Sentinel staff report–
December is here, and that means it’s time for the annual tree lighting — a tradition that’s now in its 23rd year in Citrus Heights.
The 2019 event is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 5, outside City Hall. The event typically includes members of the City Council helping lead a countdown to the tree being lit, along with games and refreshments.
See event flier: click here
An event flier this year highlights hot cocoa, cookies, pictures with Santa Claus “and more holiday traditions.” The flier also says the “forecast for the event shows a very high probability of SNOW!”
Parking for the tree lighting is typically available at City Hall, as well as at the community center and a lot adjacent to the police department.
The annual tree lighting ceremony has been held every year in Citrus Heights since the city’s incorporation. According to city records, the first tree lighting was held in front of the old city hall in 1997, followed by the lighting of a ceremonial tree from 1998 to 2002 between the city’s administrative and general services buildings.
In 2003, a space was made to plant a new tree at the corner of Greenback Lane and Fountain Square Drive. That location continued to be used for the tree lighting until 2015, when the old city hall was demolished to pave way for Dignity Health to construct a medical office building.
A new 22-foot-tall Coastal Redwood tree was planted along with construction of the new city hall at 6360 Fountain Square Drive, which now serves as the city’s Christmas tree.
—-
Event info:
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019
Location: Citrus Heights City Hall
6360 Fountain Square Dr.
