Historic Folsom Tree lighting set for Friday night

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas throughout the city of Folsom. This Friday night, the community will gather for what has become an annual spectacle of holiday spirit and cheer as the Historic District hosts a hoopla of fun surrounding the lighting of the community Christmas tree. Towering high in the center of the railroad turntable in the Historic Folsom Plaza, this annual event that attracts thousands takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. this Friday. The countdown and the lighting of the tree will take place at 7:30 p.m. to usher in the holiday spirit, complete with the arrival of Santa Claus. "This is a very festive event," said Historic Folsom District Association Executive Director Judy Collinsworth. "The fun night will begin as we illuminate Historic Folsom's large Christmas tree in the center of the plaza." The celebration will include performances by various school music programs, local choirs, the Sutter Street Theatre and various dance groups. Various vendors will also be throughout the district for the event with plenty of children's activities and sweet eats, hot chocolate, coffee and more. The evening includes a dose of "magic" falling snow in the heart of Folsom's Historic District. Grab the family, dress warm and bring a camera to capture those very special memories that are sure to be made. Two days after Friday's event, the fun continues as the annual Christmas Craft Fair returns to Sutter Street Sunday morning into the afternoon. Learn all the fine details at www.historicfolsom.org. El Dorado Hills to celebrate Saturday If Friday night isn't enough or you can't make it, you can join in celebration with thousands of residents for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting event in El Dorado Hills Town Center.From 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, guests from all over the area will gather for many fun activities. The celebration includes a merchant open house where families can enjoy food and beverages as well as holiday entertainment and much more.Around 6:30 p.m., the El Dorado Hills Fire Department will bring in Santa and Mrs. Claus and then Santa will toss his magic glitter to light the tree for the season. The tree will be located in the theater plaza by the movie theater.For more information, go to eldoradohillstowncenter.com.