ELK GROVE, Calif. — In Elk Grove, the Saturday after Thanksgiving means one thing: the Dickens Street Faire. It's the unofficial start of the Yuletide season in Elk Grove that draws more than 20,000 people into the Old Town district every year.
Whether you're heading down for some holiday shopping or you're heading down for the tree lighting ceremony, it's something the whole family can enjoy.
If you're looking to stop by, here's what you need to know.
What is the Dickens Street Faire?
Elk Grove's Dickens Street Faire is an event that brings together more than 150 arts and crafts vendors, commercial vendors, and community groups into the Old Town district. The scope of the event will fill Elk Grove Boulevard from 2nd Avenue to School Street for the fair and for the Christmas tree lighting.
Where and when is it?
The street fair extends along Elk Grove Boulevard from 2nd Street to School Street. Food vendors will be located in Old Town Plaza at 9615 Railroad Road Street.
The Christmas Tree Lighting takes place at Walnut Avenue and Elk Grove Boulevard.
Fair activities begin at 10 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. on Nov. 30. A pancake breakfast with Santa will precede the fair and the tree lighting ceremony will follow it afterward.
What kind of events will be going on?
Nov. 30 might be your only chance this year to catch Victorian carolers, stilt walkers, and Santa Claus all in the same place. Whether it's Santa needing a helping hand off the roof of Elk Grove Lock and Safe or the beauty of 7,000 bulbs on the Christmas tree before it's lit, these highlights have kept Elk Grove's trademark fair going year after year.
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- 9 a.m. - Breakfast with Santa
- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Kid's craft corner in Oliver's Alley (Old Town plaza) and photo opportunities with Mrs. Claus
- 11 a.m. - Santa rescue at Elk Grove Lock and Safe
- 11:15 a.m. - Photo opportunities with Santa
- 3 p.m. - Dickens' of a Bed Race on Railroad Avenue
- 6 p.m. - Christmas Tree Lighting on Elk Grove Blvd and Walnut Avenue; followed by cookies with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Where do I park?
A map of parking in Old Town is available at this link. Traffic conditions can be viewed on the Waze map below.
