SNOHOMISH COUNTY—Despite Washington Decembers traditionally being cold, dark, and rainy, there’s something about the holiday season that leaves us feeling warm and spirited. With this list of Snohomish County-based holiday events, there’s no shortage of activities to share with friends and loved ones, to keep up those warm hearts through much colder winters.
Lynnwood
Photos with Santa and Alderwood Mall (November 7 through December 24): Capture a moment you’ll treasure for years to come by meeting Santa Claus at Lynnwood’s Alderwood Mall, daily, during mall hours, all the way up into Christmas Eve. Reservations are required, which can be booked by clicking this link, and range from $19.99 to $59.99 depending on photo package.
Christmas Tree Lighting at Silver Creek Family Church (Saturday, December 6, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.): The Lynnwood Christmas Tree Lighting at Silver Creek Family Church is a free event featuring a live jazz band, coffee cart, food vendors, a visit from Santa and activities for all ages.
Everett
Everett Wintertide: There’s plenty of festivities this year in the City of Everett, as part of its month-long Wintertide celebration. Beginning on Saturday, December 6, will by the Holiday on the Bay at the Port of Everett’s Pacific Rim Plaza, beginning from noon to 6 p.m. The festivities include a pop-up holiday market, free family fun like winter-themed crafts; face painting and balloon creations; touch-a-truck; s’mores roasting at fire pits; character meet-and-greets and more.
Also catch the Nutcracker at the Everett PAC from December 13 through December 14, the official Everett Wintertide festival at the Carl Gibson Center on December 13, the downtown Everett Cookie Crawl on December 13, and the December to Remember Skating Show on December 21.
Mill Creek
Holiday on Main: On Saturday, December 6, celebrate the holidays in Mill Creek with its 30-year and counting annual Holiday on Main ceremony.
The day begins at 9 a.m. with an opportunity to have breakfast with Santa at La Palmera (located at 15224 Main Street). This is a ticketed event and runs from $30 (kids aged 3-12) to $45 (adults) with children under three eating free.
The Santa Parade begins at 4 p.m., at the Mill Creek Town Center (Staring at L.A. Fitness and ending at City Hall North) before the ceremonious tree lighting at a brand-new location this year – Jewelry Source Plaza (15603 Main Street) beginning at 5 p.m.
Opportunities for Santa photos and shopping will also be available from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Edmonds
Sixth Annual Drink Bingo: From November 28 through December 31, 25 different participating Edmonds bars, cafes, and restaurants are rolling out delicious, crafted cocktails including mulled wine, house made eggnog, and more. Whenever a participant visits one of these bars they can ask for a Bingo card, collect stamps, and turn them in at Sante Fe Mexican Grill before January 15 for a limited edition “Cheers Club” sticker and entry into a raffle for a chance to win a gift card to your favorite bingo spot.
Edmonds Holiday Market: Most Saturdays through December be sure to catch the Edmonds Holiday Market around 5th and Main Streets downtown for a chance to see a variety of arts, crafts, and goods including fragrant wreaths, handmade gifts, salty caramels, live music, and snacks to keep you fueled.
Holiday on the Docks: Head down to The Port of Edmonds Marina (336 Admiral Way), warm drink in hand, December 6 through January 3, to see a display of boats donning their best festival decorations. Also at the Marina, on December 11, catch live music, take a photo with Santa Claus, and pick up a free hot cider at Edmonds’ Holiday Night at the Marina.
Artisan Alley PNW Handmade Holiday Market: If you’re looking for a unique, handcrafted, gift this year for the holidays check out the Artisan Alley PNW Handmade Holiday Market in Edmonds on December 20 and 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Here you’ll find something for everyone including hand-painted artwork and fresh-baked goods to hand-knit goodies, handmade jewelry, hand-poured candles, and handcrafted home décor.
Free Holiday Movies: On December 12 and 19, settle into a cushy seat at The Edmonds Theater for holiday cartoons at 3:30pm, followed by The Santa Clause (December 12th) and Miracle on 34th Street (December 19th) at 5pm.
Holiday POPS with the Cascade Symphony Orchestra and the Nutcracker: Celebrate the season with the Cascade Symphony Orchestra’s collection of Christmas carols and classic. For tickets click here. The Olympic Ballet Theater will also be performing Bizet’s the Nutcracker from December 20 through the 23. For tickets to that click here.
There will also be several opportunities to meet the big guy in red this year, around Edmonds. For a complete list of locations click this link.
Marysville (a.k.a. “Merrysville”)
Marysville’s Holiday Weekend: The City of Marysville is becoming the city of “Merrysville”, on Saturday, December 6, through Sunday December 7, with a festive weekend of markets, parades, meet and greets with Chris Kringle, and a ceremonious tree lighting.
A holiday market will be running from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 6 at Comeford Park, on State Avenue and 5th Street, featuring craft and food vendors, live music, free festive photo booths, live reindeer, magical ‘snow’ flurries and more.
From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. (also at Comeford Park) you’ll have the opportunity to take free photos with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and a special appearance by the Mariner Moose. Festive music will be performed by The Fabulous Orchids.
Beginning at 6:30 p.m. the Electric Lights Parade will be traveling southbound on States Avenue, from 9th to 5th Street, and at 7:30 is when Mayor Jon Nehring will ceremoniously light the Christmas Tree.
On Sunday, December 7, the city will also be holding a Heroes and Hoops charity basketball event and a Third Street Shopper and Cookie Walk.
Arlington
Arlington Holiday Carousel and Ferris Wheel: From Friday, December 5, through Sunday, December 14, catch a free ride on the Arlington Holiday Carousel and Ferris Wheel in downtown Arlington next to Legion Park. Ride are from noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Sensory free rides (with no music) are also available on Sundays from 11 a.m. to noon.
Hometown Holiday Santa Parade: Catch the Arlington Hometown Holiday Santa Parade, on Saturday, December 6, on Olympic Avenue beginning at noon. The parade features a wagon carrying Santa and Mrs. Claus, classic cars, dancers, scouts, community groups with floats and lots more! Following the parade, Santa is available for visits until 3 p.m. at Legion Park.
AHS Christmas Show: Arlington High School will be performing a Muppet Christmas Carol this year at the Byrnes Performing Arts Center, running on December 11, 12, and 13. Tickets for adults is $11.30 and $9.24 for students and Seniors.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
