December Events: What’s happening this month in Citrus Heights

By Sara Beth Williams–
The holiday spirit is in full swing for December in Citrus Heights with a Best Lights contest beginning, community potlucks, Christmas parties, tree lightings, a community talent show, and an annual laser show and night market. Plus, kids have the opportunity to get photos with Santa all month long.

Best Lights in Citrus Heights Contest: The City of Citrus Heights is hosting its annual Best Lights in Citrus Heights contest. Nominations open Nov. 30 and run through Dec. 7. Voting for the best displays begins on Dec. 9 and runs through Dec. 14. Six different awards were handed out last year. For more information and how to nominate a property, visit the Best Lights in Citrus Heights information page here.

Christmas Potluck: Citrus Heights Areas Two and Six are hosting a neighborhood area Christmas potluck on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner begins at 6 p.m. Last names starting with A through L are asked to bring a main dish, and last names starting with M through Z are asked to bring a side dish. There will be ham and turkey as well as games. The dinner will be held at Twin Oaks Avenue Baptist Church, located at 7690 Twin Oaks Ave.

Tree Lightings: The City of Citrus Heights is hosting an annual tree lighting ceremony at City Hall on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6:30-8 p.m. The event will feature a holiday sing-a-long, hot cocoa and cookies, train rides around City Hall, and Santa’s Workshop with activities for kids. City Hall is located at 6360 Fountain Square Drive. For more information, visit the city’s event page.

New this year, the Sunrise Recreation and Park District will host an inaugural tree lighting event on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Rusch Park. The event is scheduled to and feature hot coco, music, a mailbox for kids to drop off letters to Santa, and photo opportunities with Santa. Sunrise Recreation will also be accepting donations for NICU and PICU patients at local hospitals during the event. For more information, visit the event page here. Rusch Community Park is located at 7801 Auburn Blvd.

Friday Night Shine: Royal Stage performing arts is hosting a community talent show on Friday, Dec. 6, which features locals who perform songs, dances, and other special acts. The event is free and will run from 7-9 p.m. For more information or to apply to perform, visit the event page here. Royal Stage theater is located at 6041 Sunrise Blvd., behind Macy’s Men’s.

Laser Light Show and Night Market: The Sunrise Marketplace is hosting a laser light show and vendor night market on Dec. 6 from 4-8 p.m. at the Sunrise Mall. The event will feature craft vendors, a car show, kids games, food trucks, and a laser light show. For more information, visit the event page here. The Sunrise Mall is located at 6041 Sunrise Blvd.

Santa Arrival. The Citrus Town Center will host a morning of holiday fun and festivities, including photos with Santa, face painting, letters to Santa, and interactive snow tables. The free event is slated for Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon at 7925 Greenback Lane.

Whoville Skate Party: Sunrise Rollerland is hosting a Whoville Skate party on Dec. 19 from 6-9 p.m. Along with skating to music, the event will include a hot chocolate bar, face painting, and a Who-Hair contest for a chance to win gift cards to Sunrise MarketPlace businesses. $10 Admission includes regular skate rental. For more information visit the event page. Sunrise Rollerland is located at 6001 Sunrise Vista Drive.

Santa at the Sunrise Mall: Santa Claus will be at the Sunrise Mall from Nov. 15 through Dec. 24. Both walk-up guests and reservations are welcome. Santa is holding special events on different days of the week, including ugly sweater-themed photos on Thursdays and pajama party-themed photos on Tuesdays. For more information on the themed days and specific hours, visit the event page here. Click here to reserve your photo slot with Santa ahead of time. The Sunrise Mall is located at 6041 Sunrise Blvd.