Christmas  Gift Market. Join Lucky Find Market from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Loomis’ Blue Goose Event Center to explore offerings from over 30 vendors and find the perfect gift for family, friends, or yourself! There will be beer, wine, and door prizes. The small cost of admission supports their Junior Entrepreneur program. luckyfindmarket.com/events (ALSO 8 & 15) 

Miracle on 34th Street. Imagination Theater presents this holiday classic at Placerville’s El Dorado County Fairgrounds. Watch as Kris Kringle shakes things up at Macy’s and is then put on trial to discover the truth of his authenticity. itplacerville.org/miracle-on-34th-street (THRU 22)

Santa Photos Experience. Head to Santa’s Workshop at Folsom’s Palladio Piazza for this photo-op offering. Walk-ups are welcome, but online reservations are recommended. For sensory Santa time, plan to show up on December 8 from 9:30-10:30 a.m.; have your pet in photos on Mondays from 4-7 p.m. gopalladio.com/event/santa-experience-at-palladio-2 (THRU 24)

Organic Forms. Head to the Gallery at 48 Natoma for their newest exhibition—a group effort featuring ceramics, metalwork, and pastels from Garrett Hicks, Roy Lizama, and Mary H. Russell. Self-guided tours are free. folsom.ca.us/government/parks-recreation/facilities/gallery-at-48-natoma (THRU JANUARY 16)

December 4

Gingerbread House Contest. Browse gingerbread houses built by community members and then vote for your favorite while perusing decorated trees and listening to holiday music. Festivities go from 6-7:30 p.m. at Roseville’s Vernon Street Town Square. roseville.ca.us/residents/city_events/downtown_holiday_celebration (THRU 19) 

December 5

Pictures with Santa. Bring the family for seasonal photos at El Dorado Hills Town Center’s California Welcome Center. Available daily (with the exception of December 9-10 and 16-17) from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. edhtowncenter.com/upcoming-events (THRU 24)

Christmas Tree Lighting. Watch as the tree on Roseville’s Vernon Street Town Square is illuminated for the season while decorating cookies, listening to music, exploring a kids’ activity zone, and more. The festivities take place from 6-8 p.m., with the actual tree lighting around 6:10 p.m. roseville.ca.us/residents/city_events/downtown_holiday_celebration

December 6

The Nutcracker. Experience the magic of Placer Theatre Ballet’s The Nutcracker this holiday season at Auburn’s Placer High School Auditorium. Don’t miss a special sensory-friendly performance, sponsored by UC Davis Health, on December 13. placertheatrebeallet.org (ALSO 7-8 & 14-15)

Wild Nights and Holiday Lights. Join the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary from 5-8:30 p.m. for this annual event where the grounds are transformed into a winter wonderland full of dazzling lights, carolers, train rides, and more. All proceeds benefit the sanctuary’s animals. folsomzoofriends.org/upcoming-events (ALSO 7-8, 12-15, & 18-22)

Christmas Tree Lighting. Historic Folsom’s annual event promises free gifts and giveaways, Santa photo ops, live performances, food and drink vendors, and more—all from 6-9 p.m., with the lighting of the tree at 7:30 p.m. historicfolsom.org/events-schedule

North Pole Tavern. Enjoy your choice of six wines and/or beer tastings from 6-8 p.m. in Vernon Street Town Square. Proceeds benefit local at-risk youth programs. roseville.ca.us/residents/city_events/downtown_holiday_celebration 

Santa’s Christmas Cottage. From 6-7:30 p.m. at 826 Sutter Street in Folsom, families are invited to step into Santa’s Christmas Cottage for a magical meet and greet (and photo ops!) with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and all their helpers. Don’t forget to bring your camera. Admission is free. memorieschristmasinfolsom.com (ALSO 7, 13-14, & 20-21)

Celebrate Christmas. Enjoy seasonal songs such as “Joy to the World,” “The Little Drummer Boy,” and “O Holy Night”—performed by Jessup Concert Choir, the University Choir & Orchestra, and Crossroads—at Jessup University’s Chapel and Event Center. Evening shows are at 7 p.m. while matinees begin at 2:30 p.m. jessupmusic.com/tickets (THRU 8) 

December 7

Willy Wonka. Roald Dahl’s timeless story of the world famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to chocolate-covered life in this delicious musical at the Rocklin Community Theatre. Show times vary. rocklintheatre.org/tickets (THRU 22)

Christmas Tree Lighting. Head to the El Dorado Hills Town Center’s Theater Plaza for this annual event from 4-8 p.m., featuring a “stuff your stocking” game (first 300 kids), merchant open house, community performances, visit from Santa, and the tree lighting (6:30 p.m.). edhtowncenter.com/upcoming-events/holiday-events-2024

A Christmas Concert. Sierra Symphony is putting on a performance of holiday tunes at the Cameron Park Community Center Gym. The show starts at 4 p.m., with doors opening at 3:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the event or in advance. sierrasymphony.org

Holidays in the Hills. From noon-5 p.m. both days, enjoy holiday discounts, new wine releases, food, live music, and more as you sip your way through the Placer Wine Trail. Unwrapped, new toys can be donated to the annual Toys for Tots drive—just bring them to any participating winery. This year’s theme is “Merry Grinchmas”—festive holiday or Grinchy attire is encouraged. placerwine.com/plan-your-visit/events/holidays-in-the-hills  (ALSO 8)

Christmas is for Kids Toy Drive. Check out classic cars, muscle cars, street rods, and more from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 1013 Riley Street in Folsom. Santa, prize drawings, crafters, and vendors will also be on the scene. Entry is free when you bring a new, unwrapped toy. Proceeds benefit Folsom Police Department’s Helping Families program. capcruz.com/events.html

Christmas Tree Lighting. From 4-7 p.m., Rocklin’s Quarry Park will have kids’ activities, performances, a holiday market, food trucks, and more. The tree lighting ceremony begins at 6:45 p.m. rocklinchamber.com/treelighting.html 

Holiday Cheer. Join bass-baritone Cedric Berry, soprano Natalie Cordone, and the Northern California Children’s Chorus at the Harris Center for holiday classics such as “O Holy Night” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” along with hit movie tunes from Home Alone and Frozen. harriscenter.net/holiday-cheer (ALSO 8) 

Festival of Lights Parade. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., take in a plethora of lights, rain or shine, as about 100 floats make their way through Downtown Auburn (Cherry Avenue and Lincoln Way). This year’s theme is “A Night of Twinkling Lights.” auburnchamber.net/festival-of-lights 

December 8

Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair. Browse multiple vendors and brick-and-mortar merchants for the perfect gifts. Food vendors, face painting, and live musicians will also be part of the fun. It all takes place from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. throughout the Folsom Historic District. historicfolsom.org/events-schedule

Hangtown Christmas Parade. Floats, high school bands, and more await at this 46th annual parade that runs along Placerville’s Broadway and Main Street. Start time is 1 p.m.; this year’s theme is “A Toy Story.” hangtownchristmasparade.com 

December 10

Messiah Sing-Along. Join the Auburn Symphony, Music in the Mountains Chorus, and more for a magical night of festive tunes beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Auburn’s Placer High School Theater. auburnsymphony.com

December 13

S’mores & Stories. Auburn’s Bernhard Museum Complex hosts this annual event from 5-8 p.m. Take in the Victorian Christmas décor while enjoying Victorian music, toys, and stories; or tour the house and make s’mores around the fire. Admission is free. visitplacer.com/bernhard-museum-complex 

Evening Carriage Rides. Celebrate the season with a magical horse-drawn carriage ride through the El Dorado Hills Town Center from 4-8 p.m. Fridays-Sundays. Proceeds benefit Hands4Hope and Young Life.  edhtowncenter.com/upcoming-events/holiday-events-2024

December 14

Old Town Christmas. Bring the family to Old Town Auburn from 5-9 p.m. to sip on spirits, cocoa, and coffee; browse the vendor fair; listen to live music, spot Santa, grab a bite to eat, and more. oldtownauburnca.com/events/old-town-christmas (ALSO 21)

Holiday Maker Market Weekend. Peruse food and drinks vendors, artisanal goods, seasonal treasures, handmade crafts, and specialty items at H3 Barn in Rescue from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Each day features a new set of makers. h3barn.com/pages/marketsandworkshops (ALSO 15)

Loomis Basin Holiday Home Tour. This 15th annual event offers a public option from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., including a tour of six homes, lunch, performances, and a holiday boutique. An evening VIP tour takes place from 5-7 p.m. followed by a private reception with food and drinks. Proceeds benefit Loomis Unified School District’s art and science programs. loomisholiday.com 

Christmas in Coloma. Explore historic buildings and houses all decked out for the holidays, learn something new from costumed docents, take a wagon ride, decorate a cookie, meet Santa, and more—all at Marshall Gold Discovery State Park from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. On Saturday, the Coloma Community Market will also be on-site from 1-4 p.m. marshallgold.com/historic-holiday-houses (ALSO 15)

December 15

Santa Hustle. Get your run (or walk) on at Vernon Street Town Square. The kids’ Rudolph Run Dash starts at 7:30 a.m., the half marathon at 8 a.m., and the 5K at 8:15 a.m. Admission includes a festive long-sleeve tee, holiday-themed finisher medal, and a holiday beanie; proceeds benefit Stand Up Placer. santahustle.com/roseville

December 16

Sylvia Besana Holiday Parade. This 63rd annual holiday parade starts at 11 a.m. along Vernon Street in Downtown Roseville. Expect floats, dance teams, horses, and more, followed by craft booths, food, and a visit from Santa. sylviabesanaparade.org

December 20

The Nutcracker. Embark on Clara’s magical journey with this classic holiday ballet; the dancing is accompanied by a live orchestra with performers from Folsom Lake Symphony and Peter Jaffe serving as maestro. Shows are at the Harris Center and times vary. harriscenter.net/pamela-hayes-nutcracker (THRU 22)

Holiday Gingerbread House Factory. Decorate gingerbread houses while sipping on hot chocolate from 5-6:30 p.m. at Roseville’s Mahany Fitness Center. After you’re done with your masterpiece, stay for a viewing of The Polar Express at 7 p.m. Note: Up to five guests can decorate one house. roseville.ca.us/residents/city_events/gingerbread_house_factory

December 23

A Master Singers Christmas. Head to the Harris Center for a 7 p.m. holiday show filled with a candlelight processional and festive tunes, including “A Christmas Lullaby” and “Carol of the Bells.” harriscenter.net/master-singers-christmas 

December 25

Menorah Lighting. Join Folsom’s Chabad Jewish Community Center—and over 150 other expected guests—for a menorah lighting event on this year’s first night of Hanukkah. It takes place at Folsom’s Palladio Piazza from 6-8 p.m. gopalladio.com/event/palladio-menorah-lighting

December 26

Menorah Lighting. Kick off the second night of Hanukkah with a menorah lighting at the El Dorado Hills Town Center’s Steven Young Amphitheater from 6:30-8 p.m. Expect traditional food, music, and warm drinks. edhtowncenter.com/upcoming-events

December 28

Coloma Community Market. Eat and drink while browsing goods from local bakers, artists, farmers, and makers from 1-4 p.m. at Marshall Gold Discovery State Park. marshallgold.com/about-4-1  

by Caitlin Emmett
Fruitcake image © Adisakdi - stock.adobe.com. Organic Forms artwork by Roy Lizama. Other photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations. The Nutcracker photo by Tony Nguyen Photography. Wild Nights and Holiday Lights photo courtesy of Folsom Zoo Sanctuary. Folsom Tree Lighting photo by Bill Sullivan. North Pole Tavern photo courtesy of City of Roseville. A Christmas Concert photo by Elizabeth Fulmer. Old Town Christmas photo by Cleo Sanchez & Ashlay Catalina Perkins. S’mores & Stories photo courtesy of Placer County Museums. Celebrate Christmas photo courtesy of Jessup Music. A Masters Singers Christmas and The Nutcracker photos courtesy of the Harris Center. Holiday Maker Market Weekend photo by Jordan Galindo Photography. Menorah Lighting photo courtesy of Palladio.