Enjoy an array of experiences to get into the holiday spirit in Placer County! This season, the region will be filled with joy with plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy. We’ve rounded up some events that are sure to be merry and bright – so mark your calendars, because we’d love to see you there!
Trim up the tree
On December 2, Roseville will be kicking off the celebrations starting at 6 p.m. in the Vernon Street Town Square with their Holiday Tree Lighting. Complete with decorating cookies, a Santa visit and delicious food, there will be plenty of holiday cheer to go around.
The county will be particularly busy on Saturday, Dec. 4 with multiple tree lightings and holiday events. The Loomis tree lighting is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Loomis Train Depot, where guests will enjoy music, cider and cookies. Rocklin will be hosting their Holiday Tree Lighting Festival at beautiful Quarry Park, complete with attendance from Santa, live entertainment, food trucks and a holiday market to support local crafters and artisans.
To add to your classic holiday experience, cut your own tree at Foresthill’s Snowy Peaks Farm or Alta’s Little Bear Tree Farm. Both locations have a variety of trees to choose from to create nostalgic memories for you and your family.
Santa is coming to Placer County
The Fountains at Roseville will be hosting Santa’s Workshop, with letters to Santa station, a Santa’s Workshop craft, elves strolling around the center, photo ops, live DJ and a saxophone concert at 2 p.m. on December 4.
Auburn’s annual Old Town Christmas tradition is back with an appearance from Santa, live music, local brews and wine, craft vendors and more on December 11 and 18 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Festivals and feasts
Lincoln will also be joining in the festivities with their Hometown Christmas craft vendor fair, holiday parade and tree lighting happening December 4 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Downtown Lincoln.
Dreaming of sugar plums? The Placer Theatre Ballet will perform the holiday classic, The Nutcracker, December 3-5 & 11-12 in Auburn.
The Festival of Lights Parade is an Auburn family-favorite to take in the magic of the holiday season on December 4 beginning at Cherry Ave and Lincoln Way in Auburn at 5:30pm and ending at the Gold Country Fairgrounds.
Dutch Flat is also hosting a Community Holiday Dinner on December 7 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on December 11, Colfax Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their Colfax Winterfest, complete with a light parade, beer garden, music, dancing, tree lighting, food trucks and more.
Gifts that keep on giving
During the time of giving, give the gift of warmth. The Rocklin Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Sock Drop and Bingo fundraiser on December 7 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Play for cash prizes and have fun for a good cause, and bring pairs of unused socks to give back to those who need them most. North Tahoe Business Association is inviting the community to participate in their fundraisers, including adopting a light pole in downtown Kings Beach to add to the festive spirit, or entering in their Holiday Lighting Contest.
Make spirits bright during the Placer Wine Trail Holidays in the Hills, a December-long event at participating wineries. Sip on local wines by the fire, enjoy live music, food trucks, sale prices and more just in time for gifting. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate in support of Toys for Tots.
Visitors are also encouraged to support local businesses by using the #ShopPlacer hashtag while posting about shopping in the area. Check out #ShopPlacer on Instagram for gift ideas and offerings by some of the area’s best-kept secrets.
