EL DORADO HILLS – Christmas spirit filled the air Saturday night as Santa Claus made his grand arrival at the El Dorado Hills Town Center, greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of children and adults alike. The event marked the annual Christmas Tree Lighting and the kickoff to the 60th Annual El Dorado Hills Santa Run, bringing joy and festive cheer to the community.
The evening began with the melodious voices of the Holy Trinity Choir, setting the tone with traditional carols. Later, local favorite Jessica Malone and her band entertained with a performance of holiday songs, all leading up to the arrival of the big star of the night, who didn’t come quietly.
Right around 6:30 p.m., cheers erupted as Santa made his highly anticipated appearance, escorted by the local elves of the El Dorado Hills Fire Department. He made his way through the excited crowd to participate in the lighting of the Town Center Christmas Tree. The dazzling display of lights illuminated the plaza, evoking awe from the gathered crowd and officially marking the start of the holiday season.
Folsom Times photos by Bill Sullivan.
For first-time visitor Lauren Garcia, the experience is the start of a new tradition. “I brought these three little here for their first time and this has been such a magical night for them,” shared Garcia, who just moved near Town Center in September.“Seeing Santa arrive and light the tree was incredible—we’ll definitely be making this a family tradition.”
Folsom Times Video: Watch as Santa makes his arrival to El Dorado Hills Town Center Saturday night.
Throughout the night, attendees enjoyed a variety of festivities, including Merchant Open Houses where local businesses welcomed shoppers with special deals and holiday cheer. Tastings at Town Center gave visitors the chance to sample festive treats and beverages, while families eagerly participated in the “Stuff Your Stocking” scavenger hunt, beginning at the California Welcome Center and the El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce office, Adding to the magical evening, the Atrium EDH Gallery debuted a new art exhibit, drawing art enthusiasts into the beautifully decorated space.
While the arrival of Santa and the lighting of the tree was the crowd-pleasing focal point of Saturday’s event, it wasn’t the only spot hosting a hoopla of activity. Prior to and long after Santa’s arrival, businesses throughout El Dorado Hills Town Center were bustling. From Nibbler’s Popcorn to Southfork Grill and everyplace in between, crowds of visitors explored different establishments. Many were holiday shopping, some were perusing the shops, and others were enjoying bites to eat or drink. It was a good night for Town Center store owners and hopefully, the first of many busy shopping days ahead.
Returning visitor Jay Thompson loves the tradition his family has built around the event. “This is the sixth year we’ve come here. My daughter’s 9 now, and she still loves it as much as she did when she was little,” Thompson told Folsom Times as they stood in the long line to get a moment with Santa. “It’s something we all look forward to every year.”
After making his arrival, Santa and Mrs. Claus stuck around for well over an hour as a long line formed, made up of families with little ones and many adults young at heart, all eager to get a glimpse and a photo with the dynamic holiday duo. The two took plenty of time to make sure everyone who wanted to share a moment with them did so. Santa was then ushered to the El Dorado Hills fire engine that was decked out in lights and carried his sleigh atop. With a wink and a wave, the jolly fellow belted out “Merry Christmas” to everyone lining the street as he traveled out of Town Center, flanked by multiple fire trucks that will escort him through the neighborhoods in the days ahead.
The holiday celebrations don’t end here in El Dorado Hills. The El Dorado Hills Town Center has a lineup of events to continue the festivities. Starting December 13, carriage rides will transport visitors through the decorated streets every Friday through Sunday from 4–8 p.m., providing a nostalgic holiday experience. Additionally, the interactive “Elf on the Boulevard” scavenger hunt is ongoing through December 24, offering fun for families as they search for hidden elves throughout the Town Center.
The Santa Run, organized by the El Dorado Hills Fire Department, will continue with special routes through local neighborhoods from December 10–13. The event collects toys, non-perishable food, and donations to support the Shriners Hospitals for Children and the Food Bank of El Dorado County. Last year, the community contributed over 4,700 toys and 2,200 pounds of food, and organizers are optimistic about surpassing those numbers this year.
The El Dorado Hills Town Center remains the hub of holiday cheer, inviting all to celebrate the season with events that bring the community together. For more details, visit the Town Center’s website or follow their social media for updates.
To see the full routes of the Santa Run and track Santa’s journey through the neighborhoods, visit the official El DoradoHills Fire Santa Run website. For more details on all the happenings at El Dorado Hills Town Center, visit their official website at www.edhtowncenter.com.
Folsom Times photos by Bill Sullivan
