EL DORADO HILLS — The holiday season will shine bright in El Dorado Hills this Saturday, Dec. 6, as Town Center transforms into a festive winter wonderland filled with music, community traditions, and family activities. The annual tree lighting celebration, one of the region’s most beloved holiday kickoffs, is expected to draw hundreds as the plaza comes alive with cheer.
The signature moment of the event, the Town Center Christmas tree lighting, will take place at 6:30 p.m. The ceremony brings together residents of all ages to share in a yearly tradition that has become a cornerstone of El Dorado Hills’ holiday season. As families gather for the countdown, Santa Claus will make his grand entrance, greeting children and adults alike before helping illuminate the towering tree.
In the spirit of giving, attendees are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys and canned goods. Donations collected at the event will support local families in need throughout the holiday season.
Festivities begin earlier in the afternoon as Town Center merchants open their doors from 4 to 8 p.m. for special holiday open houses. Guests can stroll through the center, shop for unique gifts, savor seasonal treats, and enjoy complimentary refreshments offered by participating businesses. From handcrafted ornaments and boutique apparel to locally sourced holiday goods, the open houses offer a festive small-town shopping experience wrapped in twinkling lights.
Visitors are encouraged to make an evening of it by enjoying dinner at one of the Center’s many restaurants before joining the celebration.
Families looking for an interactive activity can stop by the Town Center information booth between 4 and 8 p.m. for the annual “Stuff Your Stocking” game. The first 250 visitors will receive a stocking to fill with surprises as they explore participating shops around the center. The activity offers a whimsical way for children and adults to discover local businesses, meet shop owners, and collect holiday treats along the way.
Live entertainment at Theater Plaza will begin at 4 p.m., setting a festive tone for the evening’s events.
Saturday’s celebration also serves as the official launch of the 2025 El Dorado Hills Fire Department Santa Run. For more than six decades, the Santa Run has been a cherished tradition, bringing Santa aboard a fire engine to neighborhoods across the community while collecting toys and donations for families in need. The program’s kickoff will take place during the tree lighting ceremony, where Santa will join the firefighters on stage as they begin this year’s effort.
El Dorado Hills Town Center invites the community to gather for a memorable evening that captures the spirit of the season. Whether enjoying entertainment, shopping local, sipping hot cocoa, or watching the Christmas tree glow to life, Saturday’s celebration promises a festive and heartwarming start to the holidays.
Copyright © 2025, Folsom Times, a digital product of All Town Media LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
