Don’t miss Downtown Placerville’s annual event, Festival of Lights—a merry gathering that celebrates the official start of the holiday season with local entertainment, a traditional tree lighting, and a Merchants’ Open House—from 5-8 p.m. on November 23. 

The “honorary celebrity” is a large, light-adorned spruce tree across the street from the courthouse that’s aglow with colorful lights after the public countdown at 6 p.m. The lights are installed each year through the generosity of Western Sign Company; in addition to the main tree, over 75 additional trees—donated by the El Dorado County Christmas Tree Growers—also “come to light” after the countdown. 

The tree lighting is followed by a visit from Santa. Photos will be available, but aren’t required to visit the man in red. A hot cocoa booth will also be set up near Kelsey's Needle Krafts to warm the hearts of visitors.

Free stagecoach rides from Davey “Doc” Wiser are available before the event from noon to 3 p.m. and a Merchants’ Open House—where visitors can enjoy goodies from retailers (who will stay open late), view beautifully decorated windows, and start their holiday shopping—are also part of the fun.