The audience enjoys the Sunrise Mall laser light show in 2022. Photo courtesy of Sunrise Marketplace

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Christmastime draws near and the Sunrise Marketplace (SMP) is ready to jump into the community with events designed to inspire togetherness, holiday spirit, and great opportunities to stay engaged and entertained locally.

The first event on the roster – a portion of what is known as Magical Moments at Sunrise Marketplace – is the Laser Light Show Spectacular and Night Market in partnership with Kauai’s Night Market, guests of all ages can enjoy crafts, activities, vendors, and then a 45-minute laser light show as the grand finale of the evening.

The laser light show was formerly put on in the Lowe’s parking lot across the way from the Sunrise Mall, but due to space limitations it was moved to the Sunrise Mall parking lot in recent years. This year, it is in the Macy’s Men’s parking lot on the Greenback side of the mall.

Last year, the laser show was projected onto the wall of the mall, but this year it will be displayed on a jumbo screen in order to allow it to be in the Macy’s location with higher visibility. Besides the night market and show, there will also be carnival games, face painting, and even a magic show. It is a family-friendly activity that SMP hopes to continue on as a tradition as in years past.

According to Lisa Cordell, SMP’s Marketing & Special Projects Manager, the main goal of the Magic Moments series is “to bring the community out together – to just have a fun, safe event and maybe attract consumers from our secondary trade area.”

"Hopefully they will come back to shop and dine in the district,” she said.

The laser show and night market is expected to draw between 500 and 1000 people to its two showings. Performances are on December 2 at 6pm and 7pm, and the market and activities open at 4pm. All activities are free, and food will be available for purchase.

While the evening is sure to be a hit, visitors are encouraged to keep in mind that they will be sitting outside in December.

“It’s going to be cold,” said Cordell. “Bundle up. If you would like to bring chairs to watch, you are more than welcome to.”

If you attend the Laser Light Show Spectacular and Night Market and love it, you can continue the Magical Moments fun throughout the month. Next up is a Nutcracker performance happening inside of the Sunrise Mall and performed by Sac Civic Ballet. This special condensed version is being performed at 5:15 PM and 6:10 PM on December 14. Outside of the performances, there are plenty of interactive opportunities including an Elf on the Shelf story hour, character visits with Nutcracker characters, and special giveaways.

Lastly, on December 21 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, join other members of the community for a Winter Wonderland skate party at Sunrise Rollerland. Tickets are $10 and the three-hour session starts at 6pm.

SMP hopes to offer more events in 2024, including the return of Burgers and Brew in May of 2024. Cordell encourages those interested in community events to visit shopsmp.com and get on the newsletter list.

“Always check back for all the activities that go on in the district. That [website] is a really good place to find out what’s going on,” said Cordell. “There are contests going on continually too, including money and gift card prizes.”