By Sara Beth Williams–
Photos with Santa Claus at Sunrise Mall might look a little different this year, as Santa has arrived at Sunrise Mall, but in a different location.
This year, families will find him set up inside a vacant storefront across from the food court rather than in the JCPenney court where the mall’s large holiday display has been featured for decades.
According to Sunrise MarketPlace Executive Director Kathilynn Carpenter, the business district offered the mall its large Santa Claus photos set up, but mall management chose not to use it. Carpenter referred all other questions to mall management.
Instead of the iconic giant lit Christmas tree typically on display in the center of the mall’s corridor during the holiday season, Santa’s new setup features two small lit Christmas trees with Santa sitting in front of a warm, cozy backdrop designed to resemble a holiday-themed living room scene.
Employees working alongside Santa said mall organizers may have decided against the larger display because they possibly could not afford the large tree that traditionally stands in the center court. Sunrise Mall Management did not respond to a request for comment.
Santa Claus will be available for photos through Christmas Eve with the following hours.
- Sunday and Monday, Dec. 7 and 8: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Tuesday-Saturday, Dec. 9 and 13: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Dec. 14 to 23: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Santa takes two short breaks each day to feed his reindeer from 1 to 1:30 p.m. and from 5 to 5:30 p.m.
Families can walk in anytime during open hours or reserve a photo session on Sunrise Mall’s website here. Visits to see Santa Claus on Dec. 23 and 24 are available by walk-in only.
Despite the scaled down decor, Santa’s team says he is excited to meet Citrus Heights families and continue the long-running holiday tradition at Sunrise Mall.
Want to share your thoughts on this topic? Submit a letter to the editor for publication: Click here.
