The Top Holiday Festivities in the Tri‑Cities
The air is brisk, the streets are lined with twinkling lights, you’ve stepped out all bundled up with your winter scarf and hat on. All that’s left to do is plan that picture-perfect day to get you into the holiday spirit.
You’ve come to the right place because we’ve gathered the top holiday and Christmas events in the Tri-Cities filled with light shows, dinner cruises, visits with Santa and more.
Make memories at the local festivities
With so much to see and do in the Tri-Cities during this season, your holiday cheer levels will be off the chart.
If you’re itching to find out if you’re on the naughty or nice list, join us in Kennewick at the Hometown Holiday Parade on December 7 at 10:00 a.m., and enjoy an old-fashioned holiday extravaganza with floats, characters, police and fire trucks, and even the big man himself, Santa. Bring the whole family and enjoy free movies and a Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt at Pasco’s Winterfest from December 9 to 12, or stop by Benton City’s Winterfest on December 14 for a tree lighting ceremony and peruse the holiday bazaar for unique gift ideas.
Unwrap the magic with gifts from our local retailers and annual holiday markets
There are so many unique boutiques and festive shopping options throughout the Tri-Cities. For the last minute gift buyer or the early "check off the list" shopper, visit one of the many holiday markets in the area. Pick up a one-of-a-kind present at The Family Resource Center's Tri-Cities Holiday Bazaar from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on December 7, held at the 3 Chicks Gift Shop & Boutique. After finding the perfect gifts, leave the feeling of shopping frenzy behind. Relax with a Rosé in one hand and credit card in the other at the Annual Sip and Shop at Purple Star Winery, which runs from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on December 7.
Enjoy the holiday spirit(s)
The holidays are a time to rejoice, be merry, drink fancy cocktails and enjoy lavish meals that might make you swap out the holiday digs for loose fitting sweatpants. Not to worry - we're all in the same boat!
Speaking of boats, why not take in the warm glow of the glimmering lights reflected on the Columbia River with a 3-hour Lighted Boat Parade Cruise on December 6 or 7 with a four-course plated dinner and complimentary champagne. Or, enjoy an enchanted Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise. A seat onboard includes a 2-hour cruise, three-course plated meal, a private table and full-service bar complete with specialty cocktails.
For other holiday pairings check out our local wineries and restaurants for to-go dinners and and tasting room festivities.
Winter Games: Holiday Traditions
The Tri-City Americans Teddy Bear Toss is a Tri-Cities Christmas tradition! On December 6, bring a new or gently used stuffed animal and toss it onto the ice after the Americans score their first goal. All toys will be donated and distributed locally. This annual hockey event is full of holiday cheer for the whole family to enjoy!
Need a way to warm up and burn off a few of those Christmas cookies? Lace up your running shoes on December 21 and bring some friends to the 46th Annual Lampson Cable Bridge Run- a Pasco holiday tradition consisting of 5K, 10K, and 1 Mile foot races and a 1 Mile Fun Run.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
If insta-worthy photos are what you’re looking for, our holiday light displays and decorations make the perfect backdrop.
If you want to be dazzled by whimsical displays, you can’t miss the Senske Holiday Light Show, running throughout December and featuring more than 500,000 LED lights synced to music throughout the event.
Bonus tip: There will be multiple selfie stations set up to capture photos with friends and family and with every donation to charity you get a free photo with Santa.
However you spend your winter in the Tri-cities, we wish you a sparkling holiday season and a brilliant New Year!