the same time donate items to children in need via the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.

More: Free. For more information, call (916) 447-1091 or visit www.gwillitoys.com.

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Roseville Downtown Holiday Celebration

What: Kick off the holiday season with the Sylvia Besana Holiday Parade and a Christmas tree lighting.

When: Saturday, November 19, from 3 to 8 p.m.

Where: Parade begins at the Riverside Avenue, Vernon Street and Douglas Boulevard intersection in Roseville. The Christmas tree lighting happens at the Civic Center, 316 Vernon Street in Roseville.

Why: Downtown Roseville is going all-out with a parade, music, a light show, a Christmas tree lighting and a visit from Santa. The area will also be filled with bounce houses, holiday movies, and food- and craft-decorating areas.

More: Free. For more information, call (916) 783-8136, or visit www.roseville.ca.us/holidayevents.

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Theatre of Lights

What: Old Sacramento Business Association presents a holiday-themed theatrical production.

When: The lighting of the city Christmas tree kicks off the event Wednesday, November 23, at 6:30 p.m. The show runs daily Thursday through Sunday at 6:15 and 7:45 p.m. through December 31.

Where: Old Sacramento, K Street between Front and Second streets

Why: The nightly event is a combination of bright lights, interesting sounds and intriguing visuals, with a live staging of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas—all hosted by a Mark Twain impersonator. The show lasts for about 20 minutes. More: Free. For more information, call (916) 442-8575, or visit www.oldsacramento.com.

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Fête du Beaujolais Nouveau

What: Alliance Française de Sacramento is throwing its annual celebration of Beaujolais Nouveau Day.

When: Saturday, November 19, from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

Where: Clunie Community Center, 601 Alhambra Boulevard

Why: The November release of the Beaujolais Nouveau wine is a great chance to have a French-style party. Fête du Beaujolais Nouveau features wine, food and an auction to benefit the Alliance Française de Sacramento’s building fund.

More: $30-$40. For more information, call (916) 453-1723, or visit www.afdesacramento.org.

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Run to Feed the Hungry

What: A gathering of about 30,000 people who run and walk to support the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

When: Thursday, November 24, at 8:35 a.m. (10K) and 9 a.m. (5K)

Where: Intersection of J Street and Carlson Drive.

Why: Run for a worthy cause in the morning and work up an appetite for some turkey (or tofurkey) later on in the evening.

More: Registration fees are $35-$40. Register online through November 22; in-person at REI, 1790 Expo Parkway, during store hours, from November 20-23; or on race day, from 7:30 to 9 a.m., at the race site. For more information, call (916) 313-7654, or visit http://runtofeedthehungry.com.