The holiday season is ramping up across the city of Folsom, and this Friday night, Dec. 6, the festivities culminate with the annual celebration to light the Historic District Christmas tree and welcome the arrival of Santa to the district.

Standing tall in the heart of the Historic Folsom Plaza, the towering tree takes center stage at the holiday ice rink and historic railroad turntable. Thousands are expected to gather for this cherished tradition, which runs from 6 to 9 p.m., rain or shine. The countdown to the highly anticipated tree lighting will take place at 7:30 p.m., accompanied by a flurry of holiday cheer, blowing snow, and the grand arrival of Santa Claus.

The event promises a magical evening filled with family-friendly activities and entertainment. Visitors can snap photos with Santa in his newly designed Christmas Cottage, enjoy dazzling dance performances, and immerse themselves in the sounds of holiday choirs and caroling. Guests can also partake in crafts, face painting, and indulge in tasty treats from local businesses.

Special appearances will feature beloved holiday characters, including the Grinch and Elsa, alongside the Mayor of Folsom. Adding to the excitement, a stunning figure skating show will delight attendees. The night will be capped off with a sprinkle of enchantment as artificial snow falls, creating a magical winter wonderland in the heart of the Historic District.

Santa arrives in at his Christmas Cottage in Historic Folsom this Friday night for the annual Historic District Tree lighting.The evening will feature plenty of holiday festivities as well as appearances by The Grinch and Elsa from Frozen.
Folsom Times file photos by Bill Sullivan.

Santa’s arrival Friday evening officially marks the opening of Santa’s Christmas Cottage for the 2024 season. Families won’t want to miss the chance to visit this whimsical setting for photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their cheerful helpers. Santa will also return for visits on select dates throughout December, including Dec. 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Friday’s event culminates with the lighting of the Historic District Christmas Tree in the center of the Holiday Ice Rink.
Aerial photo by: Tactical Air Photography

First introduced in 2023, Santa’s Christmas Cottage has quickly become a beloved feature of Folsom’s holiday festivities. This year, Santa’s elves have reimagined the cottage, adding even more magic to this cherished experience. Local volunteers from the Folsom community bring this tradition to life, ensuring a special time for all who attend.

The night doesn’t end with Santa. Guests can explore the district and enjoy street performances from local dance companies, choirs, theaters, and bell ringers. Vendors will line the streets, offering sweet treats, hot chocolate, coffee, and more. With so much to see and do, families are encouraged to bundle up, bring a camera, and make lasting memories together.

Of course, no Folsom holiday celebration would be complete without a touch of seasonal magic. As the tree lights up at 7:30 p.m., snow will fall in the heart of the Historic District, creating a picture-perfect moment to capture the joy of the season.

The festivities don’t stop on Friday. Just two days later, on Sunday, Dec. 8, the annual Christmas Craft Fair returns to Sutter Street. Running from morning into the afternoon, the fair offers unique holiday treasures and handmade goods, making it a perfect opportunity to shop for gifts while supporting local artisans.

Whether it’s the tree lighting, Santa’s Cottage, or the Christmas Craft Fair, Folsom’s Historic District is the ultimate destination for holiday cheer. For more details on all the festivities, visit www.historicfolsom.org.

Event Highlights:

  • Date: Friday, Dec. 6
  • Time: 6 to 9 p.m. (Tree lighting at 7:30 p.m. sharp!)
  • Location: Historic Folsom Plaza, Sutter Street
  • Features:
    • Photos with Santa in his Christmas Cottage
    • Special guests: The Grinch, Elsa, and the Mayor of Folsom
    • Dance performances, choirs, and caroling
    • A stunning figure skating show
    • Crafts, face painting, and sweet treats from local businesses
    • Magical snowfall in the Historic District

Holiday celebrations continue in El Dorado Hills Town Center Saturday

El Dorado Hills Town Center is the place to be this Saturday, December 7, as the community gathers to kick off the holiday season. The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, starting at 6:30 PM, will feature performances by the Holy Trinity Choir and Jessica Malone Band, followed by Santa’s much-anticipated arrival.

Festivities include Town Center merchant open houses from 4–8 PM, the “Stuff Your Stocking” game for the first 250 visitors, and live performances from local talent earlier in the day. The event also marks the launch of the EDH Fire Department’s 61st annual Santa Run, a cherished tradition supporting families in need.Don’t miss this magical evening of lights, music, and holiday cheer! See the full Folsom Times story on this event for more of the details