The Grinch sneaks the limelight as Tom Seaton conducts Musicians in Carmichael Park. The 60-piece Rancho Cordova River City Concert Band played Christmas tunes to herald the tree-lighting countdown. Photo by Susan Skinner

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Heralding Christmas, the annual tree-lighting ceremony last week dazzled Carmichael Park visitors. Thousands of families joined the fun. Christmas songs and faux snow announced that Santa Claus was indeed coming to town.

As a warm-up to the Dec. 4 celebration, the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce staged a gingerbread house competition. First prize went to a creation by Arden Arcade’s Blue Palm Bakery.

Carmichael Improvement District festooned Fair Oaks Boulevard with holiday banners. The cheery flags stretch between Manzanita and El Camino avenues. Like the park illuminations, these banners will remain in place until after New Year.

As a full moon rises above Carmichael Park, the Maxey family snuggles in festive attire. Enjoying the Christmas pageant are mom, Sam, and son, Tucker, 5. Wes Maxey elevates Brayden, 3, to catch handfuls of faux snow. Photo by Susan Skinner

A full moon and clear skies blessed the park celebrations. Temperatures of 45 degrees Fahrenheit nevertheless required warm coats and cozy hats.  

At the event climax, this reporter was honored to count down to lights-on. On cue, thousands of bulbs fired up two lofty trees. Flurries of white stuff dotted noses and eyelashes.

Santa had earlier arrived to hear Christmas wishes. Fortified by candy canes, nice and naughty kids waited in line and there was not a pout in sight. The Kiwanis Club rewarded believers with crafting opportunities. Food truck snacks warmed tummies. Many visitors brought donations to fill San Juan School District’s food closet.

Organized by the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce, a gingerbread house contest was won by Arden Arcade’s Blue Palm Bakery. Noah, Kris and Maddie Kerr-Goodman admire the winning confection. Photo by Susan Skinner

Donning gay apparel, 60 River City Concert Band musicians struck up Christmas singalongs. The community sang of a reindeer’s red nose; of children’s names twice-checked by Santa and of silver bells on street corners. With Christmas just around the corner, the little town of Carmichael was happy and bright.

Event sponsors included Buck Family Automotive, Carmichael Parks Foundation, Sacramento County Supervisor Rich Desmond, Carmichael Kiwanis Club and Carmichael Chamber of Commerce. 

With help from children, singer/photojournalist Susan Skinner and bandleader Tom Seaton lead Christmas singalongs during tree-lighting ceremonies in Carmichael Park. Newly named as 2026 Carmichael Person of the Year, Skinner called the countdown for lights-on. Photo by Rosie Buck