Elk Grove will host annual Illumination Festival this weekend. What can attendees expect?
The city of Elk Grove is joining in on the holiday fun spreading cheer during its fourth annual Illumination Holiday Festival this coming weekend, a free event at The Center at District56.
The holiday event, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, will help Elk Grove residents get into the holiday spirit with activities including a winter wonderland-themed ice rink, carnival games, a bounce house for kids and a giant snow globe to snap family photos with and capture holiday memories.
River City Marketplace is hosting its “Vendor Village” shopping area to help residents search for the perfect special gift this holiday season.
The celebration at District56, 8230 Center Drive, includes enjoying seasonal holiday bites and participating in traditions from around the world, organizers say.
“We’re so excited to celebrate the holidays with our community and love that we’re able to offer events to our residents and create these really amazing and engaging gathering experiences,” said Elk Grove community events program manager Jodie Moreno.
There will be a photo opportunity with Santa Claus, who will also be a part of the holiday Parade of Lights, a staple program of the overall event.
Elk Grove’s Holiday Parade of Lights is put on by the Elk Grove Lions Club and Sutter Health during the Illumination Festival. The light show begins at 6 p.m.
Residents interested in participating in the parade must fill out the application by Wednesday. Entries are judged based on the use of lights and a Christmas or holiday theme. The parade has already identified an individual as Santa, and organizers request that residents refrain from additional Santa entries in the parade.
The parade begins at 6 p.m. starting at Laguna Springs Drive, traveling north to Civic Center Drive, making a left on Civic Center Drive and making a completion around District56. City officials recommend that participants start lining up on Laguna Springs Drive at Lotz Parkway for the parade by 4:30 p.m.
Following the light parade is a tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m.
The event is free to attend and open to the public. Activities are subject to change depending on the weather forecast, city officials say.
Elk Grove public affairs manager Kristyn Laurence said these types of events “reinforce a sense of place for Elk Grove.”
“For our residents, they offer opportunities to connect with friends and neighbors and make family memories. For our makers and local businesses, they support visitation and a vibrant economy,” Laurence said. “Despite our continued growth, events like these give Elk Grove that small town charm that people truly value in our city.”
Preparing for traffic changes
Elk Grove officials announced Monday the following road closures during the parade:
3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
▪ Laguna Springs Drive from Auto Passage Drive to Lotz Parkway due to parade staging.
▪ Auto Passage Drive from Auto City Drive to Laguna Springs Drive for parade staging.
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
▪ Civic Center Drive from Big Horn Boulevard to Laguna Springs Drive
▪ Big Horn Boulevard (southbound) between Elk Grove Boulevard and Denali Circle
▪ Both directions of Laguna Springs Drive between Elk Grove Boulevard and Lotz Parkway
▪ Northbound traffic on Big Horn Boulevard will be redirected to the District56 entrance or turned around at Denali Circle.
Motorists who frequently travel along these roads will have to find alternative routes. Drivers, traveling north or south near the event, are encouraged to use Bruceville Road or West Stockton Boulevard. Those driving east and westbound travelers should use Elk Grove Boulevard or Whitelock Parkway.
