As the holiday season approaches, several cities are preparing for community-focused events aimed at ushering in the festive season. The events spread across the cities of Snohomish, Everett, and Monroe offer various activities ranging from tree lightings to local markets. Here’s a closer look at what each city has planned:
Snohomish Santa arrival and tree lighting — Saturday, November 30
Snohomish will host its annual Santa Arrival and Tree Lighting on Saturday, Nov. 30. Starting at 2:30 p.m., when Santa arrives at the Carnegie Building, visitors can take photos with him inside the beautiful Carnegie. A live music Christmas countdown will begin on the Carnegie Plaza at 4:30 p.m. with a sing-a-long and finally, the community tree lighting at 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, and the organizers emphasize it as a family-friendly occasion for residents and visitors in the area.
The Snohomish Freestyle Christmas Light Cruise will be Saturday, Dec. 21 at 5:30 p.m. Come look, come join.
Light Up Monroe — Sunday, December 1
Monroe will celebrate the holiday season on Dec. 1, with Light Up Monroe held at Traveler’s Park on East Main Street. The event will begin at 4 p.m. and include a tree lighting ceremony, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and caroling. The event is free to attend, with holiday treats and warm beverages available for guests. Participants will also have the opportunity to take photos with Santa.
A notable feature of Light Up Monroe is the Light Up Monroe Car Cruise, which begins at 5 p.m. Community members are invited to decorate their vehicles and participate in a procession through downtown Monroe, ending at the Grocery Outlet parking lot. A $5 donation is requested for participation. This event is meant to involve local residents in the festivities while also raising funds for the Monroe Chamber of Commerce’s future events.
Everett Wintertide — Dec. 1-24
In Everett, the Wintertide festival will take place throughout the month of December, from Dec. 1 to Dec. 24. The festival is centered around a series of events, starting with the lighting of Everett’s Christmas tree at Wetmore Plaza on Dec. 1. The ceremony will include live performances from local choirs and bands, along with free hot cocoa and cookies. This event is intended to draw the community together to mark the start of the holiday season.
One of Wintertide’s key events, Holiday on the Bay, will be held on Dec. 7 at the Port of Everett in and around the Port’s Pacific Rim Plaza near Hotel Indigo (1028 13th St., Everett). The day’s festivities offer free activities for families and kids including kids’ crafts, face painting, touch-a-truck, a tree-lighting ceremony and visit from Santa, a visit with the Ice Queens of “Frozen,” lighted boats on parade and more. Additional holiday light displays will be visible throughout the port area.
Santa’s reindeer make special appearances at the Port of Everett’s Pacific Rim Plaza on select days of Nov. 30, Dec. 1, Dec. 8 and Dec. 14 through 22.
On Dec. 14 the Carl Gipson Center Wintertide Market will offer an indoor marketplace at 3025 Lombard Ave. featuring handmade goods, seasonal treats, and local crafts. In addition, visitors can take free photos with Santa, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and listen to live music performances. The event is free to attend, but purchases at the market are encouraged.
”It’s the dozen of community partners coming together to make this a whole season— that makes this so unique. It is a growing partnership,” Tyler Chism with the city said.
The festival also includes Shop Small Saturday on Nov. 29, promoting local shopping throughout Everett’s downtown area. This event aims to encourage people to support small businesses in the region by offering special deals and holiday discounts.
For those interested in a quieter experience, the Evergreen Arboretum Wintertide Light Walk provides a self-guided walk through a series of holiday light displays. The installation is open throughout the season.
Community Impact and Participation
Each of these events is designed to engage local communities while offering a variety of activities.
The events in Snohomish, Everett, and Monroe all feature elements of community involvement, whether through supporting local businesses, participating in holiday-themed activities, or attending public performances.
