A Local Guide to Festive and Budget Friendly Christmas Activities
The holiday season in South Placer County is full of lights, magic, and family time. From neighborhood displays to community tree lightings and Santa visits, there are countless ways to enjoy Christmas together without spending money. Here is your complete guide to the best free holiday experiences in Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Loomis, and Newcastle.
At the end of this post, you can download a free PDF guide that lists the best Christmas light displays in our area.
1. Holiday Fun at the Galleria Mall in Roseville
Location: 1151 Galleria Blvd, Roseville
Website: https://www.westfield.com/galleriaatroseville
The Galleria transforms into a beautiful winter destination during the holidays. Families can enjoy the festive decor, twinkling lights, and seasonal displays.
Free experiences
- Giant Christmas tree
- Light filled walkways
- Holiday window shopping
- Photo friendly spots
- Santa sightings while you explore
Pro tip: Weeknights have the easiest parking.
2. Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops in Rocklin
Location: 5472 Crossings Drive, Rocklin
Website: https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/santas-wonderland
Bass Pro Shops offers one of the best free holiday experiences in the region.
Free activities
- Free 4 by 6 photo with Santa (reservation recommended)
- Christmas crafts
- Holiday themed displays
- Walkthrough Santa’s Wonderland
Pro tip: Book your Santa photo early. The free spots go quickly.
3. Holiday Magic at The Fountains at Roseville
Location: 1013 Galleria Blvd, Roseville
Event Calendar: https://www.fountainsatroseville.com/events
The Fountains is one of the most festive places to visit during the holidays. The center lights up with seasonal decor, music, and family friendly activities.
Free holiday events
Tree Lighting Celebration
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Time: 5 PM to 7 PM
- Carolers
- Ornament decorating
- Letters to Santa
- Enchanted Tree Walk
- Photos with the giant tree
Elf Quest Scavenger Hunt
Dates: December 1 through December 12
Kids can pick up a quest card, search for elves, collect stickers, and win treats.
Carolers at The Fountains
Dickens style carolers perform on select December dates.
Ongoing free fun
- Nightly lights
- Decorated fountains
- Courtyard displays
- Photo spots
Pro tip: Go at sunset for the best lighting.
4. Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Tours
South Placer County has some of the most impressive Christmas light displays in the region. These neighborhoods are perfect for an evening drive or family stroll.
Lincoln
- Twelve Bridges
- Verdera
- Foskett Ranch
- Lincoln Crossing
- Stillwater Place and Court (Sun City)
- Prairie View Lane
- Cinnamon Teal Lane
Roseville
- Kingwood Drive
- Twinwood Loop
- Sienna Loop
- Hovey Way
- Diamond Woods Circle
Rocklin
- Pebble Creek and Strand Road
- One of the most famous Christmas light streets in the region
- Featured on ABC10 and local holiday guides
- Multiple themed homes with synchronized displays
- Best enjoyed by parking nearby and walking
- Devon Drive
- Onyx Drive
- Taft Drive
Pro tip: Bring popcorn and cocoa, put kids in pajamas, and make it a tradition.
5. Quarry Park Holiday Stroll in Rocklin
Location: 4000 Rocklin Road
Website: https://www.rocklin.ca.us/quarry-park
Quarry Park is peaceful, family friendly, and decorated with subtle holiday touches.
Free experiences
- Evening lights
- Giant ornaments
- Open spaces for exploring
- Easy family photo spots
6. Vernon Street Town Square in Roseville
Location: 311 Vernon St
Website: https://www.roseville.ca.us
Historic Vernon Street adds seasonal charm all December.
Free attractions
- Community Christmas tree
- Seasonal music
- Decorated public spaces
- Photo friendly corners
7. All Free Tree Lighting Events in South Placer County
Tree lightings are the classic kickoff to the season. Here are all five major events happening in our area.
Roseville Tree Lighting
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Time: 6 PM to 8 PM
Location: Vernon Street Town Square
More info: https://www.roseville.ca.us/residents/city_events/downtown_holiday_celebration
Rocklin Tree Lighting Festival
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 4 PM to 7 PM
Location: Quarry Park
More info: https://www.rocklinchamber.com/treelighting.html
Lincoln Hometown Christmas Tree Lighting
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Time: 5 PM to 8 PM
Location: Beermann Plaza
More info: https://www.lincolnchamber.com/lincoln-hometown-christmas-copy/
Loomis Family Tree Lighting
Date: Saturday, December 7, 2025
Time: 5 PM to 7 PM
Location: Loomis Train Depot
More info: https://loomischamber.com/event/loomis-family-christmas-tree-lighting/
Newcastle Tree Lighting
Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025
Time: Gates open at 6 PM. Lighting at 6:30 PM
Location: Newcastle Fruit & Produce Co.
Download the Christmas Lights PDF
To make your holiday light tour even easier, you can download a beautiful Christmas Lights PDF that lists the top streets and neighborhoods in Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Loomis, and more.
👉 Download here:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAG5K8vgq-Y/S4aojIwXDzyDIttnoINqCA/view
Print it. Save it to your phone. Share it with friends and clients.
Closing Thoughts
You do not need to spend money to create magical Christmas memories. With neighborhood lights, free Santa experiences, festive shopping plazas, and community tree lightings, there are endless ways to enjoy the beauty of the season with the people you love.
