Mrs. Claus and City Manager Ash Feeney show the way to Mrs. Claus's kitchen for cookies and cocoa. Courtesy photo

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - A brisk but comfortable, dry night met the 2,000 family members and others attending the Citrus Heights Christmas tree lighting on Dec. 5 in front of City Hall. 

“Families together, the magic of Christmas, and the Christmas cheer in kids’ faces” is how Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Susan Powers summed up the magic of the evening by its end.      

Most of the evening had a familiar ring to it, with many traditions of the event a welcome memory, and with a few new additions.

As is tradition, the Citrus Heights Community Marching Band, led by director Kody Tickner, got the evening started with traditional Christmas favorites. Longtime Emcee Jingle Julie introduced Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa, who greeted attendees and introduced city council members, including Vice-Mayor MariJane Lopez-Taff and Tim Schaefer, along with City Manager Ash Feeney. Kathy Smith, the newest council member-elect replacing Bret Daniels, was also introduced.

At the magic moment, Santa Claus arrived to flick the switch to light the tree to hundreds of oohs and aahs.

A brand-new addition to the celebration this year was a delightful performance of the Lichen School Choir (kindergarten to eighth-grade) under the direction of choir teacher Theresa Ramirez.

During the entire evening, the joyful magic of Christmas was palpable inside and outside, at times finding it difficult to move. Relief came only when families began moving inside for cookies and drinks, to walk among the decorated sponsored Christmas trees and for a photo opportunity with Santa. Santa’s helpers made sure each child got a furry new koala bear inside the magically transformed City Council chambers.

Besides the two dozen volunteer city staff members who spent many hours preparing and setting up for the event, employees from local businesses, members of service organizations, and other city connected individuals, the entire community came together to make the evening a virtual wonderland for families and individuals alike. 

Santa came all the way to Citrus Heights to visit with young residents. Courtesy photo

 

There were several sponsors of the cookies and cocoa, which were handed out in Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen to hungry children and their parents by members of the neighborhood associations under the Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights (REACH).

Also, as a sponsor of the event, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) was on-site in case of an emergency, providing information on their services. One new and appreciated aspect of the night was that the cookies and cocoa and other activities were moved inside. 

Santa’s Workshop invited volunteers to oversee fun activities for the kids, including volunteers from the new Citrus Heights Amazon Fresh, the Citrus Heights Police Activities League (PAL), Purple Pageant Queens and the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce. A favorite of kids of all ages was the Rotary’s popcorn table. Kids were amazed that they could get free refills and kept coming back for more!

Sunrise Marketplace once again sponsored the always crowded train making its way around the parking lot all evening. The Festive Spirit Sponsor was Raising Cane’s.

Many more community events and activities are being planned for 2025. Visit the Citrus Heights website at https://citrusheights.net/cityevents.