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 a visit from Santa Claus. Children will have an opportunity to take festive photos before the lighting of the grand Christmas tree, a moment that transforms the Piazza into one of the most photographed holiday scenes in the city. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the pre-show atmosphere and secure a good view for the illumination.
Adding to the magic, the Palladio will debut its seasonal “Let It Snow” experience, a nightly snowfall taking place at 6 p.m. in the Piazza throughout the holiday season. The family-friendly snowfall gives the community another reason to return long after Saturday’s kickoff event.
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.
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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