Benefit kicks off string of big Historic Folsom holiday events this week
FOLSOM — The holiday season will bring generosity to the ice on Monday as the Historic Folsom Holiday Ice Rink hosts Donate and Skate, a one-day community fundraiser supporting Twin Lakes Food Bank. Throughout all public skating sessions on December 1, four dollars from every admission will be donated to help local families experiencing food insecurity across the greater Folsom region.
The Folsom Historic District Association and Twin Lakes Food Bank are partnering to bring the community together in the spirit of giving, both on and off the ice. Representatives from the food bank will be onsite throughout the day to answer questions and accept nonperishable food donations from guests who wish to offer an extra measure of support.
Elizabeth Martin, Operations Coordinator at Twin Lakes Food Bank, said the partnership reflects the heart of the season and the community it serves. “Twin Lakes Food Bank relies on community donations to serve our guests,” Martin said. “This partnership with the Folsom Historic District Association is a joyful way for families and friends to celebrate together while helping their neighbors in need.”
Skaters are encouraged to bring family, friends, coworkers, youth groups, school clubs, or church gatherings to make a full evening of it. The Historic Folsom Holiday Ice Rink provides a festive backdrop with colorful lights, holiday music, and the winter atmosphere that has become part of the district’s seasonal charm. Guests can also reserve a fire pit to stay warm between laps as they take in the sights and energy of the rink.
Every glide, spin, and smile will help provide essential support for families who rely on Twin Lakes Food Bank. The partnership marks the start of a busy holiday week in Historic Folsom, where major events and celebrations are set to unfold in the days ahead. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit historicfolsom.org/ice-rink/ or stop by the rink ticket booth.
Tree lighting celebration ignites Friday Dec. 5
Historic Folsom’s holiday celebration returns Friday, December 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. along Sutter Street, where thousands gather annually for one of the region’s most anticipated outdoor holiday traditions. Santa Claus makes a magical ride down Sutter Street just before the event begins, arriving at approximately 5:55 p.m. with classic Volkswagens, the Folsom High School Marching Band, and the Painted Ladies on horseback leading the procession. Santa’s Christmas Cottage will open at 6 p.m. for photos, and families are encouraged to bring their own cameras.
The district will come alive from 6 to 9 p.m. with street performers, characters, vendors, musicians, dancers, and seasonal treats. Visitors will find hot cocoa, popcorn, meet-and-greets with costumed characters, and roving performances throughout the 700 block of Sutter Street.
The Zittel Family Amphitheater will host continuous entertainment from 6 to 7 p.m., including FLC Dance, JAA Drama, Vista Guitar, Theory Dance, Leighton Dance, the JAA Cantoris Choir, and additional student performers. Mainstage entertainment begins at 7 p.m. in the Decatur and Sutter Plaza, featuring Sutter Street Theatre’s production of Holiday in the Hills, singer-songwriter Cynthia Renee, the John Adams Academy Cantoris Choir, and remarks from Folsom Historic District Association Executive Board President Jim Snook.
At 7:30 p.m., Mayor Sarah Aquino will join Santa for the official tree-lighting countdown, followed by a choir performance and a special ice-skating showcase at the Historic District ice rink. More event details and full schedules are available at historicfolsom.org and christmasinfolsom.com.
Arts and Crafts Fair celebrates 57th year Sunday
Historic Folsom’s holiday season continues Sunday, December 7, when the district hosts the 57th annual Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The long-running tradition draws thousands of visitors who come to stroll Historic Sutter Street, explore artisan booths, and experience the festive atmosphere that has defined the celebration for more than five decades.
The fair stretches across four blocks of Sutter Street and the adjacent public plaza, featuring more than 200 artisan vendors in a juried showcase of handcrafted items. Shoppers will find holiday décor, jewelry, art pieces, woodcrafts, textiles, gourmet offerings, specialty gifts, and seasonal keepsakes created by talented makers who return year after year.
Live music will add to the holiday ambiance as performers fill the district with familiar seasonal tunes. Families will discover interactive craft booths, festive decorations, food vendors, and the lively charm that makes the fair one of the district’s busiest annual events. Historic Folsom merchants also prepare for one of their most active shopping days of the year as visitors explore local businesses.
Organizers note that the fair operates rain or shine. Parking will be available at 905 Leidesdorff Street with an optional five-dollar donation, and Regional Transit will offer free light rail rides between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. for riders who scan the QR code on the Historic Folsom event page. More information is available at historicfolsom.org.
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