December 1st

Season’s Greetings. Head to the Gallery at 48 Natoma in Folsom for a national touring exhibit featuring colorful, hand-printed holiday cards from influential artists of the ’50s and ’60s. Admission is free. folsom.ca.us/government/parks-recreation/facilities/gallery-at-48-natoma/exhibits
(THRU January 18)

 

Pictures with Santa. Bring the littles to the El Dorado Hills Town Center (California Welcome Center) to take photos and share their wish lists with Santa. Times vary. edhtowncenter.com/upcoming-events
(THRU 24)

Wild Nights & Holiday Lights. Hang out with some of your favorite zoo animals while perusing thousands of LED-illuminated trees from 5-8:30 p.m. Festivities also include carolers, refreshments, train rides, a visit from Santa, and more. folsomzoofriends.org/upcoming-events
(ALSO 2, 8-9, & 15-22)

 

Celebrate Christmas. This three-day concert series presented by Jessup Music features the University Choir & Orchestra, Jessup Concert Choir, and Crossroads. Listen to a mashup of your favorite Christmas tunes like “Silent Night,” “The First Noel,” and more. Show times vary at Jessup University. jessupmusic.com
(THRU 3)

 

Matilda. Watch Roald Dahl’s acclaimed musical come to life as the young and magically talented Matilda and her classmates sing and dance their way to freedom against their evil principal, Miss Trunchbull. Show times vary at Placerville’s Imagination Theater. itplacerville.org/matilda-the-musical
(ALSO 2, 8-10, 15-17, & 22-23)

Christmas Tree Lighting. Head to the Folsom Historic District from 6-9 p.m. for their beloved tree lighting (7:30 p.m.) along with live music, photos with Santa, giveaways, food and drink vendors, and an inflatable slide for the kids. historicfolsom.org/events-schedule

 

The Nutcracker. Placer Theatre Ballet returns to Placer High School’s Auditorium with Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet, The Nutcracker. After Clara is gifted a magical nutcracker, he comes to her in a dream and together they embark on an adventure to the Land of Sweets to defeat the evil King of the Mice. Show times vary. placertheatreballet.org
(ALSO 2-3 & 9-10)

 

Beauty and the Beast. Watch the classic fairy tale unfold as Belle tries to save her father from the Beast, only to swap places with him instead. As Belle teaches the Beast compassion and kindness in this heartwarming tale, she must also use her courage to save the Beast from the townspeople. Performances are at the Rocklin Community Theatre; show times vary. rocklintheatre.org/tickets
(THRU 17)

December 2nd

Holiday Pops. Kick off the holiday season with the acclaimed 70-member Pops Chorale and Orchestra at the Harris Center. Expect pre-show carolers in the lobby before enjoying classic holiday hits like “Rockin‘ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” and more. Saturdays’ show begins at 7 p.m.; Sunday’s at 2 p.m. harriscenter.net/holiday-pops
(ALSO 3)

Junie B.’s Essential Survival Guide to School. Follow along as Junie B. Jones, a self-appointed expert in all things, navigates the trials and tribulations of first grade through upbeat songs and storytelling. Shows begin at 2 p.m. at Roseville Theatre Arts Academy. rosevilletheatreartsacademy.com
(ALSO 9-10)

Holidays in the Hills. Explore the Placer Wine Trail from noon to 5 p.m. at this self-guided tour where you can sip and shop your way across local wineries while enjoying discounts, food trucks, live music, and more. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to any of the participating wineries for the annual Toys for Tots Drive. Santa attire is encouraged. placerwine.com/plan-your-visit/events/holidays-in-the-hills
(ALSO 3)

 

Tree Lighting. Participate in this annual tree lighting ceremony at El Dorado Hills Town Center’s Theater Plaza from 4-8 p.m. Festivities include a merchant open house, the beloved “Stuff Your Stocking” game, live music, and a visit from Santa at 6:30 p.m. edhtowncenter.com/upcoming-events

December 3rd

Hangtown Christmas Parade. Support the Placerville community at this “Hometown Christmas”-themed parade, featuring decked out equines, local high school bands, and festive floats. The parade is from 1-3 p.m. and starts on Broadway before weaving through Main Street. hangtownchristmasparade.com

Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair. Peruse and purchase handmade wares while enjoying wandering musicians, donation-based face painters, food vendors, and more. The event is from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., rain or shine, at the Folsom Historic District. historicfolsom.org/events-schedule

December 5th

Messiah Sing-Along. Join Maestro Ryan Murray, stellar guest soloists, and the Music in the Mountains Chorus in singing classic holiday hits at this beloved Auburn Symphony performance. The interactive show begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Placer High School Auditorium. auburnsymphony.com

December 7th

Memorial & Wreath Laying Ceremony. Honor the fallen on the 82nd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor by attending this memorial and wreath laying ceremony at Sacramento’s Discovery Park. The ceremony (9 a.m.) is open to all veterans, active-duty personnel, their families, and the public. goldcountrybase.org/event/pearl-harbor-dec-7th-memorial-and-wreath-laying-ceremony

December 9th

Old Town Christmas. Bring your family and friends to Old Town Auburn from 5-9 p.m. to celebrate the holidays alongside Santa, live musicians, and local craft vendors. Food, hot cocoa, and coffee will also be available, in addition to spirits, craft brews, and wine. oldtownauburnca.com/events/old-town-christmas
(ALSO 16)

Happy Holidays. Get into the Christmas spirit by listening to Folsom Lake Symphony’s very own Roberto Perlas Gomez, baritone, and the Northern California Children’s Chorus perform “The Night Before Christmas” and “O’ Holy Night,” plus excerpts from The Nutcracker and more. Shows are at the Harris Center at 7:30 p.m. (Saturday) and 2 p.m. (Sunday). folsomlakesymphony.com/happy-holidays
(ALSO 10)

 

Loomis Basin Holiday Home Tour. From 9 a.m.-4 p.m., tour six festively decorated homes and shop a holiday boutique at H. Clarke Powers Elementary School, while enjoying lunch, live choir performances, an art contest, and more. Proceeds benefit the Loomis Basin Education Foundation. Tickets to a private evening home tour and VIP reception are also available. loomisholiday.com

December 10th

Santa Hustle. Grab your running shoes (and Santa hat!) and head to the Vernon Street Town Square to participate in a half marathon (8 a.m.), 5K (8:15 a.m.), or kids’ dash (7:30 a.m.). Racers can expect a cookie and candy station along the route. Proceeds will benefit Stand Up Placer, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering and supporting Placer County survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. santahustle.com/roseville

 

December 13th

Sensory Santa. Families with children who have autism and other special needs are invited to enjoy the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa. From noon to 3 p.m. at Roseville’s Maidu Community Center, enjoy hands-on activities, games, and crafts themed for the magic of the season. Parent participation is required. roseville.ca.us/residents/city_events

December 14th

Menorah Lighting. Honor and experience Hanukkah by joining Rabbi Yossi at the El Dorado Hills Town Center’s Steven Young Amphitheater from 6:30-8 p.m. Enjoy traditional food, Hanukkah songs, and warm beverages at this Festival of Lights. edhtowncenter.com/upcoming-events

December 16th

The Season of Memories in Music. Don’t miss Sacramento’s premier hand bell ensemble’s longtime founding director, Paul W. Allen, alongside 15 musicians, 75 English hand bells, and 75 hand chimes. Expect a mix of original melodies and classic songs for all ages. The show begins at the Harris Center at 3 p.m. harriscenter.net/riverbells-x86639

Holiday Gingerbread House Factory. From 3:30-5 p.m. at Roseville’s Mahany Fitness Center, groups of up to five are invited to decorate a gingerbread house, sip hot cocoa, and create holiday crafts with family and friends. roseville.ca.us/residents/city_events

December 18th

An Irish Christmas. Enjoy all the holiday carols you know and love plus award-winning dancers from Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, and Celtic Wings at this high-energy show presented by Kerry Irish Productions. Shows begin at 7 p.m. at the Harris Center. harriscenter.net/irish-christmas
(ALSO 19)

 

December 21st

Holiday Celebration. Listen to new and classic holiday songs at this popular performance by El Dorado Musical Theatre’s High Voltage ensemble—a high-energy, highly talented group of performers. harriscenter.net/edmt-hv-holiday-x85423 

 

by Bella Nolen
Santa Hustle photo by  Lisa Zeng Photography. Holiday Lights photo courtesy of Folsom Parks & Recreation. Season's Greetings photo courtesy of the Gallery at 48 Natoma. Celebrate Christmas photo by Image Outfitters Photography. The Nutcracker photo by Tony Nguyen Photography. Christmas Tree Lighting photo by Bill Sullivan. Holidays in the Hills photo by Heirloom Photography. Happy Holidays photo by David J. Grenier. An Irish Christmas photo by Kerry Irish Producions. Holiday Celebration photo by Christopher Kight.