By Hazel Ford–
Lightsabers, elves, photos with Santa, and more, are among the “magical experiences” on schedule each Tuesday and Thursday evening this holiday season at various locations in Citrus Heights’ Sunrise MarketPlace.
Upcoming events are on tap through Dec. 21 and are presented by the Entercom Sacramento radio network and the Sunrise MarketPlace, a commercial district that includes more than 400 businesses located along Sunrise Boulevard between Arcadia Drive and Madison Avenue, and along Greenback Lane between Birdcage Street and Fair Oaks Boulevard.
Kathilynn Carpenter, executive director of the MarketPlace, told The Sentinel she’s “hoping to inject a little fun and provide some memorable experiences” for residents and visitors through the events. She also hopes the first-time event series will turn into a “favorite local holiday tradition” in coming years.
According to a news release sent by Carpenter, each event will be held from 5-7 p.m. and will offer a chance for attendees to win a four-person trip to Disneyland, including two nights at a hotel and two days of park passes.
Dec. 5th at Toys R Us: Journey to Toyland –– Featuring Gingerbread House crafts, snow, and photo opportunities and interactions with Elf on the Shelf characters. Also includes a toy drive for the Sayonara Center and a chance to win store gift cards.
Dec. 7th at Sunrise Mall: Nutcracker Interlude — Featuring Nutcracker characters and storytime, music, roasted chestnuts and Nutcracker books for the first 50 children.
Dec. 12th at Sunrise Village (next to JoAnn Fabrics): Intergalactic Holiday– “Train to be a Jedi Knight and learn the best lightsaber tactics.” Attendees are also invited to watch battle recreations and will have a chance to win tickets to the latest Star Wars movie, “The Last Jedi.” A live appearance from 98 Rock is also on schedule.
Dec. 14th at El Tapatio: Fiesta de Navidad — Featuring unique cultural traditions and pageantry of Mexican holiday customs. Experiences include a mariachi band, festive piñatas, traditional foods, and more. Also includes chances to win El Tapatio gifts cards and poinsettias.
Dec. 19th at Marketplace at Birdcage: Christmas in Polynesia –– “Celebrate the holidays island-style with the help of Moana and Maui.” Event to feature a Kakamora Coconut Warriors craft activity, along with chances to win Moana merchandise.
Dec. 21st at PetSmart: Fur Baby Christmas — “Help bring shelter animals home for the holidays.” Fur babies and their owners will enjoy this holiday experience with a pet costume contest, a puppy lounge, and Santa photos. Chances to win PetSmart gift cards and Front Street Shelter adoption certificates will also be available.
The Magical Moments holiday event series also included a laser-light show at Lowe’s on Nov. 28th, along with a Frozen-themed event on Dec. 1 in the Citrus Town Center at Sprouts.
Additional information about upcoming events is available at: www.sunrisemarketplace.com/events/
