Historic Folsom was transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland Friday night, as thousands gathered to celebrate the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, a local tradition that officially kicks off the holiday season in the city. With twinkling lights, festive music, and bursts of artificial snow falling like magic from the sky, the event delivered an unforgettable evening filled with joy, community spirit, and timeless holiday charm.
Presented by the Folsom Historic District Association (FHDA) and powered by the efforts of countless volunteers, the evening was a spectacular showcase of holiday cheer. Standing tall in the heart of the plaza, the majestic Christmas tree served as the glowing centerpiece of the celebration, surrounded by the bustling Holiday Ice Rink and the historic railroad turntable.
Families and friends filled every corner of the district, enjoying live entertainment, festive activities, and, of course, a special visit from Santa Claus himself.
Watch the Historic Folsom Tree Lighting with Santa the Grinch and more.
Aside from the illuminating of the tree, the magic culminated Friday night with Santa’s much anticipated grand arrival. Riding in style, Santa rolled up the lower end of Sutter Street in a gleaming red 1929 Kissel White Eagle 8-95 Tourester, an exquisite vintage car owned by Lynn and Jeanne Kissel of Cameron Park that became the big guy’s “sled” for the evening. As the car came to a stop just a few yards from Santa’s newly reimagined Christmas Cottage, the crowd erupted into cheers. Children waved and called out to Santa, their excitement lighting up the plaza.
Santa, accompanied by Mrs. Claus and his cheerful helpers, greeted the crowd with his signature warmth before stepping into his larger-than-ever Christmas Cottage, which sparkled with holiday magic and charm.
“Seeing the kids’ faces light up when Santa arrives is magical,” said Jeanne Kissel, who has been at the the event for the last three years. “It’s such a special night for families in Folsom.”
While Santa’s arrival is always nostaligic and heartwarming for adults in attendance, it’s a much bigger deal for little ones. What seemed like hundreds congregated with their parents on the sidewalk as Santa arrived. They then got their place in line to visit the man in red once he was perched upon his bright red throne in his cottage.
“It’s Santa he’s here, “ exclaimed 5-year-old Emma Johnson, her eyes sparkling with excitement as he dad Jared held her up high to see. “I waved at him and I can’t wait to tell him what I want for Christmas.”
Magical Entertainment and Community Spirit
As night fell, the entertainment schedule brought endless delight to attendees. At the Zittel Amphitheater, the Bayside Choir, John Adams Academy Choir, Leighton Dance Project, and Theory Dance wowed the audience with their dynamic performances. Meanwhile, the Sutter Street Theater added theatrical flair to the main stage with a medley of holiday classics, filling the air with nostalgia and joy.
The Grinch, true to tradition, made his annual appearance to stir up some mischief. Yet, the Folsom community embraced the green troublemaker, helping him discover his own holiday spirit. Queen Elsa from Frozen also graced the event, delighting children with her snowy surprises and regal charm.
As the crowd eagerly awaited the tree lighting a trio of city leaders took to the stage to address the large crowd Friday. Jim Snook, President of the FHDA was the first to share his thoughts ad thank you with the attendees.
“It was 14 years ago that the city and the redevelopment agency went through this whole revitalization project of the historic district, followed by the creation of this historic Folsom Station public plaza. They honored the past by making the district so beautiful, and I just want to thank the city for doing such a great job with that,” said Snook.
Snook went on to recognize the staff and volunteers of the FHDA for all their hard work on the tree lighting event and all the different events in the Historic District. He then welcomed Folsom City Manager Elaine Andersen to speak. This is the last tree lighting for Andersen in her role as she is retiring later this month and she shared her appreciation with the community as she spoke Friday.
“It’s been the honor of my career to serve this incredible city that my husband and I have called home for 35 years. Look around you and look how blessed we are here, ” said Andersen. “I ask all of you to approach tonight and the coming weeks with an attitude of gratitude. Just take a moment to close your eyes, be quiet with yourself, and think about what you’re most grateful for. I am so grateful for this city, for all of you, and for the merchants and restaurateurs up and down Sutter Street who make days like this so special.”
Lastly, Mayor Mike Kozlowski took the microphone and spoke before moving on to the ceremonial countdown. Kozlowski said two of his favorite duties as Mayor is performing the countdown at the tree lighting and performing the ceremonial start of the California International Marathon (CIM) in Folsom each year, both of which fall on this same weekend.
“My two favorite jobs as mayor are lighting the Christmas tree and starting the CIM. Folsom is a city where people are always doing fun, active things. You can’t live here without becoming a runner, cyclist, mountain climber, paddle boarder, or something. In the winter, the favorite thing to do is come to the plaza and ice skate,” said Kozlowski. “”Thank you to the Folsom Historic District Association for all the hard work that goes into setting up the ice rink. “Some of you may not be from Folsom, but we absolutely want to welcome you. Stop by Snooks, Dorothea’s, Scott’s Seafood—come back all weekend.”
With anticipation building, the mayor worked his way to the countdown, but not without an interruption from the Grinch again. After the the grumpy green one was nabbed by Folsom Police trying to heist some decorations, he was brought to the stage to talk with the Mayor.
After the two shared some corny jokes together and he performed his iconic “You’re a mean one,” the Grinch was joined by Santa and Mrs. Claus on stage who put a stop to the shenanigans and joined the mayor with the countdown as the massive tree in the center of the rink illuminated and cast the festive glow upon the crowd across the plaza. Snow machines added a sprinkling of magic as artificial snowflakes drifted down, completing the ultimate winter wonderland experience.
Local residents expressed their love for the event, noting its unique sense of community and tradition. “This is what makes Folsom so special,” said Amy Lopez, who attended with her two children. “The event has such a great hometown feel, and it’s amazing to see the whole community come together to celebrate the season. My kids are always in awe of this tree lighting and Santa’s arrival—it’s something we’ll cherish forever.”
Others traveled from nearby cities to enjoy the festivities. “We come down from El Dorado Hills every year to bring our grandkids,” said Tom Carter. “It’s such a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. The charm of Historic Folsom, the decorations, the music—it all feels so magical and welcoming. It’s like stepping into a Hallmark movie.”
Folsom Times photos by Bill Sullivan.
Santa’s Christmas Cottage: A Vision of Holiday Magic
Santa’s Christmas Cottage, introduced last year, is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the Folsom community and its dedication to holiday traditions. The idea for the cottage was born out of a shared vision among residents with a deep love for Christmas in Folsom, led by Eric Adams, the owner of Folsom’s Bacchus House. Known as Santa’s biggest “helper,” Adams has been instrumental in ensuring Santa’s visits to the heart of Folsom over several weeks, bringing joy to young and old alike, from the moment the Christmas Tree is lit until Christmas Day.
Adams described the cottage as a dream inspired by the magic of the holiday season, seen through the eyes of a child. “Santa has always been at the heart of Christmas, and we wanted to create a space that reflected that magic for the community,” he shared.
“It’s a labor of love,” said Lynn Baker, who led the design efforts for the cottage with her husband, Scott. “To see the joy on their faces makes all the hard work worth it. This is a true community effort.”
Last year’s temporary structure set the foundation for this year’s upgraded, custom-built cottage. Designed to be dismantled and reassembled each year, the new cottage not only provides Santa and his visitors with protection from the elements but also creates an enchanting scene adjacent to the Historic Folsom Holiday Ice Rink.
Evening kicks off busy month for Historic Merchants
Before Friday’s event, during, and after, the sidewalks of Sutter Street were bustling with walkers of all ages. While many were window shopping and enjoying the festive ambiance, others were patronizing the different shops, from retail establishments to eateries. Nearly every table at every dining venue was occupied, and for many, the cash register was ringing as some took the opportunity to do holiday shopping during the visit.
Snook’s Candies was one of the most popular shops, with customers lining up to indulge in sweet treats or shop for others. Just several feet away, Dorothea’s Shoppe was packed with visitors as well. Owned and operated by local residents Jim and Sherri Metzker, Christmas isn’t just a couple of months out of the year. For decades, the shop has been dedicated to Christmas-themed gifts from floor to ceiling, making it the place many go each year to purchase traditional ornaments.
“As merchants, we always welcome the yearly tree lighting on Sutter Street,” said Jim Metzker. “The event brings families who not only watch the tree being lit but also spend time in the district shopping and enjoying the multitude of food options.”
The Metzker’s purchased the store in 2014 and have kept its focus much the same as it has been for decades. While Friday night drew significant foot traffic, Metzker noted that the Sunday Craft Fair historically delivers their highest sales.
“Tonight is probably our biggest foot traffic day of the year, but it’s not our biggest sales day,” Metzker explained. “That’s always been the Sunday after the tree lighting during the craft fair.”
Looking Ahead: More Festivities to Come
The festivities don’t stop on Friday. On Sunday, Dec. 8, the annual Christmas Craft Fair will return to Sutter Street. Running from morning into the afternoon, the fair offers an array of unique holiday treasures and handmade goods, making it the perfect opportunity to shop for gifts while supporting local artisans. Visitors can browse through booths filled with one-of-a-kind items, all while enjoying the festive ambiance of the Historic District.
Santa will also continue to spread holiday cheer throughout the season, returning for visits on select dates, including Dec. 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Families are encouraged to stop by Santa’s magical cottage to capture special holiday memories that will last a lifetime.
For more information on Santa’s schedule, upcoming events, and all things holiday-related in Historic Folsom, visit the official website at www.historicfolsom.org. © Folsom Times, All Town Media LLC
Folsom Times photos and video by Bill Sullivan
