Mrs. Claus poses with Emma, 9, Aria, 11, Ashley, 9, and Aubriana, 11. Photo by Elise Spleiss

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - More than 1,000 residents and guests from Citrus Heights and beyond arrived at the Citrus Heights City Hall on Dec. 4 to take part in the official kick-off to the Christmas season, the annual Citrus Heights Christmas Tree Lighting.

Attendees were greeted by the music of the 60-piece Citrus Heights Community Marching Band’s Christmas repertoire led by Kody Tickner with Executive Director Bill Cook looking on. The band celebrated its 20th anniversary in June at the site of the future Kathy Cook Memorial Amphitheater in Rusch Park. The beloved Citrus Heights Community Marching Band’s founder, Kathy Cook, died in 2021.

The familiar voice of Jingle Julie, long-time Master of Ceremony for the evening, then prepared the audience for a night of family fun with a myriad of activities to discover.

The holiday music of the 60-piece Citrus Heights Community Marching Band was the first sound heard at the tree lighting event. Photo by Marisa Brown

While waiting for Santa to arrive and hit the switch to light the tree, attendees were welcomed by Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa, who thanked the Community Marching Band for their “wonderful music every year.”

Karpinski-Costa introduced City Council members Vice Mayor MariJane Lopez-Taff, Tim Schaefer and Kelsey Nelson, all who thanked those in attendance for being there and contributing to a successful evening. City Manager Ash Feeney recognized sponsors and community partners Sacramento Metro Fire and the Citrus Heights Police Activities League.

Santa and Mrs. Claus finally arrived at the delight of all, and with the flick of a switch, thousands of lights from the tree lit up the sky as a gentle snow began to fall. For the second year, the Lichen K-8 choir sang several songs.

To the amazement of many, especially the children, a gentle snow began to fall just as the Christmas tree lit up. Photo by Marisa Brown

The now 23-foot coastal redwood was planted at the former City Hall building in 2015 as part of the construction for the new City Hall, which opened in 2016. Following its lighting, the crowds participated in the many activities offered.

Train conductor Gabriel, father of two children and owner of Inflate the Fun and The Anytime Express train, took riders around the parking lot even before the festivities began. Gabriel has worked the Citrus Heights tree lighting event since 2018.

“This is the high point of my holiday season, all the tree lightings and Christmas events,” Gabriel said. “The kids, they hop on the train, especially if we can get Santa on the train. It makes it even more exciting for them. They make my day.”

These Purple Pageant Queens, posing with City Manager Ash Feeney, showed their face painting expertise at Santa's Workshop, having done it for many years at different events. Photo by Marisa Brown

Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights (REACH) members handed out colorful Christmas bell necklaces to all attendees. The City of Citrus Heights enlisted many volunteers helping in a variety of capacities at the event, including Mesa Verde High School students. 

The Police Activities League (PAL) again put on the Santa’s Workshop where service organizations and other groups hosted activities for crafts, games and other kids’ activities. Projects were provided by Republic Services, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Purple Pageant Queens and Gramma “V” the balloon lady. Mesa Verde High School students also volunteered where needed.

Other event sponsors were Republic Services, Sunrise MarketPlace, West Coast Arborist and Kiwanis Club of Citrus Heights.

For the second year, Lichen K-8 students entertained the audience. Photo by Marisa Brown

Attendees who entered the “Photo with Santa (and Mrs. Claus) Room” were transported into a Christmas wonderland of larger-than-life cartoons, holiday inflatables and bright fireplaces on the walls.

The average observer might not consider what sort of planning and dedication goes into this holiday event.

“Planning and executing the entire event begins long before it happens and comes alive with their hard work,” said Citrus Heights General Services Director Regina Cave. “The same General Services Department (GSA) staff responsible for what visitors see are the same staff working on the city’s beautification crew, fixing traffic signals, filling potholes and cleaning up illegal dumps.”

As Mayor Karpinski-Costa said, “It’s the season of joy, of giving and sharing and being with family.”