The holidays bring plenty of special events along with them in Placerville. From parades to special-themed train rides, you’re going to want the holiday season to last year-round! These are just some of the fun events you won’t want to miss.
Placerville Festival of Lights
The annual Festival of Lights in Placerville is a family favorite to get you in the holiday spirit.
Image: facebook.com/PlacervilleDowntownAssociation
Hosted by the Placerville Downtown Association, the event seeks to capture the feelings of the old holidays when miners looking for gold took a break to celebrate the season.Festivities kick off at 5p.m. on Friday November 24th. Historic Main Street will shut down for the event. There will be music, live entertainment, pictures with Santa, stagecoach rides, and of course the lighting of the Christmas tree at 6p.m. Besides the tree lighting at the courthouse, lights on Christmas trees along Highway 50 through Placerville will also be lit Friday night.
Hangtown Christmas Parade
The 39th annual Hangtown Christmas Parade kicks off Sunday December 3rd at 1p.m.
This year’s theme is “A Child’s Dream”. You’ll find marching bands, motorcycles, horses, dogs and dancers and even special floats made just for the parade. The route takes the parade down Broadway and through Main Street. This free event takes place rain or shine. Santa will also be there to welcome you and your family, so you won’t want to miss it.
Heavenly Holidays at Heavenly Ski Resort
Heavenly Ski Resort in South Lake Tahoe is home to this 2-week holiday festival.
There is so much to do and see you’re going to need all that time to get it all in! Get a glimpse of ice sculptures and a 16-foot interactive snow globe where kids (and you) can take a picture with Santa. You can also search for Santa and his elves on the mountain. The festival kicks off December 18th and ends on New Year’s Eve with a unique “Gondola” ball drop and fireworks show. For the adults, take advantage of holiday-themed happy hours at the various lodges. Be sure to check the daily schedule of events to see what other fun awaits you during Heavenly Holidays!
Global Winter Wonderland Sacramento
Make sure you pencil in plenty of time to spend at the Global Winter Wonderland in Sacramento because there are so many things to do and see here.
Image: facebook.com/GlobalWinterWonderland
If you’re unfamiliar with the event, Global Winter Wonderland is a holiday festival that celebrates different cultures. Taste international foods as you enjoy entertainment by the Global Winter Wonderland’s own Circus of Light. Then, check out light displays that capture the celebrations of the holidays around the world. Take the kids on the rides at the carnival and play a few games while you’re at it. Don’t forget ice skating, pictures with Santa, crafts, and holiday shopping! There is truly something for everyone at the Global Winter Wonderland. Tickets can be purchased online.
Polar Express Train Ride Sacramento
The Polar Express comes to life on this train ride to the North Pole located at the California Railroad Museum.
Image:californiarailmuseum.com
Make sure you bring your golden ticket along as the train conductor, the dancing waiters and other characters take you on this hour-long journey. There’s hot chocolate and goodies to enjoy as you make your way to the North Poe. Of course, once you get there, Santa will be there with a special bell for all visitors. This event is so popular that currently limited tickets are only available as refunds are processed. Check back on the site frequently to see if tickets have been released. The Polar Express Train Ride runs from November 26th-December 21st.
Catch the holiday spirit in Placerville and surrounding areas to truly make the season bright! Happy holidays!
