As the holidays approach, more and more Northern California communities shroud themselves in dazzling, brilliant lights. There’s definitely no shortage of Christmas lights in our region of the state, that’s for sure. However, there is one community in our state that really goes all out every year as Christmas gets closer. The town of Placerville is a charming place to visit all year long, but it especially makes for a wonderful holiday destination. Boasting an enchanting Christmas tree trail and plenty of holiday spirit, this is the place to visit this holiday season.
Every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving, the delightfully historic town of Placerville celebrates the holiday season with a unique event. The Festival of Lights is a time-honored tradition in which thousands come out to celebrate the lighting of the town's main tree and stunning Christmas tree trail.
This year, the Festival of Lights will take place on November 23, 2018. On this night, Placerville's Historic Main Street will be closed off and the festivities will begin. There will be live music, entertainment, visits with Santa, and a parade.
In addition, free stagecoach rides will be held from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Experience this wonderfully historic town the old-fashioned way—in a horse drawn stagecoach!
Main Street is packed with unique shops and restaurants that are open late for the event. You could really spend all day exploring what the town has to offer and soaking up the holiday spirit. However, it all leads up to one magnificent event...
The tree lighting! People gather around the big tree by the Courthouse and start counting down until it lights up at 6:00 pm on-the-dot. It's simply impossible not to feel the holiday cheer as you find yourself surrounded by the joy and awe of those around you.
During this time, the Christmas tree trail that runs along Highway 50 will also light up. This trail of glowing trees is an iconic part of Christmastime in Placerville and it's a gorgeous sight that will blow you away.
There's something incredibly magical about seeing dozens upon dozens of Christmas trees lighting up the highway at night. It definitely makes for a welcome sight when driving into town. However, the trees are also easily spotted from the upper level floors of the nearby parking garage and from the pedestrian overpasses on Highway 50.
The Festival of Lights is a beloved Placerville tradition that is bound to charm you. If you can't make it to the festival, you can always swing by the next time you find yourself in El Dorado County and see this charming Christmas town for yourself.
