Citrus Heights residents Anistyne (9), Annalyse (13), and mom Rochelle Castillo braved the long line for their turn to get their photo taken with Santa. Photo by Elise Spleiss

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Intermittent rain did not deter hundreds of residents from Citrus Heights and beyond from being a part of the official kick-off to the Christmas season, the Citrus Heights Christmas Tree Lighting.

You knew you had arrived at the right place when greeted by the music of the Citrus Heights Community Marching Band’s Christmas repertoire. The familiar voice of Jingle Julie, Master of Ceremony for the evening prepared the audience for another night of good family fun, with some new elements.

Due to the weather, many of the activities were moved inside including visits with Santa, Santa’s Workshop craft and game area and the Santa’s Forest where a dozen themed decorated trees doubled as a photo opportunity for all.  City Council chambers became the destination to visit Santa.

While waiting for Santa to arrive and hit the switch to light the tree, attendees were welcomed by Mayor Tim Schaefer who introduced city council members. Vice Mayor Bret Daniels noted this was the first year it had rained for the event. City Manager Ash Feeney introduced and thanked all involved in making the night a success.

Finally, Santa arrived and with the flick of a switch, just as the rain was subsiding, thousands of lights from the tree lit up the sky. The crowds then went on to explore and participate in the many activities offered.

The Citrus Heights Christmas Tree is located at City Hall on 6360 Fountain Square Dr, Citrus Heights. Photo courtesy of City of Citrus Heights

Sponsors of the evening were San Juan Unified School District and Republic Services. Pride Industries provided volunteers for the hot cocoa and cider and cookie station. Brianna Tripp, Employee Specialist in the Youth Services Department said community outreach is of the utmost importance at Pride. Several choices of cookies were provided by Costco.

The Police Activities League (PAL) put on a Santa’s Workshop which hosted activities for the kids. Members of REACH, the neighborhood areas, passed out colorful Christmas bell necklaces to all attendees. The City had many volunteers in many capacities keeping the evening running smoothly.

The Anytime Express train ran throughout the evening, taking riders around the parking lot.

The most popular activities for the evening were found at Santa’s Workshop where service organizations and other groups offered crafts, games and other activities. Chamber of Commerce sponsored one table that had lines out the door. Volunteers helped children create a bag of Reindeer Food made from oatmeal in the shape of a hat, one a girl and one a boy. It was so popular four adults were needed at times to keep it running smoothly. In fact, it is planned to expand the workshop into what was the last few years Santa’s Forest. This year the trees were not sponsored by a service or other organization. Sgt. Janet Schaefer decorated the trees herself. The trees will be donated when they are ‘undecorated’. Other craft groups included the Purple Pageant, Miller’s Ace Hardware, Texas Roadhouse and Raising Cane Restaurant.

Diane Ebbitt-Riehle, Chamber of Commerce Interim Executive Director, and active with PAL, marveled at seeing the artificial snow falling outside from where she was sitting inside.  “It looked just like real snow, the wind was blowing just enough, it was perfect.”

In an email, Communications Officer Marisa Brown said, “We were delighted to see the community come out and join us for our annual Tree Lighting event. Neighbors came together to share in the holiday magic, whether it be photos with Santa, making reindeer food or singing along for all to hear!”