Thanksgiving has arrived, and the holiday season now shifts into full swing across the local region. For families eager to jumpstart their holiday cheer, two nearby communities — just a short drive either up the Highway 50 corridor or down from Folsom — are preparing to illuminate their annual Christmas trees with festive gatherings, music, and hometown tradition.
Downtown Placerville’s beloved Hometown Holiday on Main returns Friday, November 28, from 4 to 8 p.m., transforming Main Street into a warm, nostalgic holiday scene. Families, friends, and longtime neighbors pack the historic corridor each year to enjoy live Christmas music, old-fashioned carolers, street entertainment, and extended holiday shopping at the town’s locally owned boutiques and restaurants.
The community Christmas tree will be lit at 6 p.m., marking the centerpiece moment of the evening. Main Street will be closed to traffic from 2:30 to 8 p.m. to give visitors more room to stroll, shop, and enjoy the atmosphere. Organizers call it “a sweet and simple tradition” — one that has grown into a must-visit start to the holiday season for many in the foothills. Event details are available atwww.placervillemerchants.org.
Rancho Cordova celebrates on Nov. 30
Rancho Cordova’s 26th Annual Cordova Community Christmas Tree event returns Sunday, November 30, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at Village Green Park — and it remains one of the region’s most impressive holiday gatherings.
Visitors walking into the park after sunset are greeted by live holiday music drifting through the air, vendor tents glowing with lights, and the much-loved SNOW flurries floating through the crowd. Breathless children and patient parents line up for photos with Santa Claus on the amphitheater stage, while the nearby live nativity scene adds a classic holiday touch with the faint sound of sheep bleating in the background.
Food trucks fill the park with comforting aromas, offering warm bites to enjoy while families play games, share sweet treats, and take in the festive displays. As the clock approaches 7 p.m., the park grows quiet. A countdown begins. Moments later, the towering community tree illuminates the night, and cheers erupt as fireworks burst overhead, visible from miles away.
The celebration is free to attend, with easy parking available nearby. It continues to be one of the most talked-about holiday events in the Sacramento area. More information is available atwww.cordovacouncil.org.
These events set the stage for a full lineup of area festivities heading into next week’s highly anticipated celebration in Historic Folsom.
Historic Folsom shines on Dec. 5
Historic Folsom’s signature Christmas Tree Lighting returns Friday, December 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. along Sutter Street—one of the most attended holiday events in the region. The evening begins with Santa Claus’s grand arrival at approximately 5:55 p.m., making a magical pass down Sutter Street accompanied by classic Volkswagens, the Folsom High School Marching Band, and the Painted Ladies on horseback.
Santa’s Christmas Cottage opens at 6 p.m., offering visits and photos with Santa throughout the evening. Guests are encouraged to bring their own cameras. A full schedule is posted atwww.historicfolsom.organdwww.christmasinfolsom.com.
From 6 to 9 p.m., Sutter Street becomes a lively holiday corridor featuring roving performers, musicians, characters, and vendors. Visitors can enjoy hot cocoa and cider, meet princess characters, listen to violin and cello trios, watch Theory Dance performers, and see the Painted Ladies on horseback.
Entertainment continues at the Zittel Family Amphitheater from 6 to 7 p.m. with performances by FLC Dance, JAA Drama Productions, Vista Guitar, Theory Dance, Beauty Queens from Cynthia’s Dance, JAA Cantoris Choir, Arthur Murray Dance, Leighton Dance, Bayside, and the festive Nutcracker Reimagined.
The mainstage plaza then hosts performances from 7 to 9 p.m., featuring “Holiday in the Hills” by Sutter Street Theatre, remarks by Dignity Health ambassador Lisa Hausmann, a holiday set by singer-songwriter Cynthia Renee, and a performance by the John Adams Academy Cantoris Choir.
At 7:30 p.m., Mayor Sarah Aquino joins Santa for the official tree-lighting countdown. The lighting is followed by a choir performance, a special ice-skating showcase at the Historic District Rink, and DJ Bryan Greenwalt keeping the plaza festive through the evening.
Complete details are available 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, featuring a merchant open house, Stuff Your Stocking, performances by the Holy Trinity Choir, and live music in the Theater Plaza. Santa arrives by fire engine to illuminate the community tree at approximately 6:30 p.m. The event also launches the Holiday Heroes Food and Toy Drive supporting Shriners Hospitals for Children and the El Dorado County Food Bank. Details:www.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 features 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 offers a fun and interactive way to teach children and adults about cultural history, mutual respect, and the importance of religious freedom. Details are available atwww.chanukahwonderland.infoandwww.facebook.com/chanukahwonderland.
Palladio Menorah lighting on Dec. 14
The Palladio will 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 feature blessings, music, and a warm community celebration of the Festival of Lights.
As the holiday season unfolds, Folsom Times will continue to offer expanded coverage, previews, and photo galleries from all regional celebrations. Stay tuned to FolsomTimes.com for complete holiday event updates.
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