Updated Dec. 16, 5:34 p.m.–
Seasonal events around Citrus Heights this month include the City’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting, several holiday concerts, a craft fair fundraiser, blood drive and more. Here’s what’s on schedule:
Christmas Tree Lighting, Dec. 3 —
The 19th annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Citrus Heights will be held at a temporary site in front of the Community Center this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. The lighting ceremony is scheduled to be followed by free refreshments, cookie decorating, train rides, and pictures with Santa inside the Center. According to the City’s web site, there will also be special performances by the Citrus Heights Community Marching Band, and dance performances by the Ukrainian Heritage Club of Northern California and Folsom-based Aradhana Arts.
Bethlehem Village, Dec. 4-6 —
Located two blocks outside Citrus Heights city limits, visitors are invited to step back in history and walk through a re-created village of Bethlehem on the Sunrise Community Church campus. Since beginning in 2007, the church says over 19,000 visitors have come to the annual attraction off Greenback Lane, with opportunities to “register for the census, walk the crowded streets, visit the marketplace, see the animals, and beware of the roman soldiers.” According to the hosting church’s website, the village will be open from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 4 through 6, weather permitting, at 8321 Greenback Ln. (See more)
Book Sale, Dec. 5 —
A Saturday book sale at Sylvan Oaks Library promises “plenty of bargains” on used books, movies, music, puzzles and other items. The sale is hosted by Friends of Sylvan Library, and is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to the library’s calendar. The library is located at 6700 Auburn Blvd.
Holiday Concert, Dec. 5 —
The Capitol Pops Concert Band plans to “ring in holidays” and close out its 18th season with a free holiday concert in the Rusch Park Gym. The Saturday event begins at 7 p.m. and will also feature a silent auction. (See flier)
CHPD Fundraiser, Dec. 7-8 —
A two-day fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse seeks to raise funds to send a team of Citrus Heights police officers to the annual 2016 Baker to Vegas competition — a 120-mile foot race through the desert on March 19 to 20. To raise funds for the cause, Texas Roadhouse will donate 10 percent of food purchases made by those presenting an invitation flier on Dec. 7 and 8 between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. The Roadhouse restaurant is located at 6309 Sunrise Blvd. (Invite flier)
Christmas Concert, Dec. 8 —
Contemporary Christian musician Josh Wilson will be performing at Bayside Church of Citrus Heights during a Tuesday-night Christmas concert. The event begins at 7 p.m. General Admission tickets run $10 and VIP tickets run $25. (Link)
Holiday Open House, Dec. 12 (canceled due to weather)
The Citrus Town Center will be hosting a seasonal “Open House” event featuring free horse-drawn carriage rides, pictures with costume characters, carolers, face painting, and other activities. The event will be on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Center’s shopping plaza located at the corner of Greenback Lane and Sunrise Boulevard.
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Craft Fair Fundraiser, Dec. 12 —
A Saturday craft fair organized by 1st Choice Realty & Associates will benefit the Citrus Heights-based Lilliput Children’s Services. The event is also scheduled to include free pictures with Santa, and an organizer said those bringing an unwrapped toy will receive a free hot dog from an on-site “retro hot dog cart.” The craft fair will be held from 10 am. to 3 p.m. at Lilliput’s 8391 Auburn Blvd. location.
Neighborhood Christmas Party, Dec. 15–
Caroling, cocoa, cookies, and “gifts galore” are planned for a family-friendly Northwest Neighborhood Association Christmas party — with anyone welcome from the northwest portion of Citrus Heights, from I-80 to the city limits. Although not well-known, since becoming a city, Citrus Heights has been split into 11 different neighborhood association areas, which residents of each area by default belong to — regardless if they own or rent. The party is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Sierra Meadows Mobile Estate clubhouse, at 7600 Daly Ave. (Flier)
“Pet Night” Santa Photos, Dec. 15 —
From 5 to 9 p.m., pet owners are invited to bring their “favorite furry friend” out to Sunrise Mall for a photo with Santa. Pets are also welcome for photos on Dec. 8, from 5 to 8 p.m., according to the mall’s online calendar. Prices for photo packages range from $22 to $48. (Link)
Blood Drive, Dec. 23–
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. outside Sunrise Mall, last-minute Christmas gift shoppers will have an opportunity to give a free gift “from the heart,” during a BloodSource blood drive in the parking lot near Elephant Bar. All donors will also receive a free movie pass, according to BloodSource’s Alexander Sigua.
Blood Drive, Dec. 29 —
BloodSource will hold another blood drive just outside Citrus Heights at the Century 16 Greenback Lane Theater. Bloodmobiles will be out in the parking lot at the corner of Greenback Lane and Garfield Avenue, near I-80, from noon to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 29. All donors will receive a free movie pass, according to BloodSource.
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