From snow in the Piazza to small-town charm, big-city sparkle, and cultural traditions, the region lights up for the season
Holiday season celebrations in Folsom begin as early as this Saturday, when the Palladio at Broadstone becomes the first in the region to launch its annual Christmas tree lighting. The kickoff event sets the tone for a festive stretch of community traditions across the region, including Placerville, Rancho Cordova, Historic Folsom, El Dorado Hills, and Folsom’s own Chanukah Wonderland in the first week of December.
The Palladio celebration begins at 5 p.m. in the Piazza, where families will gather for live entertainment, holiday treats, and an early visit from Santa Claus. This year’s event includes several new and returning traditions designed to bring even more magic to Folsom’s holiday kickoff.
“Santa and his Elves send holiday greetings and invite everyone to attend Palladio’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony,” said Gloria Wright, general manager of Palladio. “Santa’s weatherman is predicting snow, but only at Folsom’s Palladio. Join us for a delightful evening filled with holiday cheer and snow.”
Santa and his helpers will lead the official countdown to the lighting of the towering Christmas tree. Once the tree is illuminated, snowfall will drift down over the Piazza, surrounding the crowd in a picture-perfect holiday moment. Media may request photos from last year’s celebration.
The Palladio will also debut its seasonal “Let It Snow” experience, featuring nightly snowfall at 6 p.m. throughout the holiday season—giving families another reason to return after Saturday’s ceremony.
Families can also visit Santa throughout the season. Santa Photos at Palladio run November 21 through December 24 in the Piazza, with both reservations and walk-ins welcome. The center has partnered with Santa’s elves to offer a special experience that includes free bonus gifts from Portable North Pole, Shutterfly, and Crayola when photos are booked online.
Placerville gathers on Nov. 28
Downtown Placerville will host its cherished Hometown Holiday on Main celebration on Friday, November 28, from 4 to 8 p.m. Main Street will fill with families and friends enjoying live Christmas music, old-fashioned carolers, holiday shopping, and street entertainment.
Shops and restaurants will stay open late, and the community Christmas tree will be lit at 6 p.m. Main Street will be closed to traffic from 2:30 to 8 p.m. Event details are available atwww.placervillemerchants.org.
Rancho Cordova celebrates on Nov. 30
Rancho Cordova will host its 26th Annual Cordova Community Christmas Tree event on Sunday, November 30, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at Village Green Park on Bridgeway Drive. The celebration features hay rides, a live nativity, food trucks, train rides, SNOW, and a visit from Santa. The community tree will be illuminated at 7 p.m., followed by a fireworks show. Attendees are invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy to support the “Stuff the Squad Car” drive. More information is available atwww.cordovacouncil.org.
Historic Folsom shines on Dec. 5
Historic Folsom’s annual holiday celebration returns Friday, December 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. along Sutter Street. The evening includes performances by local choirs and dance groups, children’s crafts and activities, treats from local shops and restaurants, and photos with Santa in his Christmas cottage. A special holiday ice rink performance leads into the official tree lighting at 7:30 p.m., followed by magical snowfall along the plaza. Event details are atwww.historicfolsom.org.
El Dorado Hills gathers on Dec. 6
The 2025 El Dorado Hills Christmas celebration takes place Saturday, December 6, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the El Dorado Hills Town Center. Highlights include a merchant open house, Stuff Your Stocking, the Holy Trinity Choir, and a live band in the Theater Plaza. Santa will arrive aboard a fire engine to illuminate the tree around 6:30 p.m. The event also launches the Holiday Heroes Food and Toy Drive benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children and the El Dorado County Food Bank. More information is available atwww.eldoradohillstowncenter.com.
Chanukah Wonderland brings community together on Dec. 7
Folsom will host the 19th Annual Chanukah Wonderland Festival on Sunday, December 7, at the Folsom Community Center from 1 to 5 p.m. The celebration will feature games, music, shows, hot latkes, an Israeli food court, a Chanukah gift shop, and hands-on activities including Build-a-Menorah and candle-making workshops. Organizers say the event is a fun and interactive way to teach children and adults the importance of religious tolerance, mutual respect, cultural history, and the right for all people to worship freely and proudly.
Chanukah Wonderland serves as the kickoff to the Sacramento region’s Chanukah festivities. Additional Menorah lightings will take place at the State Capitol and various locations throughout the area. Event details are available atwww.chanukahwonderland.infoandwww.facebook.com/chanukahwonderland.
Palladio Menorah lighting — Dec. 14
The Palladio will also host a community Menorah lighting on Sunday, December 14, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the Piazza. Presented in partnership with the Chabad Jewish Community Center, the evening will include blessings, music, and a warm celebration of the Festival of Lights. Families are invited to gather for a meaningful ceremony that brings the community together during the holiday season.
As this festive season unfolds, Folsom Times will continue to offer full coverage, expanded previews, and photo galleries from each community celebration. Stay tuned to FolsomTimes.com for updates and complete holiday event details across the region.
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