1. Nothing signifies the start of the season quite like the Rocklin Tree Lighting. This free event on December 2 will take place on Front Street in Rocklin’s Historical District. Wagon and train rides, a bounce house, face painting, crafts, selfies with Santa, music, cookies and hot chocolate will be available from 4 p.m. onwards. The lighting takes place at 7 p.m. rocklinchristmastreelighting.com

2. You’re bound to find all sorts of wonderful holiday treasures at the annual Holiday Craft Fair at Maidu Community Center and Maidu Library on December 2. If you’re looking for unique gifts for friends and family, look no further; here, you’ll find home décor, art, pet items, jewelry, gourmet foods and used books from over 160 exhibitors. roseville.ca.us/events

3. It doesn’t get any better than the Steampunk Victorian Holiday Faire from December 2-3 at High Hand Art Gallery in Loomis. This event occurs alongside the High Hand Nursery’s annual tree lighting ceremony and showcases local artists’ works. There will be photos with Steampunk Santa, Victorian-costumed carolers and music that promises a rollicking good time. highhandartgallery.com/steampunk-victorian-holiday-faire

4. For a truly magical experience, visit Global Winter Wonderland at Cal Expo any time through January 7. This holiday spectacular features a multicultural celebration of the holidays with illuminated landscapes, entertainment, ice-skating, a carnival with rides, food, photos with Santa and a holiday market. Visit with family and prepare to be enthralled. globalwonderland.com

5. Little ones will thoroughly enjoy themselves at Fairytale Town’s Winter Wonderland on December 9-10 and 16-17. The storybook park will be decked out in a dazzling display of lights and décor. Enjoy holiday-themed activities, photos with Santa, Victorian carolers and vendors from 1-7 p.m. And don’t miss the “snow fall” at 7 p.m. on the Mother Goose Stage. fairytaletown.org/events/winter-wonderland-4

6. Auburn’s Festival of Lights Parade is themed “The Magic of Lights” this year. The parade starts at 5:30 p.m. on December 2 at the intersection of Harrison and Lincoln Way and proceeds down High Street, ending at the Gold Country Fairgrounds. Usher in the holiday season with floats, glittering lights and singing carolers. auburnchamber.net/events/details/festival-of-lights-parade-565

7. For some seasonal entertainment, listen to the finest holiday music at the Holiday Pops concert by the Placer Pops Chorale from December 14-17 at Sierra College’s Dietrich Theatre (placerpops.com), tune in to the Celebrate Christmas concert by Jessup Music at William Jessup University on December 1-2 (jessupmusic.com), or be whisked away on an enchanted journey with Clara and the Nutcracker Prince at Placer Theatre Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker from December 9-17 (placertheatreballet.org).

8. From December 2-3, get into the holiday spirit at Holidays in the Hills on the Placer Wine Trail. The event includes a toy drive on the wine trail and open house tour of 19 wineries, vendors and prizes. Tasting is free with toy donations, so everyone’s a winner! placergrown.org/events/holiday-in-the-hills

9. The Loomis Basin Holiday Home Tour on December 9 is a great way to welcome Christmas. Begin with a tour of five beautifully decorated country homes in the area, then head to H. Clarke Powers Elementary School for a student art show, holiday boutique and gourmet buffet lunch. holidayhometourloomis.com

10. Close out the holidays and usher in the new year with some good old nostalgic ’80s music. If you love rock ‘n’ roll, then you might not want to miss Joan Jett and the Blackhearts who will be performing at Thunder Valley Casino Resort on December 31 at 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. thundervalleyresort.com