Wonderland

Holidays in Washington

Each holiday season, downtown Washington transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland. From the magical lighted parade to horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, and festive storefronts, the celebration brings the whole community together. It’s the perfect way to experience the joy and charm of the holidays in historic downtown.

🚨 IMPORTANT WEATHER ALERT: WASHINGTON WONDERLAND EVENTS ARE CANCELED 🚨 Due to the impending snow storm, we have made the difficult decision to officially cancel all events scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, November 29th. The safety of our community, participants, and volunteers is our top priority! We know this is disappointing, especially since we were beyond ready and had so much fun planned! We appreciate everyone who helped us prepare. ❤️ Reschedule & Cancellation Details: ⛄Lighted Parade: Canceled for the year. 🎅Breakfast with Santa: We are actively trying to reschedule this event for a safer date in December. ⛄Jingle Bell Run reschedule date of Dec 13th 🎅Reason for the Season: Updates on rescheduling this event will be announced on the Stairway to the Stars Facebook page. ⛄Live Radio Play: An announcement regarding the plan for the Live Radio Play will be shared soon. Please tune into KCII for that information. 🎄Lights of Love: We are exploring options to reschedule this or will at least be doing a recording of the reading of the names. More information to come. Events Still Happening: 🎅Santa's House: We still plan to have Santa's House open this Sunday, November 30th, from 1-4p. (We are also working to schedule an additional day for Santa's House next weekend.) Thank you for your understanding and please stay safe and warm tomorrow! 🥞Breakfast with Santa Start the morning with Breakfast with Santa, where you can enjoy pancakes, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and make a holiday craft. Presented by Community 1st Credit Union and Stairway to the Stars, this event takes place at the UP Church from 8 am to 10 am. Madison Kay Photography will be set up to take your family picture! 📍 209 E. Main Street (UP Church) 🕣 8a-10a 📆Nov 29th 🎫 $7 adults / $3 children 3 and over; available at the door or in advance https://givebutter.com/santabfast25 ⛄Jingle Bell Fun Run Join us for a festive fun run through Downtown Washington! Bring your family & friends (with two legs OR four) and wear your best festive costumes! Prizes giveaway party afterwards at JP’s 207! 📍Downtown Washington, start at JP’s 207 🕣8a registration open, race start at 9a 📆Nov 29th 🎫 pre-register $25 + canned good (10+), $10+ canned good (under 10) Register here! 🎭 Reason for the Season A variety show of dancing, singing, and of course, Santa Claus! 📍 Washington High School Auditorium 🕣 1p 📆 Nov 29th 🎫 $10 (proceeds donated to HACAP) 🎁 Shop & Explore Shop & Explore the Wonderland Trail on November 28th and 29th. This year, we're featuring four themed quadrants: Gingerbread Boulevard, Candy Cane Avenue, Reindeer Way, and Snowflake Lane. Businesses will be decorating their windows/storefronts for your enjoyment! Find unique gifts for everyone on your list and experience the charm of Downtown Washington. 📍 Downtown Washington 📆 Nov 28 & 29 ✨Live Radio Play Join us outside the Washington Public Library at 5 PM to experience a live radio play broadcast on KCII. Don’t miss this unique event! An Our Miss Brooks Christmas episode "The Magic Christmas Tree " and The Life of Riley Christmas episode "No Christmas Bonus". It’s a night to celebrate the start of the Christmas season….tune in to KCII or come watch to see what happens! 📍 Washington Public Library (bring chairs & view show from sidewalk!) 🕣 5p 📆 Nov 29th 🎄 Downtown Lighting Ceremony & Lighted Parade Join Main Street Washington at the Bandstand at 6 pm on Saturday, November 29th for the Annual Lights of Love Memory Trees ceremony. Following the ceremony at approximately 6:30 pm, the 30th Annual Lighted Holiday Parade kicks off and circles downtown 🎅🤶 Horse-drawn carriage rides are BACK this year, thanks to State Farm | John Korschgen! Rides will be FREE after the parade in Central Park!

A local cycling club is doing a kids lighted bike parade right before the full parade (so they can ride their bike around the square and then get back in place to watch the actual parade), See the details. Would you like to enter a float into the Parade? Print the registration form & bring it with you! 🎅 Santa’s House Visit Santa’s magical ‘house’, filled with Christmas cheer! Kids can deliver their wish lists, take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and receive a sweet treat. Presented by Washington State Bank. 📍 Washington Public Library 📆 Nov 29th – after parade & Nov 30th – 1p-4p 🏠 Candlelight Tour of Homes Get into the holiday spirit and join the Washington Chamber of Commerce for their 34th Annual Tour of Homes, on December 5th & 6th. Get a peek into beautifully decked-out homes and a festive business, while soaking in the local history and culture. This cherished tradition is sure to dazzle with its festive ambiance and stunning decor. 📆 Dec 5th & Dec 6th 🎫 $12 in advance, $15 at the door Dec 12 – Cozy Crawl – Pajamas on, stress off! Gather your favorite people for a relaxed night of holiday fun at the Cozy Crawl. This is your official permission to wear your comfiest pajamas or chunkiest sweaters out in public! For a $10 ticket, you can shop, sip, and stroll the square and enjoy special deals and good company. It’s the perfect excuse to unwind and find some last-minute gifts! 📆 December 12th, 4p-7p 🎫 $10 (includes cozy socks & drink ticket to Libations!) https://givebutter.com/CozyCrawlMSW 🩰 The Nutcracker Ballet Elizabeth’s Academy of Classical Ballet presents the Nutcracker! Come to the Washington Community Theater for TWO free performances of The Nutcracker with a free dessert reception to follow! (donations are welcome & appreciated) 📍 Washington Community Theater 📆 December 12th – 6:30p & December 13th – 1:30p 🎫 Free (donations appreciated!)

Saturday, December 13th Breakfast with Santa: 8a - 10a at the UP Church. Tickets: https://givebutter.com/santabfast25

Jingle Bell Run: Kicks off at 9a (Same great outdoor route!). Register: Boho Bailey Boutique LB https://bohobailey.com/products/jingle‒bell‒run‒registration

Free Holiday Movie: ELF: Catch Buddy the Elf at the State Theatre !

Showtimes: 11a & 1:30p. (Pick up your free ticket at any sponsor office!)

The Reason for the Season Variety Show: Stairway to the Stars performs at 3p at Washington High School

Elizabeth’s Academy of Classical Ballet’s Annual Nutcracker show at the Washington Community Theater on Dec 13th at 1:30p