By Sara Beth Williams–
December in Citrus Heights is packed with civic and community events, and variety of holiday-themed festivities, offering residents multiple ways to celebrate the season.
City workshop: The City of Citrus Heights will hold a public workshop on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 3 p.m. at the Citrus Heights Event Center. The session will focus on a proposed commercial property reoccupancy support ordinance, giving residents and business owners an opportunity to learn about the draft policy and provide feedback. The Citrus Heights Event Center is located at 6300 Fountain Square Drive.
Tree lightings: Citrus Heights’ annual tree lighting ceremony will take place at City Hall on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 6-8:30 p.m. This free community tradition will feature festive sing-alongs, hot cocoa and cookies, train rides, and a visit from Santa. City Hall is located at 6360 Fountain Square Drive.
Sunrise Recreation and Park District is hosting its 2nd annual tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 5-7 p.m., which will include hot cocoa, letters to Santa, music, and other surprises. For more information, visit the park district’s event page. The park is located at 7801 Auburn Blvd.
Best Lights in Citrus Heights: The city is once again inviting residents to vote for their favorite holiday-decorated house during their annual Best Lights in Citrus Heights contest. Nominations open on Dec. 1, and community voting begins Dec. 9. Winners will be announced before Christmas. For more information, visit the city’s website.
Laser Light Show: Sunrise Marketplace will host a laser light show and night market on Friday, Dec. 5, from 4-8 p.m. in the Sunrise Mall parking lot. The event will include a holiday magic show, photos with Santa, shopping opportunities from local vendors, and a large-scale laser display. For more information, visit SMP’s event page.
The former Macy’s Men’s is located on Greenback Lane between Sunrise Boulevard and Arcadia Drive.
Pictures with Santa: Pictures with Santa have begun at Sunrise Mall. Families can reserve a spot, or walk in to grab a photo with Santa from now through Dec. 24 inside Sunrise Mall across from the food court. To book a spot, visit whereissanta.com. Photos are free. Santa is available for photos from 11 a.m. through 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday and 3-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Sunrise Mall is located at 6041 Sunrise Blvd.
Breakfast With Santa: A day of seasonal fun is planned for Saturday, Dec. 6 at Rusch Community Park as Sunrise Recreation and Park District brings back its Winter Wonderland celebration beginning with a breakfast with Santa. Preregistration is required. For more information visit the park’s event page. Rusch Park is located at 7801 Auburn Blvd.
“Chip Chip Hooray!” microchipping event: A free pet microchipping event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 6510 Antelope Road. Organizers encourage pet owners to take advantage of the opportunity to have their pets microchipped at no cost to help ensure lost animals can be quickly identified and reunited with their families. For more information, visit the city’s calendar here.
Stranger Things Skate Party: Sunrise Rollerland will host a Stranger Things–themed skate party on Friday, Dec. 12. The event is expected to draw fans of the show for a night of retro music, themed decorations, and skating. For more information, visit the rink’s event page. Sunrise Rollerland is located at 6001 Sunrise Vista Drive.
Santa’s Arrival: Santa will arrive at the Citrus Town Center on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Families can enjoy free activities including photos with Santa, face painting, and snow play tables. Proceeds from Santa photos will benefit Citrus Heights HART. For more information, visit the Citrus Town Center event page.
The Citrus Town Center is located at 7925 Greenback Lane.
Bliss Farms Christmas celebration: Bliss Farms will host a Christmas celebration with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 12 to 8 p.m. The family-friendly event will feature festive activities throughout the day. Santa’s Magical Experience is also collecting toys during the event, which will be distributed to multiple organizations that help families in need during the holidays.
Bliss Farms is located at 8304 Bovingdon Ln. Additional event details can be found on the farm’s website.
