By Sara Beth Williams–
The Sunrise Recreation and Park District held its second annual “Sunrise Lights the Night” tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 6.
The event featured lighting a tree that was planted in 2024, plus photo opportunities with Santa Claus, hot cocoa, cookies, and a chance for children to write and send letters to the North Pole. The district also collected new toy donations benefiting the NICU and PICU at Sutter Hospital. Collection of toys is continuing through Dec. 19.
District officials say last year’s inaugural celebration exceeded expectations. On a visit to the tree lighting in December 2024, hundreds of people could be seen gathered together to celebrate, with long lines of families waiting to get hot cocoa.
For the 2025 tree lighting, a portion of the parking lot in front of the Rusch Park Community Center was utilized to accommodate what was anticipated to be an even larger crowd, Sunrise Recreation and Park District Recreation Coordinator Tori Thorpe said prior to the event.
The district’s desire to host an annual tree lighting has been years in the making. After coordinating with the Sacramento Tree Foundation, a new holiday tree was gifted and planted in 2024 in front of the community center facing Auburn Boulevard, creating a permanent home for the celebration.
This year’s tree lighting was sponsored by SacTown Real Estate, the Citrus Heights Water District, and Mathnasium of Citrus Heights
The district noted its appreciation for continuing to coordinate with the City of Citrus Heights, which also hosts a tree lighting event at City Hall annually.
“We have appreciated being part of the City’s event each year and are glad that both celebrations can coexist,” Thorpe said. “Our district serves not only Citrus Heights, but also Antelope and Foothill Farms, and it remains our mission to offer free, family-friendly events for residents near and far to enjoy.” Thorpe added that both tree lighting events drew “exceptional attendance” and brought the community together in a meaningful way for the holidays.
