Mark your calendar and make the rounds!
‘Tis the season for thousands of twinkling lights! The calendar is filling up with lighted parades and festive, holiday happenings all around the Yakima Valley.
Lighted Parades and Traditional Tree Lightings
Lighted events around the Valley kick off Friday, November 22, with Santa’s arrival and Magical Tree Lighting at Valley Mall, complete with festive family fun, holiday treats and, of course, photos with Santa! Chilly Willy the polar bear makes his first appearance, the ice skating rink is back for its second year and Mrs. Claus will be on-hand to help with cookie decorating.
Prosser’s second annual Christmas Tree Lighting will light up the night on November 30, the weekend after Thanksgiving. Get your pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy tasty treats and see everyone’s favorite lighted Christmas trucks. The traditional lighted parade in Toppenish, also November 30, runs through town to the Northern Pacific Railroad Museum where you’ll find the traditional Toy Train Christmas. The crews are busy getting ready in Downtown Yakima for the Downtown Yakima Lighted Holiday Parade on Sunday, December 1. Santa makes a grand appearance at the historic Capitol Theatre, so get ready to snap your selfies. See dozens of lighted cars and trucks at the Downtown Selah Lighted Parade on December 6.
The festivities continue with the iconic, Sunnyside Lighted Farm Implement Parade on December 7. Dozens of trucks, tractors and more are dressed up in thousands of twinkling lights for a can’t-miss holiday event. Recognized as one of the top 10 lighted parades in the U.S., the city of Sunnyside has an array of festive events planned along with the parade. Go early for the Christmas Market, to see Santa and sample delicious bites from food vendors.
The Union Gap Old Fashioned Lighted Parade on December 8 wraps up at Valley Mall with family friendly festivities, Christmas music, hot chocolate and cookies. Last but not least, the small town of Granger goes big with their Lighted Parade and Holiday Market on December 30.
More Twinkling Traditions to Light Up the Season
A newer local favorite from the Yakima Museum is the Holiday Lights Extravaganza. Join them for some holiday bling from December 3 to 21! More than 30 local charities bedeck the museum galleries with beautifully decorated Christmas trees and other festive displays. Support local nonprofits when you visit and celebrate the spirit of the holiday season. View the trees and displays, each colorfully lit and extravagantly decorated by an area nonprofit. You’ll receive $5 back from your entry fee in the form of five $1 tickets you’ll award to your favorite trees or their favorite charities. The charities will redeem tickets they receive for cash to continue their work in the valley. Celebrate the season and celebrate the charities that work so hard to do good in our community!
Back for a much-anticipated fifth year, the Holiday Light Fest at State Fair Park, December 12 through 22, has become a locals’ favorite! State Fair Park puts on a spectacular show with more than 30 miles of lights illuminating the fairgrounds and its festive, themed holiday scenes. This is a drive-through event. You’ll find fair foods to enjoy and fast passes will be available for purchase online for faster entry at an exclusive gate. Once again this year, The Little Hopper will be offering festive tours through the Holiday Light Fest and on to see more dazzling displays around Yakima. Their team is busy scouting out the very best stops, so keep an eye on their social channels for details and to book your spot! It’s the one time of the year they welcome under 21 riders.
The Yakima Area Arboretum Luminaria will light up acres of trails and trees with candles and twinkle lights on December 13 and 14. For more than 30 years, the Arboretum has hosted visitors for this beautiful and peaceful experience. Make some memories and soak up the spirit of the season with a leisurely walk, taking in the lights all around the grounds of the arboretum. Parking for the event is off-site with shuttle service provided. Check their site for details and for the lineup of musical performers. Arboretum members enjoy early access on December 12.
Check out the complete list of Yakima Valley Lighted Events.
Seasonal Sipping, Holiday Markets and More!
The seasonal festivities don’t end with lighted events! Wineries all around the valley open their doors the weekend after Thanksgiving for Thanksgiving in Wine Country. Gather family and friends for a wine tasting tour and enjoy live music, tasty treats. Discover your next favorite bottle of wine for holiday pouring and giving.
Saturday, November 30, is Small Business Saturday. Small businesses, boutiques and shops all around Yakima Valley will be dressed up for the holidays, just in time to kick off the season of gift giving. Check out our guide to 11 Unique Boutiques and Shops ready to welcome you! Remember many Yakima Valley wineries and breweries are independent and family-owned businesses as well!
A perennial favorite event this season is the 19th annual Mighty Tieton Holiday Craft and Antique Bazaar on Saturday, December 7. Each year is bigger and better than the last and promises to be a holiday bazaar like you’ve never seen! In fact, they’re including an additional space for the second year to showcase even more carefully curated vendors. Expect to find the most unique handmade and vintage items in the region, including the finest selection of local foods, beverages and curated artisan goods. Of course, live musicians are bringing cheer and this year’s festivities include the annual tree lighting in Tieton City Park.
Don’t forget to make a stop at the Yakima Visitor Information Center. They curate locally made goods from throughout the Valley, including gift baskets filled with hand-selected goods and items from local makers. They’re perfect for sharing with family, friends and business associates this holiday season. Stop by and pick up a pre-filled gift basket or place orders for custom gift baskets filled with Yakima Valley-made treats, products and local wine or brews. They offer in-town delivery and can ship baskets for you (shipped baskets cannot include wine or beer). As always, the Visitor Center and the satellite location inside the main entrance to the Valley Mall are your go-to stops for the inside scoop about what’s happening around the Yakima Valley.
The festivities don’t end with lighted events! Saturday, November 26, is Small Business Saturday. Small businesses, boutiques and shops all around Yakima Valley are dressed up for the holidays, just in time to kick off the season of gift giving. Check out our guide to 11 Unique Boutiques and Shops ready to welcome you! Remember many Yakima Valley wineries and breweries are independent and family owned businesses as well!
For more seasonal inspiration check out What to Do in the Winter.
Categorized in: Family Fun, Shopping
