The light show that turned a cathedral into Midtown's newest tradition

LUMINISCENCE Sacramento has been packing the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament at 11th and K with an immersive show of live music and mapped light since September, and the main run closes this Sunday, November 15. A Christmas Edition picks up on November 19 and runs through January 2. It is the most striking way to start the holiday season in this part of town, and it is a short hop from East Sacramento.

What you actually see

The show pairs a live orchestra and choir with 360-degree video projection across the cathedral's interior, telling the story of the building and the city. A session runs about 60 to 90 minutes: a pre-show concert, then roughly 45 minutes of projection. Tickets run roughly $29 to $65 depending on the format you choose.

The dates

Main run: through Sunday, November 15, with evening shows around 7 pm. Christmas Edition: November 19 through January 2, adding about 15 minutes of Christmas classics to the full show. You pick exact show times when you book at luminiscence.com/sacramento.

Getting there from the house

The cathedral is about a mile and a half to two miles from the 2814 F Street block, a 35 to 45 minute walk if you want the long way, or a quick bike ride. The 12th and I light rail station is about two blocks from the cathedral, and the SacRT Gold Line's 29th Street station is an easy walk from the house, so the night out works without a car.

What stacks up after it

Holiday events follow fast: the Crocker's holiday artisan market takes over the Scottish Rite Center at 6151 H Street November 27 to 29, the SHOP East Sac holiday market returns November 29, and the Sacred Heart holiday home tour fills the Fabulous Forties December 4 to 6. Steve can tell you which nights to book first.