ELK GROVE, Calif. — Elk Grove held its relatively new tradition again this year after being mostly rained out in 2022. The Elk Grove Illumination Holiday Festival attracted thousands of people to help kick off the holiday season.
The fourth annual festival took place at District 56, but this year it was even bigger and better than before.
“It is fun, just seeing all the cool events and activities that go on,” said one attendee.
From the holiday parade of lights to the various free carnival games, ice skating, a bounce house and places for families to take photos, the event was completely packed.
“This is the first time that we have had this expanded version with the ice rink and the inflatable and the carnival games and really put everything outside,” said Jodi Moreno, Community Events Program Manager with Elk Grove.
The festival also had a vendor village for shopping, all of the fun packed within a five-hour span.
“It is the first weekend in December, we want everyone to feel like they are welcome in the City of Elk Grove,” said Moreno.
A welcoming so big that saw a parking lot overflowing.
“It was bananas and so many people here getting in here was a little bit of madhouse, but definitely worth it,” said Bryan Hawkins, who attended the festival for the first time. “I am loving it so far. I am loving what Elk Grove is doing for the community.
As thousands enjoyed the festivities, some stayed near the fireplaces to stay warm this holiday season.
“In the holiday spirit now,” said Hawkins.
If you want to check out other Holiday events scheduled around the region, click here.
