Sunrise MarketPlace Holiday Events Kick off Across the District

Citrus Heights, CA (MPG) - The season to give thanks may have ended with Black Friday sales and mall-parking madness.  But the season of love and joy is in full swing, and with the variety of holiday events planned across the Sunrise MarketPlace District, the city has you and yours covered.

“Each year we try to make this hectic shopping season a bit more fun and enjoyable, create memorable experiences for our shoppers and drive traffic and create awareness for our businesses,” said Kathilynn Carpenter, executive director of the Sunrise MarketPlace District. 

Sunrise MarketPlace and Entercom Communications are joining forces to offer residents, their family members and visitors to Citrus Heights “Magical Moments at Sunrise MarketPlace,” featuring interactive, family-friendly, pop-up experiences every Tuesday and Thursday evenings through December 21, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

While the festivities officially kicked off November 28, there’s plenty left on the calendar to enjoy.  Each night “Magical Moments” will deliver a unique, fun-filled holiday event that also includes plenty of giveaways, including a chance to win Two-night, two-day Park Hopper Passes and two parking vouchers at the Magic Kingdom theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida just outside Orlando.  You have to show up to each event to enter this give-away, but that gives you several chances to enter and win.

On Tuesday, Dec. 5 Magical Moments Experiences offers a Toys R Us: Journey to Toyland photo opportunity and interactive meet and greet with Elf on the Shelf characters, gingerbread house making activities, a chance to win Toys R Us gift cards, a toy drive for Sayonara Center and more.

On Thursday, Dec. 7 Sunrise Mall will feature the Nutcracker Interlude, featuring characters from the ballet, Nutcracker story time, roasted chestnuts and books for the first 50 kids

You won’t want to miss the Intergalactic Holiday at Sunrise Village on Tuesday, Dec. 12 next to JoAnn Fabrics, where you can train to be a Jedi knight, polish up your lightsaber skills, watch battle recreations, enjoy a live appearance from 98 Rock and enter to win tickets to the latest Star Wars film “The Last Jedi.”

Fiesta de Navidad celebrates the Christmas traditions and pageantry of Mexico on Thursday, Dec. 14 at El Tapatio, including live mariachi music, festive piñatas, traditional foods, and more.

On Tuesday, Dec. 19, the Marketplace at Birdcage features Christmas in Polynesia where you can celebrate the season island style with Moana and Maui and take part in Kakmora Coconut Warriors craft activities for all.

Don’t worry.  Furry friends get in on the fun, too.  PetSmart will host a Fur Baby Christmas on Thursday, Dec. 21 to benefit shelter animals.  Pet costume contests, a puppy lounge and photos with Santa are on the menu, as well as a chance to win PetSMart gift cards and Front Street Shelter adoption certificates.

Finally, Sunrise Mall once again will present sensory-friendly photo experiences with Santa exclusively for families of children with special needs on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.  Kids of all ages and abilities are welcome to enjoy this compassionate event, allowing families to enjoy an experience inside the mall before regular store hours in the JC Penny Court.

Sensory-Friendly Santa is held in partnership with Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization dedicated to funding research into the cause, prevention, treatment and cure for autism.  Visits with Santa are free, but space is limited and families are encouraged to reserve a time online at www.autismspeaks.org/santa2017.  Keepsake photo packages will be available for purchase during the event. Guests will enjoy complimentary refreshments, a coloring activity and takeaways.