Holiday Happenings in the Folsom and El Dorado Hills Community
Nov 22, 2016 02:00PM ● By David Norby
Light Up the Night
Now in its seventh year, Wild Nights and Holiday Lights—the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary’s popular holiday event that doubles as a fund-raiser for the animals—is a wonderful way for families to celebrate the season. The event also provides an opportunity to see how many of the animals behave after dark, as zookeepers provide enrichment—like treats or food tucked into cardboard tubes or specially wrapped boxes—for some of the creatures, enhancing the experience for both visitors and animals alike. What’s more, docents are stationed around the event to answer questions, explain animal behaviors, and share fun facts and anecdotes.
Thousands of feet of bright and colorful light strands, countless sparkling ornaments and trees, lighted animal figures and seasonal displays transform the zoo into a winter wonderland. Many hours of hands-on work by local families, businesses, community groups and city staff go into installing everything that makes this event so special. Bambi’s Tree Lot in Folsom generously provides more than 100 trees that make up the enchanted forest and are placed throughout the grounds.
Santa Claus visits each night too, ready to greet guests and listen to holiday wishes; local caroling groups and musicians add festive sounds of the season; and the Folsom Valley Railway’s miniature live steam train operates, providing special nighttime rides for kids and adults.
Wild Nights and Holiday Lights is open from 5-8 p.m. on December 2-3, 9-10 and 16-23 (weather permitting; heavy rains will cancel). Admission is $5 per person and free for ages two and under; train tickets are $4 per person. On December 21 from 5-8 p.m., Food Truck Safari takes place just outside the zoo entrance in Folsom City Lions Park.
— Lesley Miller // Photos by Alan Isham
Purchase tickets at the gate or in advance at webtrac.folsom.ca.us; for more information, call 916-355-7285 or visit folsomzoofriends.org.
Holiday Happenings
THRU DECEMBER 15
LETTERS TO SANTA
Calling all kids! Santa would love to hear from all his friends in El Dorado Hills and promises to return letters. Wish lists can be mailed or deposited in the holiday mailbox at the El Dorado Hills CSD Gym. Simply send a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
SANTA, North Pole
c/o El Dorado Hills CSD
1021 Harvard Way
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
DECEMBER 1
COMMUNITY TREE LIGHTING
Join in celebration as the holiday tree is illuminated at 6 p.m. Refreshments will follow.
DECEMBER 1-3
HOLIDAY ART AND CRAFT FAIR
From 3-7 p.m. on December 1, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on December 2, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on December 3, purchase unique and locally crafted gift items, including handmade soaps, candles, jewelry, artwork, and holiday decorations from over 20 vendors.
DECEMBER 2
COOKIES WITH SANTA
Visit with Santa while enjoying cookies and hot chocolate from 4:30-6 p.m. Pre-registration fee is $5 per person (those under 2 are free); space permitting, the day-of event fee is $10.
DECEMBER 3
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Start the yuletide season off with a festive morning of holiday cheer that includes breakfast, a visit with Santa and a holiday craft. Two seating times are available—8 a.m. and 10 a.m.—and space is limited. Pre-registration fee is $5 per person (those under 2 are free); space permitting, the day-of event fee is $10.
Note: All activities above are hosted at the El Dorado Hills CSD (1021 Harvard Way).
Photos courtesy of El Dorado Hills Community Services District.