Thousands of residents came together at the El Dorado Hills Town Center Saturday evening to usher in the holiday season in the company of their families and neighbors.

The climax of the event was the lighting of a massive tree outside the movie theater complex, but there was also live entertainment and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Cooler temperatures, smiley faces and Yuletide music all served as a reminder of how fast the holiday season is approaching. By the time the stage lit up with performances by the Center Stage Dance Academy, El Dorado Musical Theater and Oak Ridge’s choir and dance teams, there was a large crowd of cheery spectators both on the ground and also lining the decks of the various Town Center merchants.

And there were more than just a few children with big eyes over the prospect of seeing Santa and enjoying the singing and dancing.

“It really is great for the kids,” said David Schultz of Folsom who came with his twin daughters. “They have been waiting all day to see Santa. It’s definitely a festive atmosphere and we’re happy to be here.”

“We’re thrilled to be here,” said Heidi Maunder, who came with her 9-year-old daughter Megan. “We got our tree today and we’re here to see this one get lit.”

After festive entertainment, Santa himself arrived with Mrs. Claus on a flashing El Dorado Hills fire truck. After the couple graced the stage, they made their way to a nearby business, where they posed for photographs and Santa heard wishes from the hundreds of area children.

“It’s community,” said Amy Harrison, who came with her husband Dave and daughter Rachael. “It’s fun to be together as a family, but also to run into everybody. There couldn’t be a better way to kick off the holiday season.”

Haley Young, who handles marketing for the Town Center, said the event was a real success.

“Everyone’s in a great mood and it gets you in a festive spirit,” she said. “It’s also neat to see so many people come together in their downtown area.”

Local businesses were booming with shoppers during the event.

Christine Hartzog recently opened the Americano Grill, which serves mostly organic eats such as wraps, salads and kabobs. She was found at a table outside her new place handing out healthy treats.

“This has been a great chance for us to introduce ourselves to the community,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun to meet so many nice people.”

The event was made possible with the help of dozens of dedicated volunteers, including El Dorado County Young Life, Doug Veerkamp and the El Dorado Hills Fire Department. Young Life’s tree lot is located in the Town Center and open daily.